Tools of the Trade
As an entrepreneur, it is SO EASY to get bogged down with the numerous apps and programs available. Each maintains its position as the most beneficial, making claims to leave your life as a business owner easier. Many come with a handsome price tag attached, leaving your pocket lighter and often, without the desired results. Trust me … I know from experience.
So here is a quick list of the apps and programs I use most often as a freelance photographer. While I won’t say that they are all free, I will say that each has contributed to making my life a bit more organized and productive. And that is the goal, after all, amirite?!
Adobe - Lightroom/Photoshop
This one seems pretty obvious. I tend to focus most on Lightroom, but having the ability to utilize Photoshop when needed is certainly beneficial. There is a fee attached, though there is a free mobile version of Lightroom available, which I often use when posting quick mobile-edited sneak peeks for my clients.
MS Office
I know, I know … I also miss the times of preloaded Word, Excel, et al., but in the days of subscription based apps/programs, I will say this one is worth it. Being able to draft contracts, correspondence, organize expenses/income, etc. helps reinforce your business as legitimate. And while there are probably free versions of programs out there with similar abilities, Office feels very much like that old comfy sweater after 19 years in the corporate world. Tip: Spring for the Microsoft 365 Family package if you have more than one device. Though $40CAD per year more, the ability to use the subscription on my desktop in my office, and also my laptop while on the couch or in bed is absolutely worth skipping a few lattes.
Canva
This one is pretty self explanatory. Whether it’s social media content, guides or presentations, I use Canva daily and will no doubt continue to until the end of time. I have the paid version which allows me to access premium options, but did just fine with the free version until my budget allowed for the upgrade.
Gmail/Calendar/MailChimp etc.
Again, this one is obvious. It’s how I stay organized and continue to connect with my clients.
Squarespace
Trust me, if I can build a decent website, so can you. Squarespace makes it easy with ready to use templates, etc. While I will admit, my previously created website was MUCH fancier, the ability for me to make changes without bothering my webdesigner constantly is a huge plus. Squarespace offers email campaigns, online stores and so much more.
Frankly there are a TON of options out there and whether I (or others) provide a list or not, over time you will find a roster of apps/programs that will suit YOUR business best. And just remember, technology is great … when it works … and while its addition to the entrepreneurial life has been largely positive, nothing will substitute human contact and hard work. That personal touch will forever be what remains a lasting impression on your clients.
