est. 2013
When it comes to gallery hosting, having a platform that works seamlessly for you is essential. Not only do you need a system that can host galleries, but the features and functionality have to fit your workflow. I’ve tried them all—I loved ShootProof for almost ten years, then jumped to CloudSpot for a year, and in 2023, I moved over to Pic-Time and never looked back. While I adored ShootProof for many reasons, after a decade in business, I needed something that fit me better, and the switch to Pic-Time was worth it.
Why I Switched to Pic-Time from Shootproof
One of my biggest reasons for making the jump was Pic-Time’s integration with HoneyBook, which I use for all client communication. Since it’s very common for me to have 90+ clients open at any given time, it was just too overwhelming to not have a system that quickly linked to my galleries for clients. It took a little time to get my systems set up, but once I was up and running, their platform proved to be incredible.
Client Galleries & Selling Features
Pic-Time offers an extensive range of tools when working within client galleries. From setting specific stores with pricing to customizing how digitals are delivered, it’s packed with options. I do in person sales for my seniors and this past year I converted to Zoom sales for my family sessions but I do still get a decent amount of online orders. I like that I can set things up to work within my system and still earn an income from those online orders even after my regular sales ordering sessions.
While many platforms have similar features, the built-in AI-powered store is a game-changer. I hired someone to help build out my store and create bundles specifically for my ball teams, which has significantly boosted sales. But I love that I can offer visual representation of what their products will look like. I also love that you can also choose what items to offer and clients get to design things themselves.
Their automated email marketing system has also made a huge difference. Unlike other platforms, Pic-Time’s marketing automation actually converts to print orders. Their built-in graphics and promotions help drive sales without me needing to create separate marketing campaigns.
Proofing & Digital Selection
One of my favorite aspects is the ability to send both digital selections and proof photo albums. I do a ton of senior photo albums, so having one platform that also handles proofing has allowed me to cut out an extra service, saving me money on overhead costs. I also like that I can set it up several ways to send digital images. It makes it a lot easier to get them quickly sent to clients.
Hassle-Free Gallery Migration to Pic-Time
A major concern when switching platforms was transferring my hundreds of existing galleries. Pic-Time made this process painless—they offered to migrate my first 200 galleries for free, with additional galleries moved at a fraction of what other companies charge. This eliminated my biggest hesitation in making the switch. It was literally as simple as submitting a form and then did the rest. They then emailed me when all of my galleries were moved over! Plus, they have a really awesome gallery migration sales campaign you can then assign to your clients to help them get into their new galleries and run a sale to get some sales within your new system! I had quite a few clients register in their new galleries which helps for future sales. I also sent out a massive email campaign within my own system which helped them find their new galleries as well.
HoneyBook Integration with Pic-Time
The integration with HoneyBook truly sealed the deal for me. When I saw that Pic-Time was partnering with HoneyBook, I knew it would be a great fit. They continue to release new features, allowing me to connect galleries directly to projects, pull images into HoneyBook, and streamline my workflow. This is incredibly helpful when working on design projects and needing quick access to images.
Blogging Within Pic-Time
One feature I haven’t used yet is Pic-Time’s built-in blogging option. It looks like a fantastic tool, and I can see it being especially useful for photographers looking to improve their blogging workflow. While I haven’t explored it yet, I love knowing it’s available.
Final Thoughts
After nearly three years with Pic-Time, I have no plans to switch. While I do miss a few features from ShootProof, such as bulk selecting galleries, I’ve found workarounds within Pic-Time to achieve the same results. I also anticipate they’ll continue improving their HoneyBook integration, making client management even more seamless. If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed gallery hosting platform, I highly recommend Pic-Time!
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