Your website is your shop window—it’s where potential clients get their first impression, browse your portfolio, and decide if you’re the right photographer for them. Not long ago, building a professional website was a technical challenge that many entrepreneurs and especially busy freelance photographers outsourced to expensive webdesigners. Today, thanks to modern website builders, creating a beautiful, functional site is easier than ever—even if you’re not a tech expert.
But simply having a website isn’t enough—you need one that’s built the right way. A great photography site should showcase your best work, clearly explain your services, and make it easy for clients to contact or book you. At minimum, your site should include a well-organized portfolio, an “About Me” section that shows your personality, service details or pricing, and a clear call to action—whether that’s an inquiry form, a booking button, or your contact information.
If you’re interested, we also have a full guide on creating a photography website with WordPress, but for now, here’s a look at some popular website builders to get you started.
Wix – The website builder with it all
Wix is a popular all-rounder known for its flexibility and ease of use. It offers a drag-and-drop builder, a wide selection of templates (including many designed for photographers), and a built-in booking system.
- Pros: Easy to use; excellent design freedom; lots of templates.
- Cons: Can feel overwhelming with too many options; some features locked behind paid plans.
- Pricing: Starts at ~$16/month.
Squarespace – The website builder for creatives
Squarespace is beloved by creatives for its sleek, modern templates and polished designs. It’s great for photographers who want a beautiful site with minimal fuss.
- Pros: Gorgeous templates; intuitive editor; great built-in SEO and blogging tools.
- Cons: Less flexible than Wix; fewer third-party app integrations.
- Pricing: Starts at ~$16/month.
WordPress – The website builder with no limitations
WordPress (we’re talking about WordPress.org here) is the most powerful and customizable option. It’s ideal if you want full control over design, features, and functionality—but it comes with a steeper learning curve.
- Pros: Unlimited customization; huge plugin ecosystem; great for SEO.
- Cons: Requires more technical know-how; hosting and maintenance are on you.
- Pricing: Hosting starts at ~$4–10/month; themes and plugins may cost extra.
Pixpa – The affordable, all-in-one photography website builder
Pixpa is designed specifically for photographers and creative businesses. It offers portfolio templates, client galleries, e-commerce tools, and even proofing features.
- Pros: All-in-one platform; built-in client galleries; affordable pricing.
- Cons: Less flexible design options; smaller template library.
- Pricing: Starts at ~$6/month.
Format – The website builder for running a photography business
Format focuses on helping photographers run their business online. It offers beautiful templates, client galleries, and tools for proofing, printing, and selling your work.
- Pros: Designed for photographers; excellent client gallery tools; easy store setup.
- Cons: Less customizable than WordPress or Wix; smaller app ecosystem.
- Pricing: Starts at ~$10/month.
SmugMug – The website builder for selling your photography
SmugMug is another photography-focused platform, best known for its integrated print sales, client galleries, and unlimited photo storage.
- Pros: Unlimited photo storage; built-in print sales; strong security options.
- Cons: Limited design flexibility; less suited for blogging or content-heavy sites.
- Pricing: Starts at ~$13/month.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the best website builder is the one that fits your goals, style, and level of experience. If you’re just starting out, Wix or Squarespace offer an easy, polished entry point. If you want maximum customization, WordPress is the king. For photographers focused on selling prints and managing client galleries, Pixpa, Format, and SmugMug are purpose-built to meet your needs.
Already have your website up? Check out our blog and books for tips on turning that beautiful portfolio into a thriving business!
