Shootproof vs Photonesto: apps for creating online galleries

As a photographer working mainly on session photography, I attach great importance to the

way I deliver my photos to clients. This is crucial for many reasons. Firstly, delivering photos

is the most important moment in my communication with clients, when they finally see the

effect of my work. This experience has to be great and the program I use to do it should be

reliable. Secondly, creating a gallery for clients can be really time-consuming. I personally

appreciate solutions which do not take too much of my time and are simple.

Apps for selling photos from sessions

My work is focused mainly on baby, children and family sessions. I have a lot of orders, so I

need to rely on a good program for selling photos. So far, I've used two applications for

photographers – Shootproof and Photonesto.

Initially, I used Shootproof. Up until recently it was the only system that allowed to sell

photos from sessions. A few months ago, I started using Photonesto and I am currently

selling my photos using this system. Below I will tell you about the differences and

similarities between the two applications.

What matters for a photographer

Both systems are fully professional and allow for reliable handling of packet photo

sales. Shootproof has many advanced functionalities and configuration options, but for this

reason it is more difficult to use. Surely there are some photographers who use all these

options, but I don’t belong to them. The method of adding photos is quite complicated here,

and creating a simple gallery can take a few minutes and requires a lot of clicking.

Photonesto is very different in this sense. It is simpler and at the same time allows

you to do exactly the same as Shootproof. At Photonesto I use Private Sessions option,

which is ideal for session photographers. To create a photo gallery, I enter basic info about the client and immediately I receive a gallery tailored to my specific order. It takes less than

a minute and is very easy.

What matters for a client

A good photo sales system should be satisfying for photographers and for their clients. Both

Photonesto and Shootproof offer clients a pleasant and modern interface. Galleries in both

cases load quickly, everything works as it should, and the programs do not freeze. What

makes Photonesto stand out is the clear way in which it summarizes orders. Thanks to

this, the client always knows exactly what he is paying for and what is the amount of the

additional payment for his order (in case of purchasing additional photos).

What I would love to see in Photonesto is the integration of the system with the payment

gateway, enabling the client to make payment when placing the order. Currently, I have to

handle all payments on my own, so I am looking forward to this functionality.

Price comparison

Shootproof and Photonesto are very different when it comes to the price and the payment

system. Shootproof works on a subscription model – in my case the annual fee was $200.

Photonesto uses the pay-as-you-go payment model, which means you only pay when you

use it. In http://photonesto8534.xtgem.com/shootproof%20vs%20photonesto%20apps%20for%20creating%20online%20galleries practice, payment in Photonesto is calculated separately for each session. Prices

start from $3 for a single session. With a comparable number of clients, my annual fee

for Photonesto services was about 30% lower than at Shootproof. That's a lot,

especially during low season or in unexpected circumstances, such as the current pandemic

which prevents you from working in normal mode. My current number of orders equals zero,

so it's very convenient that I don't have any costs.

Which platform is better?

Despite all similarities in the way the platforms work, Photonesto comes out as a better program! Both apps are designed well and look very good. However, Photonesto is simpler

and therefore more transparent. The smaller number of functionalities is an advantage,

because it makes me get what I want really quickly. And the 30% difference in the price of

Photonesto seals the deal!