When we were getting started, there were so many decisions to make. What gear do we need? What online tools are the best? What business books should we be reading? There were so many choices, it felt paralyzing. We wasted tons of time researching when we could’ve been (and should've been) practicing our photography or building our business. We just wished someone we trusted with industry experience who’d already done the research and tested the tools had a list of everything they used –– so we could use them, too. That’s what we’ve done here! We hope this makes your life easier!

Quick note, we’re affiliates for some of the resources on this page, which means we get a small commission whenever a purchase is made using one of the links or codes here, or anywhere else on our site. It doesn’t cost you extra. In fact, in many cases, it costs you less, because we’ve been able to snag a special deal or discount on your behalf that will actually save you money –– so it’s a win-win! Plus, you can rest assured knowing that we only endorse products and services that we use and work for us. We hope having all these carefully curated tools in one place is a blessing to you.

Recommended Tools & Resources

Photography Equipment

our tools

our book list

our gear

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Kiss

Align Album Design

The only large rolling bag we recommend. We’ve put ours through a lot, and it still feels brand new. Get a $50 gift with your purchase.

get a thinktank

travel camera bag

Mileage Tracking App

The app we use to track the mileage we drive to every session and meeting. Get 20% off an annual subscription.

try mile iq

Pair & Resize Images for Web

The software we use to pair images for our blog and resize them for our website and social media. Save 20% at checkout. Use the code “DemosEducation.”

try blogstomp

Editing Software

The editing software we use for all of our sessions.

try lightroom

Lightroom

Culling Software

The fastest, most efficient way to choose which images to keep from a session.

try photomechanic

PhotoMechanic

Album design

Looking for an affordable album designer? Align Album Design is a one-stop-shop for albums! Save 50% on your first album design!

try align

Wedding Albums

The album company we use to print premium, hand-crafted, custom albums.
Save $100 on your first sample album of $250 or more. Use “KissDemos” at checkout.

try kiss

client gallery & Image delivery

The client gallery and image delivery system we use for all of our weddings and
portrait sessions! Get CloudSpot for $3/month for the first 3 months!

check out cloudspot

The geniuses behind our custom website have beautiful templates you can get for a fraction of the price. Save $100 off your site when you use A&JSENTME at checkout!

check out tonic

Beautiful Website Templates

Contracts & Invoices

The client management system we use for sending contracts, invoices and more. Save 50% on your first year.

try honeybook

Website & Blog

The simple, drag-and-drop software we use to power our website and blog. Get 10% off an annual subscription.

try showit

Think Tank

Mile IQ

BlogStomp