When you’re ready to start your photography business, a stunning online client gallery is essential. Maybe you’ve heard of SmugMug, but why not try some other options? In this article, we’ll explore the great SmugMug alternatives for professional photographers in 2024.
Key Features of SmugMug
SmugMug is focused on providing photographers with the tools needed to share and sell their photos online. Here are some key features of SmugMug:
Customizable Websites
SmugMug allows users to create personalized and professional websites for showcasing their work. The platform offers 26 templates and design tools for you to make your photography portfolio. What’s more, its integration with Adobe Lightroom can help you upload and edit photos with ease.
Unlimited Storage Space
You can upload an unlimited number of photos and videos to SmugMug at full resolution. This feature is particularly appealing to professional photographers who need to store large files without compromising on quality.
Gallery Privacy and Security
SmugMug offers watermarks and password protection for your photos, client galleries, and website pages. You can select who can view your photos and videos, which help you avoid theft of your photos online. The platform also ensures that photos are securely stored and backed up.
E-commerce Capabilities
SmugMug supports a built-in e-commerce feature that allows photographers to sell photos directly through the website. You can sell prints, albums, and digital downloads at your own prices. It also handles the printing, shipping, and customer service. However, it is important to note that you’ll need to upgrade to Portfolio or Pro plans to unlock this feature. With one of these higher plans, you’ll also be able to use custom photo packages, add custom watermarks to your work, and disable photo downloads.
Cons of SmugMug
Difficulty of Use
SmugMug’s interface can be challenging to learn. The extensive customization options, while beneficial, can also be overwhelming for new users or those not technologically savvy. Many photographers get frustrated with the gallery customization feature as it proves to be more complicated to use than expected.
Clients Can’t “Favorite” Images
As a professional photographer, you definitely want your clients to have the best experience with your photography services. When you share the stunning photos you’ve taken with your customers, many people like to deliberate carefully before deciding what images to order. They like to show them to family or friends and get their opinions. If the image can be marked as a favorite, they will be able to do this more easily. Unfortunately, except for the highest-priced plan, your clients can’t like their photos in SmugMug’s online photo galleries. Anything that annoys your clients will prevent you from getting them back in front of your camera in the future.
High Cost
SmugMug is relatively expensive compared to other photo-sharing platforms, with only a 14-day free trial available. In addition, a 15% transaction fee is added to the high monthly plan fees on every single transaction. This could be a barrier for part-time photographers or those who just get started. Also, it does eat into the photographer’s profits. All products sold through SmugMug’s platform are charged this fee. Especially for beginners, this will take a big bite out of your profits.
Great SmugMug Alternatives
| Zno Gallery™ | SmugMug Power Plan Free Trial | ShootProof Free Plan | Pixieset Free Plan | |
| Experience Time | Unlimited Time | 14 Day | 14 Day | Unlimited Time |
| Integrate with Lightroom | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Use a custom subdomain | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Watermark | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Photo proof | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Client favoriting | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Full control over client downloads | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sell prints & albums | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Payment integration for credit cards and PayPal | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Commission | 0% | 15% | 0% | 15% |
| Print lab discounts | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Video | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Zno Gallery™ vs. SmugMug
From the table above, we can learn the specific details of the services provided by Zno Gallery™ and SmugMug. Not surprisingly, Zno Gallery™’s free trial includes a lot of features that SmugMug doesn’t have. Furthermore, SmugMug doesn’t have a permanent free plan – it’s clear why a wallet-friendly alternative is in high demand. Let’s discuss why you should consider choosing Zno Gallery™ as one of the great SmugMug alternatives.
Ease of use
Simplicity in uploading and organizing your work is key. A straightforward, smooth browsing experience can be the difference between securing a new client or missing out. Zno Gallery™’s site navigation is very user-friendly, and its interface is super easy to use! You’ll have full control over your online photo gallery. For example, you can explore features such as online proofing, client favorites, full control over client downloads, and more with a few simple clicks.
Outstanding Customizability
While SmugMug provides some customization options for your photography portfolios, Zno Gallery™ takes customization to the next level. You can customize your gallery with different layouts, grid settings, and other design elements. It allows photographers to create unique and personalized galleries that reflect their brand identity. If you are looking for a platform that allows you to be creative and inject your website with your personality and unique style, then try our client photo gallery now!
Reliable Gallery Protection
Our client gallery also has several gallery protection features. You can protect your copyright with customized watermarks, email registration, and collection password. Thinking it will cost too much? Don’t worry, even the free plan supports the use of email registration and collection in the password settings.
Seamless Integration with an Online Estore
Zno Estore™ is a cloud-based online store for professional photographers. It is integrated within Zno Gallery™, which helps you sell your digital downloads and print products with ease. This integration streamlines the ordering process for photographers and clients, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow from image capture to final product delivery.
You can set your own price on your online store. If you’ve put a lot of time and effort into your product and you feel it deserves to be charged more, then you can set the price a little higher to increase your revenue. Most significantly, even our Free Plan is 0% commission! We don’t take a penny out of your sales. And we don’t charge hidden fees at any plan level, even on the free plan.
Affordability
Zno Gallery™ offers competitive pricing plans that are often more affordable than SmugMug. First of all, its unlimited free trial already covers most of the gallery’s features. You can use a custom subdomain, photo proofs, client favoriting feature, and sell your photos to boost your photography business. Apart from this, you can explore more features with our affordable paid plans. This client gallery is especially suited to photographers who need advanced features such as unlimited storage and high-resolution photo downloads.
All-In-One Solution
Zno Cloud is an all-in-one platform for professional photographers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools specifically tailored to the needs of photographers. In addition to online photo galleries, it also includes free plans on a photography website builder, album design software, photo editor, and live photo streams. It will be the perfect platform for you to streamline your workflow and make more money.
ShootProof vs. SmugMug
As one of the SmugMug alternatives, ShootProof is the first choice for many photographers.
Customization and Branding
Photographers can upload high-resolution images to ShootProof Gallery and organize them based on events, sessions, or projects. Apart from this, you can also choose a unique layout and customize your galleries to match your branding, including logos, colors, and themes, providing a consistent look and feel that represents your photography business.
Sell High-Quality Photo Products
ShootProof offers a variety of tools to help you sell your excellent work, including the ability to sell prints and digital downloads, and create discount codes. You can set up your price lists, choose ShootProof’s partnered professional print labs, and manage orders all in one place.
Gallery Mobile Apps
ShootProof allows your clients to turn their photo galleries into their very own mobile apps. Clients can purchase prints, digital downloads, and other products directly through the app. Through this mobile app, you can send gallery invitations and share links with your clients.
Pixieset vs. SmugMug
With many loyal users, Pixieset is also one of the great SmugMug alternatives for photographers in 2024.
Elegant User Interface
Pixieset is known for its clean and modern interface, which enhances the presentation of the photos and improves client experience.
Pixieset Photo Sharing on Social Media
Clients love to share pictures. Pixieset’s Client Gallery makes it easy for them to share their stunning photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
24/7 Print Store
You can make more money by selling prints right from your galleries. However, users on Pixieset’s free plan are charged a 15% commission fee. Only upgraded accounts can enjoy 0% commission.
In a word, no matter what style of photography you do, you can grow your business better with these SmugMug alternatives.
About Zno Gallery™
Zno Gallery™ is the best client gallery for photographers. You can choose Zno Gallery™ over SmugMug for its user-friendly workspace, comprehensive features, customization options, and affordability. It is an ideal SmugMug alternative for showcasing and selling your excellent work online. Sign up for a free account and explore the best way to share photos today!
