Key takeaways:
- A good photography website builder offers a mix of user-friendliness, useful tools, and reasonable pricing.
- Specialized builders offer photography-focused tools like client galleries, proofing, and print sales.
- Costs can vary widely, so it’s important to compare plans carefully and choose one that matches both your budget and long-term goals.
Research from Great Big Photography World in 2024 found that 40% of a photographer’s work comes through portfolio websites. Today, having a professional website in any creative field greatly increases your chances of bringing in clients and selling your work.
Photography website builders make it easy to set up your online presence with minimal effort. Many come with premade templates, AI tools, and built-in marketing features. But how do you choose among the many options available?
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best website builders for photographers, highlighting their key features, pricing, and who each one is best suited for.
How we developed this list
To create this list, we sifted through 50 customer reviews from reputable platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra, and conducted limited hands-on testing on the tools’ free versions. We based our selection on which platforms have beginner-friendly tools, features tailored to photography, their market reputation, and what each option offers for the price.
Here’s what we looked at when evaluating:
- Limited hands-on testing. We ran short trials using the free versions of each platform to validate ease of use and template quality.
- Customer review analysis. We examined 50 user reviews from platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra to identify recurring praise and complaints around usability, support, and value for money.
- Cross-platform consolidation. We compared feedback across multiple review sources to confirm consistent patterns.
- User-reported feature assessment. We paid close attention to features users mentioned most often to determine which builders truly meet photographers’ needs.
This approach ensures our round-up reflects actual user experiences and costs rather than marketing claims, giving you insights from people who have extensively used these platforms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Pricing and specifications (where indicated) are current as of publication but may change. Please consult a product specialist for your specific use case.
Comparison of the best photography website builders
Here’s a quick overview of top photography website builders, with notes on cost, main features, and ideal users. These platforms cater to photographers of all levels, whether they have website-building experience:
- Network Solutions
- Wix
- Squarespace
- Zenfolio
- Pixpa
| Website builder | Pricing | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Solutions | From $1.99/month (renews at $16.99/month) | Drag-and-drop builder AI-powered tools Affordable pricing Customizable templates Appointment scheduling Integrated domain and email services | Beginners and small businesses that want everything under one provider |
| Wix | From $17/month | Flexible drag-and-drop editor Built-in AI tools Advanced design features Scheduling Photography templates Large app marketplace | Freelancers, creatives, and SMBs who want maximum design control |
| Squarespace | From $25/month | Blueprint AI Designer-quality photography templates Gallery blocks Integrated eCommerce Responsive design Custom CSS/HTML | Creatives and small businesses seeking a polished, professional site with minimal setup |
| Zenfolio | From $9/month | Photography-specific templates Client proofing galleries Built-in booking eCommerce for prints and downloads Automated lab fulfillment SEO tools | Photographers and studios that need portfolio, proofing, and sales in one place |
| Pixpa | From $8/month | Client galleries Image-focused templates Integrated eCommerce Blogging tools Affordable all-in-one dashboard | Photographers, designers, and artists wanting a budget-friendly portfolio website |
Network Solutions
Network Solutions is one of the veteran players on the website and domain market. It has a reputation for providing reliable domain services and has evolved into a company that offers business-focused website builders with domain, hosting, email, and security services all in one place.
Key unique features
- Provider of domains, hosting, and email services, managing multiple services under one roof.
- Offers website builder and eCommerce tools alongside its hosting plans for easy site management and maintenance.
- Integrated domain management makes it easier to connect your domain to your website and hosting, even if under a different service provider.
- Business-focused website builder templates for quicker site customization.
Who is it best for
Network Solutions is a great fit for small business owners who value an all-in-one provider. It’s best suited for businesses that prioritize reliability in core website services over cutting-edge design.
What users are saying
Some users acknowledge that Network Solutions provides the fundamental tools to start a website and value its ease of use, with one reviewer saying, “It’s very easy to get a website up and going. You [don’t] need much technical understanding. The basics, and you are good to go.”
On the flip side, some users are complaining about its functionality being “antiquated and bulky” and “outdated and not user-friendly” while reviews for its support team are mixed. Some users describe their interactions as prompt and helpful, while others report slow responses or unresolved issues.”
Pricing and plans
| Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Website | $1.99/month Renews at $16.99 per month (billed annually) | AI-powered website builder 1 year free domain and privacy 3 months free professional email 1 month free SSL 1 hour expert design support Logo builder and design studio |
| Website + Marketing | $3.99/month Renews at $21.99 per month (billed annually) | Everything in Website plan Sell services Appointment scheduling Social media and email marketing Google My Business listing |
| Ecommerce | $9.99/month Renews at $29.99 per month (billed annually) | Everything in Website + Marketing plan Secure checkout on your domain Sell on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, and more |
Note: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Please check with the provider directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
Wix
Wix is one of the most popular platforms people use to build websites, known for its large collection of attractive templates. It appeals to creatives, especially photographers, for its ability to create highly customized, visually striking websites without coding. Wix has also expanded its offerings with AI tools and eCommerce features, making it a desirable choice for creative professionals.
Key unique features
- Photography website templates to showcase your work with layouts that highlight your visual style.
- Easy drag-and-drop builder for effortless site customization.
- AI-powered design and marketing tools for quicker and more efficient site building and promotion.
- Built-in SEO to get you found online, book clients, and sell prints in one platform.
Who is it best for
Wix is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and creatives who want something simple to use with design flexibility. Photographers and other creatives especially like Wix for its wide range of clean, ready-to-use templates. It also works well for businesses exploring AI-driven design options without giving up control of their brand’s look.
What users are saying
User reviews for Wix are largely positive. Many highlight the platform’s ease of use and quick setup, with one small-business user saying, “Wix is a very user-friendly platform for anyone who desires to build their website on their own.”
On the design side, reviewers consistently praise the visual quality of Wix’s templates. One called them “stunning, easy to use and customise, and responsive on all devices,” while another hailed them as gorgeous.
User opinions on support and pricing are divided. Some users like the range of features they get for the price, but some say pricing can be confusing or that advanced tools cost extra. Support is usually quick to respond for simple issues, but others report delays when addressing technical problems.
Pricing and plans
| Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Light | $17/month (can be billed monthly or annually, excl. VAT) | Free domain for 1 year 2 GB storage Multi-cloud hosting Light marketing suite 2 site collaborators |
| Core | $29/month (can be billed monthly or annually, excl. VAT) | Free domain for 1 year 50 GB storage Multi-cloud hosting Basic marketing suite Accept payments Basic eCommerce Scheduling and services 5 collaborators |
| Business | $39/month (can be billed monthly or annually, excl. VAT) | Free domain for 1 year 100 GB storage Multi-cloud hosting Standard marketing suite Advanced eCommerce Scheduling and services 10 collaborators |
| Business Elite | $159/month (can be billed monthly or annually, excl. VAT) | Free domain for 1 year Unlimited storage Multi-cloud hosting Advanced marketing suite Advanced developer platform Advanced eCommerce Scheduling and services 100 collaborators |
Note: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Please check with the provider directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
Squarespace
Squarespace is widely recognized for its sleek, designer-made templates and visually polished websites. It’s also popular among small businesses and creative professionals who want an online presence without coding. It includes built-in tools for portfolios, blogs, and online stores and works as an all-in-one solution—combining website and brand management in one platform.
Key unique features
- High-quality templates for photography and creative portfolios.
- Built-in SEO, analytics, and marketing tools.
- Integrated eCommerce with inventory and digital product support.
- Mobile-responsive designs with crisp image handling.
- Custom CSS/HTML support for added flexibility.
Who is it best for
Squarespace is best suited for creatives who want a professional, visually striking website with minimal setup. Photographers, designers, and artists who need to showcase visually rich work greatly benefit from this platform. It’s also recommended for businesses looking for a balance between ease of use and polished branding.
What users are saying
Reviewers consistently praise Squarespace’s user-friendliness and intuitive drag-and-drop editor. One website designer wrote, “It makes it easy even for non-coders or non-technical people to manage their websites. . . The fluid editor is very responsive and intuitive.”
Most feedback on customer support is positive, with many calling the support team helpful and quick to respond. An artist and founder noted, “Squarespace customer support is one of the best I have ever talked with—always happy to help and quick to solve any issues.” Others highlighted community resources like Squarespace Circle and built-in guides, which reduce reliance on direct support.
Pricing is seen as reasonable for the bundled value, though some SMBs mention that email campaigns and add-ons increase costs.
On the design side, Squarespace receives some of its strongest praise. A photographer-focused reviewer shared that the templates are clean and professional—perfect for showcasing his portfolio. Others emphasize how high-quality images and elegant layouts help their websites look modern and professional with minimal effort.
Pricing and plans
| Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $16/month (annual billing) $25/month (monthly billing) | Free custom domain for 1 year Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Squarespace AI Unlimited bandwidth Customer accounts 2 contributors Basic website analytics Sell products and services (2% transaction fee) Point of sale (POS) support Video hosting and storage (30 min) Credit card payment processing (2.9% + $0.30) |
| Core | $23/month (annual billing) $36/month (monthly billing) | Everything in Basic Unlimited contributors Advanced analytics Advanced merchandising Offer discounts Fully integrated eCommerce (0% transaction fee) Custom code (HTML/CSS/JS/) Video hosting and storage (5 hrs) Credit card payment processing (2.9% + $0.30) |
| Plus | $39/month (annual billing) $56/month (monthly billing) | Everything in Core Video hosting and storage (50 hrs) Credit card payment processing (2.7% + $0.30) |
| Advanced | $99/month (annual billing) $139/month (monthly billing) | Everything in Plus Video hosting and storage (Unlimited) Credit card payment processing (2.5% + $0.30) |
Note: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Please check with the provider directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
Read our in-depth Squarespace review to find out more details about whether or not Squarespace is the right platform for you.
Zenfolio
Zenfolio is a website builder designed for photographers and videographers. It combines portfolio websites, client galleries, proofing, and eCommerce tools into one platform. From selling prints and booking photo shoots to sharing client albums, Zenfolio streamlines the process so you can spend more time on your craft and less on website administration.
Key unique features
- Photography-first templates designed to highlight your images with clean, professional layouts.
- Client proofing galleries that let clients easily select favorites.
- Built-in online store for selling prints and allowing clients to download directly.
- Automated lab fulfillment that handles printing and shipping.
- Integrated SEO and blogging tools.
Who is it best for
Zenfolio is a solid choice for photographers who want a website built around the business side of photography. The platform is helpful for wedding, portrait, and event photographers who need client proofing and eCommerce workflows built in.
What users are saying
Photographers generally like Zenfolio’s photography-first workflow, quick customization, and value. One satisfied reviewer said, “Easy to customize. Low price for great features. Great templates. Love for client gallery delivery. Really very happy with it.”
However, some raised concerns about recent changes that affect gallery access. As one customer outlined in his review, “The archive feature that automatically archived my older galleries and takes ages to get them back ruined the experience for me.”
Zenfolio earns praise for streamlining photography workflows and providing solid return for the price, but photographers who rely on long-term gallery availability may feel constrained by the auto-archiving they recently added.
Pricing and plans
| Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $7/month (annual billing) $9/month (monthly billing) | 15 GB storage (approx. 4,500 photos) 1 watermark HD video support Client galleries and proofing Advanced image search Customizable folders |
| Professional | $11.50/month (annual billing) $23/month (monthly billing) | 150 GB storage (approx. 60,000 photos) 1 watermark Everything in Basic Sell digitals and prints Sell video Blogging Modern templates Automated sales campaign AI gallery creation and tagging |
| Advanced | $20/month (annual billing) $40/month (monthly billing) | Unlimited JPEG + 150 GB video storage (4K supported) 3 watermarks Everything in Professional Custom forms Product builder QR code workflow Booking and scheduling |
Note: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Please check with the provider directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
Pixpa
Pixpa is an all-in-one website builder created for creatives, by creatives. Designed to address the challenges artists and photographers face with complex or costly platforms, Pixpa focuses on making it simple and affordable. Pixpa enables photographers, designers, and other creatives to showcase, share, and sell their work—all without coding.
Key unique features
- Templates designed and optimized to showcase images and creative projects.
- Client proofing galleries with built-in eCommerce.
- Integrated blogging platform for sharing content.
- An all-in-one dashboard for your website, galleries, store, and blog.
- Affordable pricing plans ideal for small studios, early-stage businesses, and first-time entrepreneurs.
Who is it best for
Pixpa is best for those who want a clean, photography portfolio website with galleries and sales tools integrated into the platform. It’s ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option, without needing third-party plugins or heavy customization.
What users are saying
Photographers and creatives often praise Pixpa for its ease of use, clean portfolio templates, and affordability. A G2 reviewer noted that, “Their affordable plans and user interface are really good! The features they offer are also easy to use.”
At the same time, some users pointed out limitations in how customizable the templates are, though many praised their overall design quality. Others expressed a desire for domain integration within the platform itself, so they wouldn’t need to purchase one separately from a third-party provider.
Pricing and plans
| Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $8/month (billed monthly) $4.80/month (billed yearly) $3.60/month (billed 2 yearly) | 3 GB storage 3 photo apps for clients 10 pages 200 images 3 products online store Connect custom domain Free domain 1 year (IONOS) SSL certificate 24/7 support Password protection |
| Creator | $15/month (billed monthly) $9/month (billed yearly) $6.75/month (billed 2 yearly) | 5 GB storage 10 photo apps for clients Unlimited pages and images Everything in Basic 10 products online store Blogging 2 contributors 1 image watermark Upload and host files |
| Professional | $20/month (billed monthly) $12/month (billed yearly) $9/month (billed 2 yearly) | 25 GB storage 25 photo apps for clients Everything in Creator 100 products online store Unlimited contributors Unlimited watermarks Custom fonts Payment forms and autoreply on forms |
| Advanced | $25/month (billed monthly) $15/month (billed yearly) $11.25/month (billed 2 yearly) | 100 GB storage Unlimited photo apps for clients Everything in Professional Unlimited products online store Customer accounts Inventory management Abandoned cart recovery |
Note: Pricing is current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice. Please check with the provider directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Generic website builders like Wix and Network Solutions cater to a wide range of businesses, but they often lack specialized tools that photographers truly need. In contrast, photography-focused platforms like Zenfolio and Pixpa offer features tailored to creative professionals—such as client proofing galleries, watermarking, instant image download, and automated lab fulfillment—that make managing a photography business much easier.
Most photography builders cost $7–$25/month, while general builders range $16–$39/month for similar features. Add about $10–$20/year for a custom domain for a total of $94-$310/year.
No. All major builders use drag-and-drop editors. Some, like Squarespace or Wix, allow custom CSS/HTML if you want further customization, but it isn’t required.
Free plans are great for testing the platform, but they come with ads, limited storage, and no custom domain. A paid plan is necessary to look professional, handle high-quality images, and monetize your work.
Choose the platform that best fits your business goals
The right website builder depends on your priorities. Based on our research and aggregation of actual customer reviews:
- Wix is great if you want maximum flexibility and plenty of design control.
- Squarespace is a good option if you want stylish templates and a quick setup.
- Zenfolio is geared toward photographers who need tools like client proofing and print sales in a simplified workflow.
- Pixpa offers cheaper options for basic portfolios, galleries, and an online shop for those on a budget.
- Network Solutions offers budget plans and is a good fit for small businesses that want domain, hosting, email, website building and security managed together.
According to our analysis, Pixpa stands out as the best overall choice for photographers. It’s cheap and combines photography-focused templates, galleries, blogging, and eCommerce in one simple dashboard. While the lack of domain management is one drawback, users often point to its ease of use and overall value, which works well for both new and experienced photographers.
That said, if your priority goes beyond photography and you want an all-in-one business solution, Network Solutions is worth considering. It lets you manage your website, domain, email, and online store in one place, making it a reliable choice if you want more convenience and less technical hassle.
