A comparison of Zenfolio vs SmugMug

Photographers need a certain set of tools to excel at your craft – like, a camera to start. Now let’s get serious about the tools you need to excel at the “business” of being a photographer. Just like cameras and lenses, it’s important to compare features and benefits of the tools available from service providers for the business side of photography.

At Zenfolio, we eagerly listen and learn from photographers about your needs. We constantly work to develop and deliver the resources you need to succeed. We know other companies also offer business systems for photographers. Let’s take a look at how one competitor stacks up in a Zenfolio vs. SmugMug comparison. 

Key differences Zenfolio offers.

As you look into these two most popular service providers for photographers, Zenfolio emerges with distinctive differences over SmugMug.

Intelligence-based technology.

Zenfolio invested millions of dollars to develop a new cloud-based machine-learning technology platform. The result is a constant rollout over the past year of new easy-to-use, mobile-friendly tools that empower photographers to improve the business side of their craft while not taking time away from the camera side of things. The platform is the heart of the Zenfolio ProSuite service plan that enables automated BookMe scheduling, PhotoRefine.ai photo culling, Smart Pricing, 4K video and more.

Automated Workflow

Automated workflow.

The sophisticated way to run a photography business is employing Zenfolio technology like a virtual team multi-tasking behind the scenes. From the streamlined workflow of auto-booking and payments, to auto-generated client galleries, AI powered culling with PhotoRefine.ai, easier proofing with People Filter, pricing products with Smart Pricing, lab processing and direct shipping to clients…it all adds up to significant time savings. Add Client Campaigns automated marketing to the mix and it’s a very elegant way to run a business.

Award-winning customer support.

Customer support.

Zenfolio takes your work challenges seriously with a support team full of real-life, still-practicing photographers. Phone, chat, tutorials and even 1:1 onboarding are all available to help you succeed.

As depicted in the table below, Zenfolio emerges as the leader in sophisticated technology-based tools such as BookMe automated scheduling and payment, PhotoRefine.ai culling, automated workflows that include auto-generated client galleries at the time of booking, Smart Pricing that recommends ideal pricing based on local market conditions and Client Campaigns to market images and drive seasonal revenue without a photographer lifting a finger. Zenfolio advanced technology also steals the spotlight with People Filter, utilizing facial recognition to easily find a face in a crowded photo – like a bride in the middle of a wedding reception dance floor.

Feature Comparison

In a head-to-head view of features, some basic tools preferred by photographers are similar across both platforms – multiple website design templates, custom fonts and colors, galleries, social media sharing, watermark protection, client proofing and e-commerce resources.

Features
Website Templates
Custom Fonts & Color Themes
Photo Galleries
4K Video
Gallery Presets
Automatic Watermarks
AI/Facial Recognition
PhotoRefine.ai
Social Media Sharing
SEO
Slideshow
Client Proofing
Client Galleries
Password Protected Pages
Commenting in Galleries
E-Commerce & Marketing
Appointment Scheduling
Automated Workflows
Smart Pricing
Contact Center
Online Store
Digital Products
SSL Certificate
Marketing Campaigns
Discount Codes
Custom Email Notifications
Other
Photography Tutorials
Customer Support
Zenfolio

ProSuite Plan

 
Multiple with thousands of ways to customize them.
 
 
 
Award Winning & 1:1 onboarding sessions
SmugMug

Pro Plan

 
Multiple
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pricing Comparison

Annual Plan Pricing
Custom Domain
Unlimited Storage
Free Trial
Zenfolio
Portfolio
(for aspiring photographers)- $84/yr
PortfolioPlus
(for part-time photographers) – $228/yr
ProSuite
(for professional photographers) – $396/yr
Portfolio
$84/yr
PortfolioPlus
$228/yr
ProSuite
$396/yr
SmugMug
Power – $110/yr
Portfolio – $225/yr
Pro – $360/yr
Power
$110/yr
Portfolio
$225/yr
Pro
$360/yr
(Power & Above)

About Zenfolio and SmugMug

Based in Mountain View, CA, SmugMug has provided website designs and resources for photographers since 2002. Zenfolio and SmugMug are among the more seasoned providers in the industry with Zenfolio founded in 2005. Both companies offer multiple service tiers to accommodate photographers at every career level – from aspiring, to part-time/hobbyists, to busy professional studios. Both offer free trials to try out their services.

SmugMug Logo

Conclusion

Just like picking the right camera body and lenses to meet your needs for a session, a detailed comparison of features, benefits and pricing will help you pick the right business partner for success. SmugMug and Zenfolio are two of the longest-running and most popular business resource providers in the photography industry.

Zenfolio delivers advantages over SmugMug:

BookMe automated scheduling and payment.

PhotoRefine.ai.

Smart Pricing.

Client Campaigns automated marketing and sales.

AI facial recognition with People Filter.

Customer support.

 Online Photography Portfolio site examples

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