How Web Design

Best Website Builders for Photographers in 2026

Updated February 2026•1 Builders Tested

As a photographer, your website is your virtual gallery. The best builders don't just display your images—they help you sell prints, deliver client galleries, and book more sessions.

Editor's Choice
#1
S

Squarespace

★4.7/ 5

The best design templates on the market.

Best For:portfoliosphotographersartists
4.7/ 5
Starting at
$16/mo
Visit SiteRead Review

How to Choose the Right Portfolio Builder

Photography websites have unique requirements that generic builders often miss. High-resolution image handling, color accuracy, client proofing areas, and the ability to sell prints are critical features for working professionals.

Key Features for Photographers

  • Client Proofing Galleries: If you shoot weddings, portraits, or events, you need a way to privately share photos with clients for selection and download. Pixpa and Format rely heavily on this feature, allowing you to create password-protected galleries where clients can favorite, download, or buy images.
  • Ecommerce for Prints & Downloads: Selling your work should be seamless. Look for builders that support automated print fulfillment (WHCC, various labs) or easy digital downloads. Pixpa excels here with commission-free sales.
  • Image Quality & Loading Speed: Your portfolio needs to load fast without compressing your images into a blur. The best platforms automatically optimize images for web viewing while maintaining visual fidelity.
  • Booking Integration: Allow clients to book mini-sessions or consultations directly from your site. Squarespace relies on Acuity Scheduling for a seamless experience.

    • Platform Comparison

  • Pixpa: The best all-in-one platform for photographers. It combines portfolios, client proofing galleries, and an online store in one affordable package.
  • Format: A design-forward builder created specifically for photographers. Excellent templates and workflow tools for professionals.
  • Squarespace: The industry standard for beautiful, general-purpose portfolios. It lacks built-in client proofing (requires extensions) but offers the most stunning templates for showcasing work.
  • Zenfolio: A veteran in the space, strong on selling and business tools but themes can feel slightly dated compared to modern competitors.
  • SmugMug: Powerful for storage and selling, often used as a backend gallery solution rather than a primary portfolio site.

    • Our Recommendations

  • Best Overall Value: Pixpa — Unbeatable feature set (proofing + store + blog) for the price.
  • Best Designs: Squarespace — If your priority is a magazine-quality aesthetic.
  • Best for Professional Workflows: Format — Great for career photographers who need robust business tools.
    • Do I need a specific builder for photography?
    It helps. Dedicated builders like Pixpa and Format include client proofing and print-on-demand features that general builders like Wix or WordPress often require paid plugins to achieve.
    How do I protect my images from theft?
    Most photography builders offer built-in right-click protection and automated watermarking. While no image on the web is 100% secure, these tools deter casual theft.
    Can I sell prints without handling shipping myself?
    Yes! Look for builders with 'print-on-demand' integration (like Pixpa or SmugMug). When a client orders a print, the order goes directly to a professional lab that prints and ships it to them. You just keep the profit.
    How many images should be in my portfolio?
    Quality over quantity. Curate 15-20 of your absolute best images per category. Clients want to see your vision, not every photo you've ever taken.

    Methodology: We selected these builders based on over 100 hours of testing specifically for photographers. Our rankings consider ease of use, pricing, feature set, and customer support quality.