By Staci Brucks Photo
Running a photography business is so much more than just taking pretty photos. Behind every dreamy wedding gallery and destination elopement is a well-oiled system of tools that help me stay organized, creative, and connected. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your biz, here are the five tools I genuinely couldn’t do this without:
1. HoneyBook – My CRM Lifesaver
HoneyBook is the heartbeat of my business. It handles everything — from inquiries and contracts to invoices and questionnaires. It keeps me organized, professional, and gives my clients a seamless experience from first contact to final delivery.
Why I love it:
- Custom workflows
- Easy contract + payment setup
- Automated email reminders (lifesaver during busy season)
You can get 30% off your first year with my referral link:
https://share.honeybook.com/staci76598?referral_platform=app_referral
2. Lightroom – My Editing HQ
Every image I deliver is hand-edited in Lightroom. It’s where I bring my style to life — warm tones, romantic light, and timeless edits that feel like you were there. I use custom presets to keep things consistent and efficient.
Bonus tip: Batch editing in Lightroom saves me HOURS.
3. Nikon Z6III – My Ride or Die Camera
As a Nikon Creator, I’ve fallen in love with the Z6III. It’s fast, intuitive, and delivers crisp, dreamy images that make my couples feel like movie stars. It handles low light like a champ (hello, candlelit receptions!) and is lightweight enough for travel.
My go-to lens:
- 24-70mm f/2.8 — super versatile for everything from getting ready details to reception dance floors.
4. Narrative – Culling That Doesn’t Take Forever
Culling used to be the part of my workflow I dreaded most — until I found Narrative. It’s smart, fast, and helps me sort through thousands of images with way less stress. It even detects duplicates, blinks, and focus issues so I can get to editing faster.
Why I love it:
- Lightning-fast image loading
- Smart suggestions
- Saves me hours with every wedding
Want to try it?
Get 10% off Narrative Pro + 1,000 free credits with code STACI10
5. PASS Gallery – My Gallery Delivery MVP
PASS Gallery is my go-to for delivering images to clients. It’s clean, user-friendly, and gives each couple an elevated experience from the moment they open their gallery. Clients can easily download, share, and order prints — all in one place.
Features I love:
- Gorgeous gallery layouts
- Mobile-friendly viewing
- Built-in print store for passive income
Want to try PASS for your own business?
You can sign up with my referral link:
https://stacibrucksphotography.passgallery.com/referral
6. Social Templates – For Effortless Content Creation
I use Social Templates to create polished, on-brand Instagram content without spending hours designing. Whether it’s a sneak peek, announcement, or promo post — these templates keep me consistent and creative.
Want to try them?
You can get your first month free with my code: STACIBRUCKS
7. The Legal Paige – Contracts I Trust
When it comes to protecting my business, The Legal Paige is my go-to for contracts that are photography-specific and legally sound. Every template is attorney-reviewed and easy to customize for your brand.
Use my code: STACI10 for 10% off any contract or bundle
8. Spider Holster – My Go-To for Comfortable Shooting
Long wedding days used to leave me with sore shoulders, tangled straps, and moments missed while fumbling with gear—until I found Spider Holster.
This holster system keeps my camera secure at my hip and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It gives me the freedom to move naturally, direct with ease, and capture every moment without constantly adjusting straps or digging through a bag. Game. Changer.
Why I love it:
- Hands-free comfort during full-day weddings
- Fast access to my camera when I need it most
- Looks sleek and professional on the job
If you want to try it for yourself, here’s my exclusive discount code: stacibrucks35
Shop through this link: https://spiderholster.com/discount/stacibrucks35
These tools have helped me streamline, elevate, and scale my business in ways I never imagined. If you’re building your own photography biz, investing in the right systems early on will make a huge difference — not just in your workflow, but in your client experience too.
