If you’re a photographer, chances are you didn’t get into this business because you love paperwork. Contracts, invoices, follow-up emails, scheduling… it’s enough to make even the most organized among us want to run and hide behind our camera bags.

When I first started Sara Pope Photography, I handled everything manually. I tracked bookings in a notebook, sent PayPal invoices, and tried (and failed) to remember which clients had signed their contracts. Spoiler alert: it was chaos.

Then I found 17Hats, and it completely changed how I run my business.

What Is 17Hats?

17Hats is an all-in-one business management software made for creative entrepreneurs. It combines your invoices, contracts, workflows, emails, quotes, scheduling, and bookkeeping in one clean, user-friendly system.

But the real magic? Automation.

You can set up workflows that automatically send booking confirmations, reminder emails, questionnaires, and even “thank you” notes—without lifting a finger. It’s like having a virtual assistant that actually shows up on time (and doesn’t drink all your coffee).

Why I Love It (and Still Use It After All These Years)

I’ve been using 17Hats since my early photography days, and honestly, I can’t imagine running my studio without it.
Here’s what makes it a non-negotiable for me:

  1. Everything in One Place
    I can see all my active projects, leads, and clients in a single dashboard. No more digging through emails or spreadsheets.

  2. Automated Workflows
    My client experience feels consistent—and my brain gets to rest. I’ve built custom workflows for every session type (newborns, milestones, cake smashes, you name it).

  3. Quotes & Invoices That Look Professional
    Clients can book, sign, and pay online in minutes. No awkward back-and-forths or missed payments.

  4. Email Templates
    I can respond to inquiries, send prep guides, and follow up with a few clicks. (Total lifesaver on busy shoot days.)

  5. Peace of Mind
    Everything’s tracked, organized, and backed up. If I need to see who booked, paid, or opened a form, it’s right there.

How to Try It for Yourself

If you’re tired of juggling 20 different systems (and sticky notes that mysteriously disappear), give 17Hats a try.

You can sign up using my referral link:
👉 https://referrals.17hats.com?r=zffcrfvsvp

Use the code zffcrfvsvp at checkout to get 50% off your first year. It’s the same system I’ve used for nearly a decade—and it’s still the backbone of my studio.

Final Thoughts

If your creative energy is constantly getting buried under admin work, it might not be a “you” problem—it might just be your system.

17Hats helped me take back my time so I could focus on what I actually love: photographing families, designing sets, and making memories that last longer than a spreadsheet ever could.