My Pic-time Review 2023: Why I moved from Pixieset

So you’re trying to figure out what photo delivery software is right for you? Well, I’ve tried both Pixieset and Pic-time and happy to share my honest review! What a hot topic in 2023. With both softwares adding new features, it’s hard to know what’s the right one for you.

I personally started with sending CDs. Custom CDs that I would print out a custom cover label. Then we upgraded to USBs and finally (thank god), online galleries!

Table of contents:

• What are you going to use the software for?
• My personal experience with Pixieset and Pic-time as a wedding photographer
• Here are a few differences that are worth mentioning!
• Favorites for both:
• Which one is better for a new photographer?
• Which one is better for a seasoned photographer?
• How to transfer your galleries to Pic-Time?
• Getting your store set up
• My favorite Pic-time features
• Pic-Time Promo code

What are you going to use the software for?

I think it’s important to look at what level you need this for, how long you’ll need it for, and where you’re at in your business.

As a wedding photographer, it was important to me to have something that was sleek, modern, and easy to use. I also needed unlimited storage and knew that it would be something I would need for at least a decade.

I think both Pixieset and Pic-time are generally pretty similar when it comes to these features. Recently, Pixieset started going in the direction of a CRM so it’s important to note what you want.

My personal experience with Pixieset and Pic-time as a wedding photographer

I first started with Pixieset! I was overall very happy with my experience!

I switched to Pic-time in 2018 when it looked like Pic-time was starting to go in the direction that I wanted. More luxury products and features with automations. Overall, it looked like Pic-time was going to help me in the long-term for my business and clients.

Here are a few differences that are worth mentioning!

Pic-time Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pros

• More printing lab options with higher quality
• Overall better products and experience for your store
• More automations and features leading to more passive print sales
• Album design software – for you or your clients to design. This is such an amazing feature! Either I design the album and send to my client or they will design it themselves within Pic-time. So cool.
• Support chat for you AND your clients
• Blogging – this feature was just added and it’s a great option if you’re just getting into blogging! I tested it out and my SEO performed well, but I ended up switching all my blog posts over to WordPress rather than having them on WordPress through a third party. It’s all about the long-term game.

Cons

• Overall more complex – a longer learning curve

Pixieset Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pros

• User Friendly
• Website and studio manager (contracts and invoices)
• Clients have the option to create multiple lists for their favorite photos. (moms favorites, my favorites)
• A better mobile app for clients

Cons

• Limited printing lab options
• Limitations on website

Favorites for both:

• Sleek/pretty gallery delivery
• Unlimited storage options
• Free options
• Online store with hands-free printing options
• Lightroom plugin

I think a photographer at any level can appreciate both software equally!

Which one is better for a new photographer?

I think Pixieset is a great choice for beginners as you can use it for a website, contracts, and invoices as a one-stop shop!

Note that the Pixieset website does have some limitations as to what it can do. It may require a bit more effort, but still a good option to consider.

Which one is better for a seasoned photographer?

If you’re looking for a better long-term option, Pic-time has really made my experience more of a high-end feel and quality.

All of the different features like high-end print labs and products is a must for me. I felt like I was sacrificing quality with Pixieset. Designing albums and being able to process them through my favorite labs is invaluable!

What capabilities are most important to you?

How to transfer your galleries to Pic-Time?

Pic-time had the option to pay to migrate galleries from Pixieset. This was a game-changer for me! I was so stressed about how I would transfer hundreds of galleries I had up and seeing this was an immediate yes.

It was a relatively easy process, but I did have to go back and make a few adjustments.

Getting your store set up

This portion of the process was probably the most difficult. I hired someone to help me which just made the process SO much easier to understand how in-depth the program could go. If you feel overwhelmed getting started with a new online gallery software, I highly recommend having someone build it out for you! They can set up the automations, your store, and everything you’ll need to get started.

I highly recommend joining each Facebook group to ask any questions you may have or find someone who can set up yours!

My favorite Pic-time features

• Lightroom Plugin – Something I use daily! Makes the uploading process so much faster.
• Album design – One of my favorite features – You and your clients both have the option to design an interactive album within their shop.
• Sales Automations – The easiest way to make passive income! They make it possible to deliver high-quality products (my favorite is Musea lab) without having to do anything. I also use this for selling extra digitals.