As a photographer, showcasing my portfolio online is a critical part of promoting my work. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve experimented with various website builders to find the one that best represents my work. My journey began with Pixieset, moved to Weebly, and finally ended with Wix. Here’s a detailed account of my experience with each platform and why I ultimately chose Wix as my go-to website builder.

I began my online journey with Pixieset. It seemed like a perfect choice initially, given its focus on photographers. The platform offers beautiful, minimalist designs that emphasize high-quality images. Uploading and managing client galleries was straightforward, and the client proofing feature was a significant advantage for my business. However, as my wants and needs grew, I started to feel limited by Pixieset’s functionality. The design options, while nice, were restrictive, and I found myself wanting more customization to truly make my site my own.

Looking for greater flexibility, I transitioned to Weebly. Weebly offered a broader range of templates and more customization options compared to Pixieset. The drag-and-drop interface made it easy to design my website without needing extensive technical knowledge. I appreciated the ability to add various sections to my site, but Weebly still left me craving more advanced design features and a stronger focus on the visual presentation of my work.

Determined to create a truly standout website that would last for years to come, I decided to invest the time and effort into building a site on Wix. Wix’s platform was initially daunting due to its extensive customization options and advanced features. However, once I got the hang of it, I realized it was exactly what I needed. The vast array of templates specifically designed for photographers was impressive. I could easily tweak every aspect of my site to reflect my personal style and brand.

The design flexibility was unparalleled. With Wix, I could incorporate high-resolution images, buttons, and advanced functions. The advanced customization and options made me feel so much freer to make my website right for what I wanted to do. But the real question is, which is best for you?

Comparing the Three Platforms

1. Pixieset
   • Pros: Easy to use, photographer-focused, excellent client proofing and gallery management.
   • Cons: Limited design flexibility, fewer customization options, less suitable for comprehensive websites.
2. Weebly
   • Pros: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface, more customization than Pixieset, good for adding blogs and various sections.
   • Cons: Limited advanced design features, not as visually dynamic as Wix, less focused on high-quality image presentation.
3. Wix
   • Pros: Extensive customization, stunning templates, high-resolution image support, advanced design features, strong SEO and marketing tools.
   • Cons: Steeper learning curve, can be time-consuming to set up initially.

Creating the perfect online photography portfolio is a journey, and each website builder has its strengths and weaknesses. Pixieset is ideal for photographers who prioritize simplicity and client proofing. Weebly offers a balance of ease of use and customization for those looking to expand beyond basic galleries. However, for photographers like myself who desire the highest level of design flexibility and advanced features, Wix stands out as the best choice. It may require more effort to master, but the results are well worth it, allowing you to showcase your work in the most professional and visually appealing way possible.

If you’re serious about your online presence and ready to invest in a platform that can grow with you, I highly recommend giving Wix a try. Your photography deserves the best showcase possible, and with Wix, you can achieve that and more. Keep in mind there are more options out there, but the three I tried are listed above. I’m nowhere near a website design expert or professional photographer, but this was my experience.

If you'd like to check out my work, visit yuvalcohenphoto.wixsite.com/home.