As photographers, we rely mostly on our own skills and experience. And for the longest time we were the ones responsible what our portfolios looked like and how we designed out flyers and gift cards.
During the last couple of years new platforms have been making our work easier, Canva being one of them. Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create different designs and visuals with its’ user-friendly interface. So why would any photographer want to change from Adobe software to Canva?
I was hesitant too, don’t get me wrong.
For the longest of time I felt that as someone who had an extensive creative background, I should be using Indesign for everything I was creating. This was only due to the widespread reputation Adobe has and how it’s inherently connected whether one is seen as a professional in their field or not.
You can see creatives having differing views about this on the internet, where some are saying it’s not considered to be a real design platform where others, who might’ve always wanted to learn design, are now capable to do so.
I wanted to debunk some of the arguments and go through the variety of services Canva offers to it’s creatives. And if you do decide to make your life easier and go with Canva, these are just some of the features I professionally use.
Professional-looking Portfolios
We all know your portfolio is your calling card. It’s singlehandedly the best way to impress potential clients and really show what you’re all about.
Canva has an extensive list of different portfolio templates that are designed to showcase images in a visually appealing way. You can always customize them to match your branding and style, and just use the template as a foundation to add your own touch to it.
When previously I had to create a portfolio file from scratch knowing it would take me anywhere from 2-4hrs to get everything looking good (I wasn’t too skilled in adding colors and elements in Indesign), now it takes me an hour max. This is because I still want to always make sure that what I’m presenting is really mine, and not just a template I took and used.
Social Media Marketing
We use to have portfolios only as PDFs, but it’s clear everyone need to have an online portfolio nowadays. You might have a professional photography website for your work, but having a more accessible platform which will make it easy to showcase your work (and for people to find you), using Instagram or Pinterest can really make a difference.
Canva has a variety of templates for this and once you edit them to be more coherent with your photography style, you can reuse them and just change the headlines and images.
If for example you want to inform your followers about a collaboration you did or a discount you’re giving to them, making a post and a story on Instagram will catch their attention.
Pinterest on the other hand can work as a directing platform; people are often looking for inspiration and tips through there. By sharing your photography tricks will inspire others to find meaning and concrete actionable steps for their own practice.
What really made me switch from Indesign to Canva was the drag-and-drop functionality and editing features – it became an essential tool for my visuals and upgrading my marketing for multiple platforms.
Email Newsletters
If you are looking to provide value and updates to your audience and clients, email newsletters can be a valuable tool in doing so.
By sending regular updates on your latest projects, special offers, and other news, you can keep your audience engaged and interested in your work. And what’s a better way to do so than create newsletters that look like you. You could be showcasing your latest photo shoots, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights, or providing helpful tips and advice.
Photo Editing and Layout Options
While all Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Canva are used for creating visual content, they have different specialties and purposes.
Adobe Photoshop is a photo editing software that allows for advanced image manipulation, retouching, and compositing. It’s a powerful choice for photographers and designers who require a high level of precision and control in their image editing. On the other hand, Adobe InDesign is a layout and design software that is primarily used for creating print and digital publications such as brochures, magazines, and books. Its main focus is on typography, layout, and page design.
While Canva may not have the same level of advanced photo editing capabilities as Photoshop, it does offer a number of filters, effects, and basic editing tools that can be used to enhance photos and create visually appealing designs quickly and easily.
Yes, all three tools can be used for image editing, and they have different strengths and specialties. In my opinion, it works to accomplish both needs in a sufficient and easily understandable way.
I do recommend Adobe softwares if you’re really focusing on becoming a pro on your field. And I do occasionally still utilize them, but for everyday, I have switched in using Canva. I believe you can receive better value for your money, and it’s monthly price is only 12€.
And even better, if you’re not quite sure to hop onto using Canva full-time; you can always opt-in for the free version.