Compare ShootCal with Session, Pixieset, HoneyBook and more
Compare the tools you would use for a normal shoot, from booking the date to sending the photos. Provider information reviewed September 5, 2026; check the linked plans before subscribing.
Start with the work you need the app to do.
Some photographers need a booking calendar; others want galleries, contracts, and invoices together. This table covers the main tools each service offers. Availability depends on the plan, and a checkmark doesn't mean the workflows are identical.
| Feature | ShootCal | Session | Pixieset | HoneyBook | Studio Ninja | Sprout Studio | Google Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Free app | $19/mo, billed monthly | Free Studio Manager; Plus $15 monthly or $12/mo billed annually | Starter from $29/mo billed annually | Starter $16/mo, billed monthly | Lite from $19/mo billed annually | Free personal calendar; paid features vary by account |
| Main tools | Photography calendar, booking, clients, contracts, invoices, and galleries | Session booking, mini sessions, contracts, invoices, and galleries | Separate gallery, website, and studio-management products; Suite bundles available | Client management, forms, payments, and automations | Photography client management and workflows | Photography studio management and galleries | Calendar events and appointment schedules |
| Google Calendar | Uses the Google Calendar you choose | Google Calendar integration | Google Calendar conflict checks | Calendar sync | Google Calendar integration | Google Calendar integration | Your source calendar |
| Client booking | Included | Included | Available on Free; limits vary by plan | Scheduler limits vary by plan | Appointment booking; online booking forms on Pro and Master | Scheduling included by plan | Appointment schedules; premium features vary by account |
| Contracts and questionnaires | Included | Included | Available; Free has document limits | Included | Included | Included by plan | Booking-form fields |
| Invoices and payments | Included; no ShootCal processing markup | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included by plan | Paid appointment bookings on eligible subscriptions |
| Client photo galleries | 10 GB free; optional paid gallery plans | 3 GB included; storage upgrades available | Client Gallery separately or in Suite | 200 GB on paid Starter; more storage on higher plans | Gallery-service integrations | Galleries and storage included by plan | Separate gallery service needed |
Prices are in USD. Monthly and annual billing are labeled separately. Product and plan details can change.
Provider sources: Session →, Pixieset Studio Manager →, HoneyBook →, Studio Ninja →, Sprout Studio →, and Google Calendar appointment schedules →. Gallery details: Pixieset Client Gallery → and HoneyBook Galleries →.
Product names belong to their respective owners. ShootCal is independent and is not affiliated with these services.
Why I built ShootCal
I've run Ryan Smith Photography since 2008. I built ShootCal to help me with all my photography tasks, from booking a client and tracking payments to delivering their final pictures. ShootCal is the studio management system I wish I could have had years ago.
Your calendar stays yours
Connect the Google Calendar you already use and choose where ShootCal should put your bookings. Your existing schedule stays in that calendar.
Plan the time around the light
Choose a start time relative to sunset and check sunrise, tides, and weather while planning a session. This is especially useful when the light or water level affects your location.
Keep the paperwork with the client
Send contracts and invoices, record payments, and use the cash-basis reports for a view of your income and expenses. Export your records when it's time for bookkeeping or tax preparation.
Comparing client gallery platforms?
If gallery delivery is your main concern, compare storage, downloads, Lightroom publishing, and print-store fees on the ShootCal Galleries comparison →.