ShootQ vs. 17hats
Which CRM Fits Your Photography Business Best?
Choosing the right CRM is more than picking features it’s about finding a system that matches how you run your business. Both ShootQ and 17hats offer solid tools for client management, but they serve different needs and business styles.
If you’re a photographer looking for clarity on which system fits better, here’s what you need to know.
ShootQ: Built for Photographers with Workflow Depth
ShootQ was designed specifically for photographers, which shows its features. From detailed lead tracking to job specific workflows and automation, it’s structured to follow the real path of a photography client, from inquiry to image delivery.
You can automate nearly every step of the process: emails, contracts, invoices, and tasks and apply different workflows to different session types or brands. It’s ideal for studios that need more than a simple to do list and want to save time by automating recurring steps.
If you manage associate shooters or multiple brands, ShootQ handles that too. You can assign roles, set access permissions, and manage distinct workflows under one account.
17hats: Simple, All in One for Solopreneurs
17hats is best known for its simplicity. It’s an all in one system that includes CRM, bookkeeping, to do lists, and even a basic calendar. For solo photographers or creatives juggling many hats (pun intended), it’s a practical option that keeps things consolidated in one place.
The interface is straightforward, and it doesn’t take long to learn. For users who value ease over customization, 17hats delivers an efficient, no frills experience.
But its simplicity can also be limiting especially if you outgrow the basics or want deeper workflow control. Many users eventually find themselves wanting more automation, more structure, or better scalability.
Where ShootQ Falls Short
To keep things real: ShootQ isn’t perfect. It takes longer to set up than 17hats especially if you’re building complex workflows from scratch. Its interface is more function focused than design focused, so if you’re looking for something visually polished, you may prefer 17hats' cleaner look.
While ShootQ is incredibly powerful once it’s customized, it’s not as beginner friendly out of the gate. If you’re just starting your business or prefer simplicity over structure, you might find the setup process a little overwhelming.
When 17hats Makes More Sense
If you’re a solo photographer just starting out, and you want a fast, all in one solution that’s easy to manage, 17hats is worth a serious look. It handles the basics well and includes tools like bookkeeping and calendar sync that help keep everything in one spot.
However, if your business grows, or if you’re already at the point where you need to customize client journeys, run multiple brands, or bring on team members, you might find yourself running into 17hats’ limitations.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ShootQ if you're looking for:
- A CRM tailored to photographers
- Advanced, customizable workflows
- Multi brand or team support
- Automation that actually saves time
Choose 17hats if you want:
- A simple, all in one tool for solo business owners
- Basic automation and CRM tools
- Built in bookkeeping and task lists
- A lighter learning curve
Try ShootQ for Yourself
Want to see what a photography focused CRM can do?
Start your free trial of ShootQ and build a workflow that finally works the way you do.
