ShootQ vs. Dubsado

Which CRM Works Best for Photographers?

When you're comparing CRMs for your photography business, Dubsado and ShootQ often come up   and for good reason. Both offer tools to manage leads, bookings, contracts, and payments. But while Dubsado casts a wide net across many industries, ShootQ stays focused on what photographers actually need.



If you’re deciding between the two, here's what to consider.

Built with Photographers in Mind

ShootQ was built by photographers, for photographers. That means every tool   from lead tracking to workflow automation   is tailored to how photographers actually work. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, seniors, or commercial work, ShootQ lets you build workflows that mirror your process from inquiry to delivery.

Dubsado, on the other hand, is designed to serve a wide range of service  based businesses. While it’s flexible, it’s not specialized, which means photographers often have to adapt their process to the system, rather than the other way around.

Deeper Workflow Control

If automation is a priority, ShootQ gives you the tools to create highly detailed workflows with trigger  based actions, job and lead pipelines, and multi  step client journeys. You can build separate workflows for different session types or brands and automate emails, contracts, questionnaires, and invoices.



Dubsado also offers automation, but it often requires workarounds or additional logic mapping to get the same results. If you’re tech  savvy and willing to put in time to build your own system, Dubsado’s flexibility is appealing   but it can feel like building from scratch.

Better for Multi  Brand Studios

ShootQ makes managing multiple brands or associate teams simple. You can set up separate branding, workflows, and permissions all under one account. It’s a smart choice for studios with multiple services, second shooters, or associate photographers.

Dubsado does offer some brand customization, but multi  brand or multi  user setups can feel clunky. If you're running more than one business or need team  based tools, ShootQ is the better fit out of the box.

Simplicity vs. Structure

Dubsado’s interface is modern and visually appealing. For users who want full design control over proposals, forms, and emails, it offers a lot of freedom. But that creative freedom can also lead to inconsistencies or decision fatigue   especially if you're trying to stay efficient.



ShootQ favors structure and function. It’s designed to help you get consistent results with less manual input, especially once your workflows are set up. If you prefer clarity over customization, you’ll appreciate how ShootQ helps you stay organized without reinventing the wheel.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you're a photographer who values structure, automation, and growth  focused tools, ShootQ is the CRM designed for your business. It offers the right balance of customization and control   without requiring you to build your own system from the ground up.



If you’re a creative entrepreneur who wants full design freedom and has time, Dubsado can be a great fit. But if photography is your focus and you’re looking for a CRM that’s ready to support your business now and into the future, ShootQ stands out.

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.