Photography Platform Comparison
Which is better for photographers? Compare features, pricing, and see where Frame Focal fits in.
| Feature | Frame Focal | SmugMug | Zenfolio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client Proofing | |||
| Client favorites / selection tool | ✓ | Pro only | ✓ |
| Password-protected galleries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gallery expiration dates | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Download tracking | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
| Gallery Design & Customization | |||
| Custom watermarks (position, opacity) | ✓ | Portfolio+ | ✓ |
| White-label / remove branding | Pro+ | Portfolio+ | ✓ |
| Modern gallery layouts | ✓ | Limited | — |
| Storage & Delivery | |||
| Global CDN delivery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full-resolution downloads | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video hosting | Pro+ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Unlimited storage plan | Studio (1 TB) | ✓ | — |
| Pricing & Plans | |||
| Free plan available | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Monthly billing option | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 0% commission on sales | ✓ | ✗ | — |
| E-commerce & Print Sales | |||
| Built-in print store | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile Experience | |||
| Mobile-responsive galleries | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Branding & White-Label | |||
| Custom domain | Studio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Portfolio website builder | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Unlimited photo storage, portfolio website, and print sales for photographers.
Best for: Hobbyist and enthusiast photographers who prioritize unlimited storage for personal archives. Also used by pros who need a portfolio site.
Pricing: $20/mo (annual billing only)
Photography website, client galleries, and print sales with AI-powered tools.
Best for: Professional portrait and event photographers who want an all-in-one website + gallery + sales platform.
Pricing: $9/mo (no free plan)
Both SmugMug and Zenfolio are solid platforms, but they come with trade-offs. If you want clean gallery delivery, transparent pricing, and full watermark control, Frame Focal is built specifically for that workflow.
Start with the free plan — 2 GB storage, 3 galleries, password protection, and global CDN delivery. No credit card, no commitment.
Simple, transparent plans. Start free, upgrade when you're ready.
It depends on your needs. Frame Focal focuses on gallery delivery and client proofing with transparent pricing. SmugMug unlimited photo storage, portfolio website, and print sales for photographers. Zenfolio photography website, client galleries, and print sales with ai-powered tools. If clean galleries, watermarking, and download tracking are your priorities, Frame Focal is worth a look.
Yes. Download your photos from either platform and upload them to Frame Focal using our bulk uploader. The process is straightforward for both.
Yes — 2 GB storage, 3 galleries, password protection, and global CDN delivery. No credit card required.
Frame Focal plans start free and go up to $79/month for the Studio tier with 1 TB storage, custom domain, and 4K video. SmugMug starts at $20/mo (annual billing only). Zenfolio starts at $9/mo (no free plan).
Free plan includes 2 GB storage, 3 galleries, and password protection.
Try Frame Focal Free