Best CRM + AI Culling Software for Elopement Photographers
When people ask how I manage $10,000+ elopement packages, multi-day shoots, and a client experience that’s both high-touch and low-stress… the answer isn’t just “I shoot film and love love.”
It’s systems.
More specifically: Dubsado and Aftershoot—the two tools I rely on to keep the backend of my business just as dialed as the creative side.
This post isn’t fluff or affiliate hype. These are the actual programs I use daily—and love deeply—to save time, reduce stress, and create a client experience that feels effortless without me working 24/7.
Let’s dive in.
1. Dubsado – The Best CRM for Photographers Who Want a Real Business (Not a Hobby)
Look, I’m a creative first—but I’m also lowkey obsessed with systems. My idea of fun? Building workflows that feel like a client concierge experience but are secretly 90% automated.
Dubsado is the reason I can do that.
It’s the CRM that finally made my business run like a business. Before Dubsado, I was chasing client emails, manually attaching contracts, sending invoices late, and losing track of tasks. Now? I’ve got branded proposals, automated follow-ups, and everything in one beautifully organized place.
What I use Dubsado for:
- Contracts and invoices sent automatically (and beautifully)
- Automated email sequences after someone inquires
- Client questionnaires and prep guides delivered on schedule
- All my client info, notes, and files stored in one clean portal
Why it matters:
Your client experience should feel seamless—and your admin life shouldn’t feel like chaos. Dubsado lets me stay in CEO mode instead of chaos mode.
🔗 Start your free trial of Dubsado here → My Dubsado Link
Use code jamietobinphotography for 20% off your first month or year.
2. Aftershoot – AI Culling That Cut My Workflow Time in Half
If you’ve ever come back from a three-day elopement with 4,000 images and zero energy to cull them: same.
Culling used to take me 6+ hours per shoot. Now it takes me about one—and it’s all thanks to Aftershoot.
This AI-powered software reviews your RAW files, picks the best images, removes duplicates, flags closed eyes, and gives you a head start that’s freakishly accurate.
How I use Aftershoot:
- Upload a gallery after a shoot
- Let Aftershoot auto-cull and sort by focus, facial expressions, and composition
- Review the selects, tweak if needed, and start editing
Bonus: Aftershoot now offers AI editing, which means it can also help with applying your editing style for faster turnaround.
If you value your time, sanity, and sore wrists, this one’s a no-brainer.
🔗 Try Aftershoot here → Use My Link
They offer a free trial so you can see if it fits your workflow.
Why These Tools Matter (And Why I Genuinely Geek Out Over Them)
Running a successful photography business isn’t just about taking pretty photos—it’s about being able to deliver consistently, protect your time, and create systems that support your creativity instead of stifling it.
That’s what Dubsado and Aftershoot help me do.
These tools let me:
- Book faster (no more ghosting or inbox chaos)
- Deliver faster (without burning out)
- Focus on the parts of my business I love most—like shooting, storytelling, and creating a meaningful client experience
And yes, I genuinely love building these systems. It’s my nerdy little business-geek joy. Because nothing makes me feel more like a real CEO than knowing my backend is buttoned up and my clients are taken care of at every step.
Want to See How I Use Them?
If you’re curious how I’ve customized my Dubsado workflows or how I use Aftershoot in a hybrid digital + film workflow, just reach out. I’m always happy to show photographers how to make their systems work for them instead of draining them.
Seriously—send me a message. I’ll walk you through it.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to sign up or make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share what I genuinely use in my business and love enough to recommend.
Best CRM and AI culling for photographers – Dubsado & Aftershoot
