Disclaimer: this article does NOT include any affiliate links or other links that i would get paid
As a photographer, I use way more than just my camera and editing software. There are a bunch of websites and tools I keep coming back to for planning shoots, getting inspired, staying legal with drones, or even just sending files to clients.
Here’s my list of sites that I think every photographer should have bookmarked.
Google Maps & Street View – maps.google.com
This one’s obvious but underrated. I use Google Maps all the time for planning where to go next. Street View is amazing for checking out locations before I even leave the house – you can see what the area looks like, where to park, or if there’s anything interesting nearby. Perfect for scouting photo spots without wasting time. And also this is amazing when I’m taking photos with my drone because I can see how everything looks above before I am even there or my drone is in the air.
SunCalc.net – suncalc.net
This is a must for outdoor shoots. SunCalc lets you see where the sun will be at any time of the day for any location. I use it to plan golden hour shoots or to avoid harsh midday light especially when I’m doing real estate photography and taking photos of the buildings. Just pick your date and spot on the map, and it shows the sun’s path. Simple but so useful, truly great!
Flyk – flyk.io
If you’re flying drones, this is a lifesaver (especially here in Finland). Flyk shows areas where you can and can’t fly your drone, along with restrictions some cities or zones might have. Super important if you want to avoid fines or awkward conversations with authorities. Not sure if it works worldwide though, so double-check your local area before flying.
WeTransfer – wetransfer.com
Sharing big photo folders or raw files? WeTransfer makes it painless. Just drag and drop your files, and send the link. No account needed (unless you want their Pro version for bigger storage). I use it a lot and it is easy to use. For sure 10/10
Pinterest – pinterest.com
Whenever I feel stuck or need ideas for a shoot, Pinterest is my go-to. I make mood boards for portrait sessions, real estate photography vibes, or even just cool lighting setups. It’s basically endless inspiration at your fingertips.
Windy – windy.com
Planning an outdoor shoot or flying a drone? Windy shows super detailed weather maps, wind speeds, and forecasts. Way better than just using your phone’s weather app.
PhotoPills – photopills.com
This is more of an app than a website, but worth mentioning. PhotoPills helps with planning literally everything – sunrise, sunset, Milky Way positioning, time-lapses, and even depth of field calculations. If you’re serious about landscapes or astrophotography, this is gold.
Locationscout – locationscout.net
Ever wonder where those Instagram-perfect photos were taken? Locationscout is a site where photographers share exact locations and tips for shooting there. Great for travel photography or exploring new areas.
500px – 500px.com
A classic for finding inspiration and also sharing your own work. It’s less chaotic than Instagram and more geared towards photographers. You can even license your photos here.
Canva – canva.com
I think this one is self explanatory, but I will mention it because there might be some people who don’t know about it yet. Canva is free and it’s great for social media like Pinterest or creating basically everything that you can think of. You can also edit videos, but I don’t know how great it is so you can figure that one out yourself. But overall fantastic site.
These are the tools that I have found helpful. Some help me plan better, some save me time, and some just keep me inspired.
If you might know some great sites please leave a comment to share your knowledge. Thanks!
Here is a bonus one that has helped me a lot!
I compared my camera with others to make sure that it is the right one for me (I have Nikon D850)
Photography Life – link to the site
Photography Life is one of the best online resources for photographers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this site has something for you.
You can easily compare different cameras and see all the differences between them, making it much simpler to find the right gear for your needs. There are also tons of in-depth camera and lens reviews that break down real-world performance so you know exactly what to expect.
But it’s not just about gear—Photography Life is packed with helpful articles on photography in general and all kinds of tutorials. From mastering the basics to exploring advanced techniques, the guides are clear, practical, and written by experienced photographers.
It’s a clean, well-organized site that makes learning and researching fun. That’s why so many photographers rely on it as their go-to place for inspiration, knowledge, and advice.