Should I get photocrats? Honest photography theme review

I’ve been building photography for over six years now. During this time I worked with dozens of photographers who tried to present their work online.

Most of them came frustrated and overwhelmed by the available options.

The biggest challenge I see is to find a topic that works for photographers. You need something that makes your photos look breathtaking and simple when you often add new galleries.

First I tried to use regular WordPress topics for photo sites. They looked good, but the special features that photographers needed were missing.

In addition, there were some cases in which the galleries looked uncomfortable and out of place.

But the worst thing I noticed was that customer proofing was a nightmare that took gallery management forever, the websites were slow and did not work well on phones.

Then I discovered photocrati and decided to test it thoroughly. I installed it on three different photography websites last year.

I focused on everything, from the basic gallery creation to expanded customer interaction functions. My goal was simple: find out whether this topic meets its promises.

In this review, I will show you exactly what photocrati can and what not. You will find out if it is worth your investment.

I will also share some better alternatives that I found during my tests.

Key points

You will discover the following in this photocrati Review:

• How photocrati is comparable to other photography topics in real use
• Step-by-step institution process and what you can expect during the installation
• The most useful features for photographers and which are too short
• Honest price analysis and whether it offers a good value
• Photocrati alternatives fit their specific needs
• Common problems that photographers are faced and how they can solve them

Let us go into it.

How I test and check WordPress photography topics

I easily take the test of the best photography topics. I have learned from experience that what looks good in a demo often works differently in the real world.

My test process begins with actual photography website. I don’t just install topics on test sites and call them ready.

Instead, I work with real photographers who have real needs. This gives me honest feedback about what works and what doesn’t.

So I rate every topic:

• I installed it on at least two different hosting providers. This shows me how it works in different environments.
• I also test it with different amounts of content. A topic could work with 50 photos, but with 500 crashes.
• I also focus on speed tests. Photography -sites are difficult due to all these pictures.
  • Therefore, I use tools like GTMetrix to check the loading times. In addition, I test how well the topic works on telephones and tablets.
• The most important part is testing the user experience. I invite photographers to upload galleries and manage their content.
  • Your feedback tells me if the topic is user -friendly or just looks like that.
• I spend at least 30 days with every topic before I write a review. This gives me time to discover problems that only appear after regular use.
• I can also test how well the support team reacts to questions.

Apart from that, I always compare topics side by side. It is not enough to know if a topic works. You need to know if it works better than the alternatives.

Why trust isitwp?

At ISITWP, we have years of experience in the field of experience in the examination and creation of WordPress websites, resources and guidelines for thousands of people.

Our WordPress expert team checks every plugin and tool on real websites.

I have personally built over 50 WordPress sites in the past six years. Most of them were for small companies and creative specialists.

This practical experience taught me when choosing topics and plugins.

Our tests are not just about functions and unusual demos. We focus on real problems with which real users are confronted.

When I test a photo topic, I think of the photographer who upload 50 pictures every week. I also look at the customer who has to quickly approve photos.

We do not accept payment for positive reviews. Our recommendations come from real test and user notification. This means that I can tell you the truth about what works and what is not.

Apart from that, we stay up to date with WordPress updates and industry changes when fields like photography are constantly developing.

For example, new image formats are displayed and mobile use continues to grow. As a result, we test how topics adapt to these changes.

Our review process takes weeks, not days. I use every topic long enough to find problems that are only displayed with regular use.

In addition, I test customer support by asking real questions that photographers would ask.

When you read our reviews, you will get an insight from someone who uses these tools.

Photocrati review: Everything you need to know about this photo topic

Since it is a detailed topic check, I divided it into different sections to navigate quickly. You can also select any link below to skip to this section.

Let us go into this photocrati evaluation.

Photocrati overview: What makes this topic something special?

Photocrati Is not just a WordPress topic with pretty galleries. It was specially developed for photographers who want to run their business on their website.

The topic comes from the same company that has created Nextgen Gallery And Figurative. That means you have been in the photo mode for years and know exactly what users need.

This experience shows how you have designed the functions because it feels from photographers for photographers.

What caused my attention was the client -proofing system.

Most photography topics force them to use separate plugins. But photocrati includes it directly from the box. Your customers can register, display their photos and select favorites without additional setup.

The E -Commerce integration is also smooth. You can sell digital downloads, prints and photography packages directly on your website.

I like how the shopping cart works seamlessly with the galleries. This means that customers can buy photos while displaying them.

The photography theme also treats large image collections well, while it remains quickly and quickly.

In addition, different image sizes for different devices are automatically created. As a result, everything looks good on phones and tablets from the start.

Apart from that, photocrati includes the integration of social media to connect other visual platforms to your WordPress website. This means that users can pass on their photos directly from their galleries to their social media accounts.

This gives you free marketing, improves commitment and ensures that users enjoy your website experience.

The design options are flexible without being overwhelming. You will receive professional looking layouts without needing design skills.

What characterizes this topic for photographers is how everything works together. Instead of juggling several plugins, you will receive a complete solution for executing a photographer.

If this photo topic sounds right for you, you will find our photocrati voucher side for the best offers.

Installation and furnishing process

The installation of photocrati is easier than most photographs that I tested. The entire process took about 15 minutes from start to finish.

First you have to buy the topic of buying Photocratis website. After payment, you will receive a download link and a license key. Save both because you need them later.

The installation works like any other WordPress topic.

Go to your WordPress dashboard and choose Look »Topics. Beat the “Add topicButton on the top of the page.

Then select “Upload the topic” and select the Photocrati -Zip file you downloaded.

As soon as the topic is uploaded, activate it to design it live on your website. You can find detailed instructions under the installation of a WordPress theme (beginner manual).

Photocrati differs from normal topics here.

You see a setup assistant who leads you through the basic configuration. If the Setup assistant asks for your license key, enter the previously copied code.

This activates all premium functions and enables automatic updates to ensure that you always have the latest version.

My favorite activity on the Photocrati -Set -up Assistant is that it also helps you to set up your first gallery. In this way you can understand the process without reading any guidelines or waste more time.

As soon as you activate the Pro version, select your site layout directly from the assistant.

Photocrati offers several photography -oriented designs and demos. I recommend starting with the “Pano” layout if you are not sure.

There is a clean, modern look directly from the box, perfect for presenting photos without distractions.

The good thing is that you can change this later.

If you have selected a theme layout, upload several photos to see what everything looks like. I recommend that you upload at least 4 to 6 pictures so that you have enough content to test your gallery.

Next, the topic suggests that you automatically install some helpful plugins that ensure better performance.

This includes tools for image optimization, contact forms, website analyzes, a backup plugin and more. As a result, you do not have to search for additional plugins to get started.

Instead, you can use the recommended and already optimized to work with the Fotothema. However, this is an optional step so that you can deactivate the fields next to the plugin options so as not to install them.

After that, photocrati automatically creates a beautiful portfolio page.

Your galleries are displayed on the dashboard of the topic in your WordPress baking while adding it. You can also use shortcodes to add galleries on any page or post as desired.

What impressed me the most was how the topic dealt with my existing content. I had photos and pages from my old topic. Photocrati imported everything without breaking anything.

Adaptation options and design flexibility

Photocrati offers you many opportunities to make your galleries and pictures look impressive without coding skills.

The adaptation options are powerful, but not overwhelming and make this topic perfect for photography for beginners.

How do you adapt photocrati?

In the subject of customizers, they spend most of the time to make changes. You can access it by going Look » Adjust In your WordPress dashboard.

Everything updated live if you make changes. This means that you can see exactly what your website will look like before you save something.

For example, the color adjustment is uncomplicated. So you can change your main brand colors with just a few clicks.

In addition, the topic automatically creates suitable accent colors. This looks professional, even if you are not a designer.

• The Typography options I was impressed during the test. You will get access to hundreds of Google fonts that can adapt the font sizes for different screen sizes.
  • This means that your text looks excellent on telephones and computers.
• Logo and brand options are comprehensive. You can upload your logo and choose where it is displayed.
• The topic also leaves them Add your photos of watermarks automatically. This protects your work without any additional effort.
• Also the Mobile adaptation functions are excellent. You can hide certain elements on phones or tablets. This will load your mobile website cleanly and quickly.

Finally, you can use the preview window to test different looks without exciting on your live site. This gave me the trust of experimenting with various designs.

User -friendliness for beginners

Photocrati is surprisingly beginner -friendly for such a feature -rich topic.

I tested it with three photographers who had never used WordPress before. All of them created galleries within an hour.

The dashboard layout makes sense from the start. Everything that is photographed appears in a menu section.

You don’t have to hunt through various WordPress menus to find what you need. The symbols are also clear and easy to understand.

Creating your first gallery is incredibly easy. You choose “Add new gallery” and pull your photos into the upload area.

However, layout flexibility is the place where photocrati shines.

You can choose from gitter layouts, masonry or traditional rows. The flexibility does not end there because each gallery can also have a certain layout.

This gives you creative control over how your work is displayed.

The homepage builder is surprisingly easy to use. You can add sections for your biography, the galleries and customer statements presented.

In addition, everything works with drag-and-drop infereness. This means that you can reorganize sections at any time without breaking anything.

I like how the topic automatically deals with all the technical things. It creates thumbnails, optimizes file sizes and organizes everything properly.

In short, the gallery editor has like a modern photo app. You can draw photos to reorganize them.

You can also add titles and descriptions without coding. As a result, you can optimize your images for SEO without using additional tools.

What impressed me the most was how the topic deals with errors. If you upload the wrong photo, you can quickly delete it with just one click without influencing the gallery.

In addition, the topic keeps the backup of your galleries automatically. This means that you can experiment without being afraid of losing your work.

If you have already used WordPress, there is no learning curve because the layout is very similar to the standard layout of the WordPress library.

You can also do this on mobile devices and still have a great experience. You can manage galleries and respond to customer feedback from your phone.

The topic also contains prefabricated templates for various photo styles, such as wedding photographers receive intimate layouts, and portrait photographers have clean, minimal designs.

You can use them as starting points and continue to adapt them. This flexibility helped the photographer with whom I worked to react to their customers.

Photocrati key features

Photocrati grabs several functions that photographers need for their business. I tested everyone extensively to see how well they work in real situations.

Gallery management

The gallery system is the heart of photocrati. Of course, creating galleries feels and does not require any technical skills.

You simply move photos into the upload area and organize automatically.

What distinguishes this is the mass processing function. In this way you can add several photos to titles, descriptions and tags at the same time.

This saves hours when you upload wedding recordings with hundreds of pictures. The system also remembers its settings for future uploads.

The gallery organization’s tools are excellent. You can create categories such as weddings, portraits, events and more.

You can also create subcategories for different years or places. This keeps everything organized when your portfolio grows.

Image optimization

Photocrati automatically optimizes your photos for the web view. This happens behind the scenes without doing anything.

The topic creates several sizes for different devices and screen resolutions and uses intelligent compression to ensure that the best format of the images is displayed to your users without looking at this point.

I tested this with high -resolution pictures and the results were impressive. The loading times remained quickly with visual galleries.

Apart from that, the topic of lazy shops includes. This means that photos are only invited if visitors scroll to them. This keeps your website quickly with hundreds of pictures on one side.

Client interaction tools

Since I develop WordPress websites, I like the client interaction functions that are also user-friendly.

You can create a new gallery, mark it as “privately” and send your customer a link. You can display and select photos without needing a WordPress account.

You can mark favorites, leave comments and request changes back and forth without e -mails.

Setting up customer access is easy. You create a gallery, put them on “private” and send your customer a secure link.

You do not have to create any accounts or remind passwords. You can also determine process data for additional security.

E -Commerce integration

The sale of photos via your website works smoothly with Photocrati. The shopping cart integrates directly into your galleries.

This means that customers can buy prints or digital downloads when displaying their photos. The price system is also flexible, so that you can determine different prices for different pressure sizes.

The checkout process is safe, easy to use and professional-looking. In this way you can offer package offers for several photos.

Mobile reactionability

As already mentioned, every gallery looks good on phones and tablets. The topic automatically adjusts layouts for different screen sizes.

As a result, the touch gestures are perfect for searching photos on mobile devices.

I have tested this in detail on various devices and confirmed that the photos are quickly charged on everything and wonderfully displayed in a wonderful way, from small telephones to large tablets.

In addition, the admin dashboard also works well on your cell phone so that you can adapt your gallery on your phone.

Advantages and disadvantages: my honest evaluation

After I have thoroughly tested photocrati for this evaluation, I can give you an honest picture of what works well and what doesn’t.

No topic is perfect, and just like in any other, it has both strengths and weaknesses.

Advantages – what I love about photocrati:

• The client -proofing system is brilliant. I used it for dozens of customer projects and it always impresses photographers.
• Client tools that are easy to use and are practical. Customers can display, select and comment on photos without confusion. In addition, the entire process takes place on your website, which looks professional.
• The gallery management is smooth and intuitive. Uploading hundreds of photos does not feel like a task. The mass processing functions save tons of time.
• The mobile experience is excellent. Your galleries look stunning on telephones and tablets. This is important because most people now search photos on their telephones.
• The customer support impressed me during the test. When I had questions about customer galleries, they gave me detailed answers that solved my problems.
• The e-commerce integration works seamlessly. Photographers can sell prints and digital downloads without juggling several plugins.
• Of course, the shopping cart feels and does not interrupt the photo viewing experience.
• The organizational tools and the admin dashboard keep everything properly when your portfolio grows.

Disadvantages – areas in which it comes to an end:

• The price is higher than many alternatives. This could be difficult for photographers who are just beginning. You also have to pay annually to continue to receive updates and support.
• The adaptation has limits. Especially if you want to go beyond the integrated options. You cannot easily change the gallery layouts without encoding knowledge.
• The learning curve becomes steeper for extended functions. The creation of the basic gallery is easy, but setting up complex E -Commerce options takes time to master.

Prices and plans from Photocrat

Photocrati uses a subscription price model, which you may surprise if you are used to one-time topics.

Whatever plan you choose, the functions remain the same. What changes is the number of websites you can use with the plan.

This gives you functions to carry out your E -Commerce business such as Printlab -fulfillment, auto sales tax, patrol payments, PayPal payments, evidence and much more.

You will also receive gallery features such as Pro Thumbnail Gallery, Pro Filmstrip Gallery, Pro Masonry Gallery, Pro Flyed Gallery, Image Commentary, Image Dep.

Let me broke what you get for your money.

• Plus plan – starts at 99 USD for 1 site per year
• Pro plan – starts at 139.50 per year for up to 3 websites
• Service schedule -T begins at $ 349.50 a one-time fee for up to 25 websites.

Although photocrati does not have a free plan, you will receive a 100% 14-day money back guarantee. No questions.

So you can test it, and if it cannot ask for a complete refund for you.

Best Photocrati alternatives

While photocrati is an excellent photographer topic, it is not the only option for photography website. I have tested several alternatives that may work better for your specific needs and budget.

Envira Gallery (best alternative)

Envira Gallery is my top recommendation for the best photography plugin for photographers. It is more affordable and easier to use than photocrati.

Since it is not a topic yourself, it works with a WordPress topic and offers you more design flexibility.

I like the drag & drop editor, the Lightbox display and the mobile optimization, with which I can create beautiful galleries in minutes.

You upload photos, choose a layout and are ready. There are no additional steps. In addition, the dashboard is clean and overwhelmes no beginners with too many options.

The performance is also excellent. I have tested websites with large galleries and you can invite you quickly and stay reaction quickly without additional settings.

How photocrati optimizes this gallery plugin automatically and uses intelligent charging techniques.

While client-proofing is not how photocrati is integrated, you can add it to the proofing addon. This keeps the costs appropriate and gives you the functions you need.

For more information, see my detailed Envira Gallery review.

Start with the Envira Gallery here.

Pricing: Offers a free version. Starts at $ 39.50 per year.

Nextgen Gallery

Nextgen Gallery Is perfect for photographers who need an advanced gallery management. There have been large photo collectors better than most alternatives.

It is also more affordable for similar functions than photocrat.

The album system is ideal for organizing various shootings and events. You can Create nested galleries This keeps everything organized.

In addition, the mass processing tools save time when they work with hundreds of photos.

However, the user dashboard feels more complex than photocrati, so that new users may need more time to learn the system. In addition, some functions require additional add-ons that increase the total costs.

You can find more information in my Nextgen Gallery evaluation.

Start Nextgen Gallery here.

Pricing: Free plugin available. Starts at $ 69.50 per year.

Foogallery

Foogallery focuses on beautiful, reaction -fast galleries that work with every topic. It is particularly good for photographers who want breathtaking visual presentations without complexity.

What I love about Foogallery is the variety of layouts. You will receive masonry, justified and portfolio styles that show photos wonderfully.

What is more? The adaptation options are extensive without being overwhelming.

The performance is solid, but not quite as optimized as the Envira gallery. The load times are appropriate for most photographs. The mobile experience on all devices is also excellent.

The main limitation is the lack of customer evidence functions. As a result, you need separate plugins for client interaction and e-commerce. This can increase the complexity for photographers who need these functions.

Start with Foogallery here.

Pricing: Free plugin available. Starts at $ 33.99 per year.

Every alternative has different strengths. The Envira Gallery offers the best balance between functions and user -friendliness. To see which one works best for you, take a look at the comparison between Envira Gallery and Foogallery.

The Nextgen Gallery processes large collections well, and Foogallery creates the most beautiful presentations. Your choice depends on your specific needs and your budget.

This is for me! You now have a better understanding of photocrati through this overview. If something is unclear, read the frequently asked questions below.

FAQs: Photocrati Review

Finale judgment: Should you choose photocrati?

After I have extensively tested photocrati, I can give you a clear recommendation based on various requirements for the photographer.

Photocrati is ideal for established photographers who work regularly with customers.

The Client Proofing system alone justifies the costs if you have constantly selected photos. The professional appearance also helps you to calculate premium prices.

If you are a wedding photographer or portrait photographer who needs customer galleries, this topic is worth investing. The time you save in customer communication pays off quickly.

The topic is best suited for photographers who appreciate the convenience of adaptation. You will receive a complete solution that treats everything from galleries to customer professions to print sales.

However, if you want unique designs or extensive adjustments, you may feel limited.

Technical users who like to optimize and adapt may find photocrati restrictively. The topic does what it does well, but if you step these limits outside of these limits, the coding knowledge requires.

The conclusion is the following: Photocrati solves real problems for working photographers. If these problems meet your needs, it is worth every cent.

You can also watch the best photography plugins to get even more options.

Apart from that, there are other articles where you can read.

These posts help you to easily adapt and build your photography website. You will also carry out how you can adapt to your requirements.