A much overdue Pro Photo 6 review
See our latest Pro Photo review article written in 2021.
I started using Pro Photo 6 in December. Â I was in the first round of beta testers. When I got the email inviting me to beta test this much-awaited release, I was so ridiculously excited… like my eight year old at Christmas excited.
Pro Photo gave each of the testers, mostly Pro Photo designers, a copy of the software without any documentation.  They made it super easy to give feedback and ask questions, with a contact form right inside the platform, but there were no instructions at all. A true challenge to unravel.
I quickly got it installed. Â I’ve been working with Pro Photo since version 2. Typically I can answer questions about how to do something without even being in front of it. I looked at version 6 and wow it was different. Â Having experience with multiple platforms including other themes with a graphic interface on the backend like Pro Photo, it was somewhat familiar to things I’ve seen before but nothing like past versions of Pro Photo.
It reminded me a bit of Divi by Elegant themes, which may have lead to it confusing me even more since it was semi-similar but kept surprising me with how it functioned. I think I contacted the development team at least 5 times every time I logged in to work in the software. Â Maybe more…
Remember being a child, begging for that one Christmas present and getting it, only to be disappointed? Â You wanted to love the Barbie Dream House or the new game for your Atari, but it just wasn’t all that.
I kept going back and trying to do more with it. Â The lists came out of when features would be added. Â The ones I wanted were way off, and the program just didn’t function in a way that was time efficient to use for development, even after the public release.
The thing is, I really like Pro Photo and I trust them to make awesome products. I held onto hope that this latest version would get there eventually.  I thought about writing a review back in the spring but I couldn’t say anything good, so I decided to hold on.
I’m thrilled to say that I now love Pro Photo 6.
What they have done since they released the first beta to the version that is now available is amazing. Â Keep in mind they created a completely new product. Â This is not an upgrade from Pro Photo 5 so much as a completely new theme. Â Its mobile version is just as beautiful and customizable as the desktop version, which is essential today.
[irp posts=”2568″ name=”A new look for Jen Snyder Photography”]
As always, Pro Photo has created a website platform that has everything photographers could want, showcasing their images with the beauty of a portfolio but with the versatility of WordPress.
Do I recommend Pro Photo 6?
Definitely.
Would I upgrade from Pro Photo 5?
Only if you are ready for a change, and hold on! Â It’s got a steep learning curve, and it will be a major change in looks as well. Â Plan to invest time to do it yourself or money for a designer. Â If you are ready and have design inspirations for a modern mobile friendly website, heck yes.
Do I plan to change my business websites to Pro Photo 6?
No. Â I’m a geek and love the control through code with the Genesis framework. Â It is the best platform for what I do. Â If I was still a professional photographer, my answer would be different.
Will I use Pro Photo 6 for clients?
Certainly and excitedly! I’m thrilled with the idea of using it for my photographer clients for custom designs. Â I’m also working on ProPhoto 6 templates (and have teaser photos added to this post) that I will be offering for sale very soon.
The only downside I see to Pro Photo 6 is that it’s going to take time to learn. Â For me, now that the backend clicks and is refined, it works wonderfully. Â It makes sense but just takes a little while for the idea behind it to jive.
Some people may struggle with it but I think if you figured out Pro Photo in the past and don’t get frustrated with software, you’ll get it. Â The website has extensive well-done documentation including text and video instruction to help with the learning curve.
The obvious benefits of Pro Photo are the lovely websites you can create, with a solid platform that will function as it’s intended to, and the ability for photographers to make updates themselves.
[irp posts=”1801″ name=”Lindsay Fauver Photography, a Pro Photo Design”]
The reason though that I have always loved using Pro Photo for my clients is that the team is incredible. Â They are so responsive with their tech support, which is just not the case with any other themes or competitors. Â The team knows their stuff and can fix even the most bizarre of problems. Â Trust me, I’ve tested this many times over the years!
If you’d like to purchase Pro Photo, my link will get you a small discount.
Jessie Mary & Co. offers Pro Photo 6 installations, upgrades, template customizations, and custom website design.  If you have questions about what is the best option for your business, schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation to chat with me.