Iris Works vs. Dubsado

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Photography Business

When it comes to managing your photography business, the right studio management system can help you stay organized, save time, and deliver a better client experience. Iris Works and Dubsado are two popular options, but they serve different types of users and business models.

Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which one is the best fit for your workflow.

Iris Works is designed specifically for photographers. From its booking calendars to automated workflows and built  in email marketing, every feature is built with photography businesses in mind. The platform focuses on helping photographers handle leads, send contracts and invoices, manage sessions, and communicate with clients without unnecessary complexity.



Dubsado, on the other hand, is a flexible platform designed for a wide range of creative service providers. It offers deep customization and is ideal for users who want to build their own workflows, create conditional logic, and tailor every step of the client experience to their business.

One of Iris Works’ biggest strengths is how quickly you can get up and running. You don’t need to build complex workflows or spend days learning the system. Most photographers can start using Iris within a day and feel confident navigating it after a quick walkthrough.

Dubsado is powerful but requires more setup time. Many users find the learning curve steep, especially if they want to take full advantage of its advanced automation features. It’s highly customizable, but that also means more time is needed to build, test, and adjust.

Booking and Workflow Tools

Iris Works includes a visual, user  friendly booking calendar that lets clients select a session type, sign a contract, and pay all in one step. Workflows are easy to create and manage, giving you automation without the overwhelm. Email marketing tools are included as well, so you can stay connected with leads and past clients through newsletters and campaigns.

Dubsado also offers scheduling and automation, but it tends to separate these tools across different modules. You can create powerful systems, but the setup requires more effort and technical know  how.

Who Each Platform Is Best For

If you're a photographer who wants a clean, straightforward solution designed around your day  to  day business needs, Iris Works is a great fit. It’s ideal for solo photographers or studios that want to save time, stay organized, and create a seamless booking experience for clients.

If you run a multi  service business or need very specific, highly customizable automation, Dubsado may offer more flexibility especially if you're comfortable spending time building out your system or hiring help to set it up.