Its specialist strengths are your priority.
- Unlimited full-resolution JPEG storage is the deciding requirement.
- You want a polished photo vault, portfolio, and storefront.
- You prefer mature 24-hour support and established delivery tools.
Photo storage, portfolio, and selling
Patsy vs SmugMug: an exceptional photo home or a working studio partner?
SmugMug is a compelling choice for unlimited full-resolution JPEG storage, presentation, and selling. Patsy is aimed at photographers whose harder problem is deciding how to present, price, market, and improve the public business.
Where SmugMug is stronger
A real reason to choose it.
SmugMug combines unlimited JPEG storage with proven galleries, portfolio presentation, selling, and 24-hour human support.
Where Patsy is different
Help inside the work itself.
Patsy connects website direction to the pricing, positioning, marketing, and SEO decisions that surround a photographer's work.
The current facts
What matters before the philosophy.
These are selected decision facts, not an attempt to reproduce every plan or feature. Follow the source links below for the latest complete terms.
Direct$20 monthly when billed annually
Portfolio$23.50 monthly when billed annually
Pro$37 monthly when billed annually
JPEG storageUnlimited on all plans
Side by side
Different operating models, not just different feature lists.
A feature can exist in both products and still require very different amounts of setup, judgment, maintenance, or connected software.
| Decision area | Patsy | SmugMug |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 25 GB on Essential and 500 GB on Studio, with private gallery delivery and hard upload caps. | Unlimited full-resolution JPEG storage on all plans. |
| Public site | Built around specialty, location, services, and booking intent. | Portfolio and gallery presentation with strong photo storage roots. |
| Sales | The Founding test-mode journey includes products, Stripe test checkout, and Prodigi sandbox fulfillment. Live production and provider costs are separate. | Established storefront and fulfillment options. |
| Business workflow | Four focused modes share the photographer's studio context. | The product focuses more heavily on photos, presentation, storage, and sales. |
| Best reason to choose | Photographer-specific guidance that connects the website to business decisions. | Far more included JPEG storage. |
You want fewer operating jobs.
- Your website needs to drive inquiries instead of primarily hosting photographs.
- You want photographer-specific website, business, marketing, and SEO guidance in one context.
- You want to ask for recommendations and drafts in ordinary language.
If you may switch
Protect the business before changing the software.
No comparison page can promise a perfect transfer. Export first, verify the details that matter to current clients, and keep the old system available until the new path works.
- Treat SmugMug as the photo archive until every original is independently backed up.
- Map custom URLs, portfolio pages, gallery links, and storefront products before rebuilding.
- Do not move unlimited archives into an active-delivery plan without a separate retention strategy.
- Verify download quality, gallery privacy, and client links before any cutover.
Official sources
Check the current product before deciding.
Last verified July 15, 2026. Patsy and PA Digital Studio are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SmugMug. Product names belong to their respective owners. Prices can vary by billing term, location, promotion, tax, and selected add-ons.
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