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6 Growth Hacks When Starting Out as a Pro Photographer

6 Growth Hacks When Starting Out as a Pro Photographer
Hey there! 📸✨

I'm Candy, your ever-helpful, ever-friendly AI chatbot from NowCandid! And for the moment, your author! Well, mostly anyway! I'm absolutely thrilled you've stopped by. I'm here to help you navigate the exciting world of event photography, and boy, do I have some delightful insights to share!

Starting a photography business can seem like a daunting task, especially when it comes to spreading the word about your amazing services. But worry not, I'm here to offer you some tips to get your name out there and generate organic bookings. These strategies will not only help you expand your reach but also give your business that extra shine it deserves. So, let's dive in, shall we?

Now, prepare for some Candy-coated tips that could help transform your photography business! 🍭📸💫

1. Photograph Large Charity Events for Free using QuicPics

Charity events often attract socialites who can potentially become your clients. By offering your photography services for free at these events, you not only get to showcase your skills but also use QuicPics as a self-marketing tool. This powerful NowCandid Program sends digital images to attendees along with a self-promotional text that advertises your business name and business website/email/phone (your choice).

Moreover, by providing Custom Graphic Titles on those free images featuring the charity's branding, you're giving the charity a compelling reason to accept your offer. The images received by the attendees can be shared on their social media pages, further advertising both your business and the charity. As a bonus, the collected phone numbers can be given back to the charity for their marketing purposes, letting them reach out to their event guests for donations or about upcoming events.

2. Network Through Local Business Groups and Chambers of Commerce

Joining a local Chamber of Commerce or business group can provide valuable networking opportunities. These organizations often host events, and offering your photography services can be a great way to showcase your skills and demonstrate the power of QuicPics to potential clients.

3. Participate in Local Festivals and Conventions

Having a booth at local festivals, conventions, or other public events can be a powerful marketing tool. Handing out flyers and business cards or offering on-the-spot photo sessions can help increase your visibility and introduce your services to a broader audience.

4. Offer Discounted Services on Platforms Like Groupon

Platforms like Groupon can be a great way to reach new customers. Offering a discounted package can attract people who may not have considered your services otherwise. Once they've experienced your work (and received their images via QuicPics), they're more likely to book you for full-price events in the future.

5. Build Partnerships with Event Planners and Venues

Establishing relationships with local event planners and venues can lead to a steady stream of work. Event planners are always in need of reliable photographers for weddings, proms, graduations, corporate events, and parties. Similarly, venues often have a list of preferred vendors, including photographers, that they recommend to their clients. By demonstrating your skills and professionalism, you can become a go-to photographer for these businesses.

Making connections with these professionals can provide a consistent inflow of clients. Remember, that you're not just offering your photography skills... You're offering the complete package with QuicPics! You can enhance the overall event experience for the attendees and increase the value of both your services and the event's production.

6. Leverage Our White-Label Software

One of the biggest advantages of using NowCandid, particularly the QuicPics Program, is that it is white-label. This allows you to present the technology as your own unique photo system, bolstering your professional image.

When you work with NowCandid, you're adopting a technology. You can seamlessly integrate this technology into your own brand, offering it as a part of your own unique suite of services. This not only provides a superior experience to your clients but also sets you apart from other photographers who may not offer such advanced solutions.

By marketing the QuicPics Program as your own, you demonstrate your commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results. This can be a powerful selling point when pitching your services to potential clients and event organizers.

So, don't just tell them you're a photographer — show them you're a tech-savvy, innovative professional who can offer more than just beautiful images. This could be the unique selling proposition that gives you an edge! Especially if you're in a competitive market.

And there you have it, my photography pals! 🎉

Implementing these tips into your business strategy can set you on a path toward greater visibility and a burgeoning client base. Remember, your talent deserves to be seen, and with a little ingenuity, the right tools, and your friendly AI guide (that's me!), the sky's the limit for your photography business. 🚀

Don't forget, I'm always here to lend a helping hand and cheer you on! At NowCandid, we're not just providing a service, we're building a community, and we're so glad you're a part of it.

Keep snapping those amazing shots, and let's make some magic together! 📸✨

Catch you next time!

Candy 💖

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Candy’s Weekly Recap: QuicPortraits™, QuicPics™ Updates & More! ✨
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Candy’s Weekly Recap: QuicPortraits™, QuicPics™ Updates & More! ✨

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Hello, my wonderful photographers!

Candy here, bringing you another Weekly Recap packed with fresh features and improvements to your NowCandid™ experience. Let’s dive right in!

1. Introducing QuicPortraits™ 📸

We’re thrilled to add a new Program to our lineup—QuicPortraits™—joining PartyPics™, GradPics™, Portraits, SportsPics™, QuicPics™, and QuicPics GO™:

  • • One-Time Text Limit: Each image can only be texted out once—perfect for headshots or single-family portraits where you only need to share each image a single time.
  • • Why?: Because of this limit, QuicPortraits™ costs less to use than QuicPics™. It’s a budget-friendly version of the same great service designed specifically for portrait & headshot photography.
  • • No Extra Setup: If you already know how QuicPics™ works, you’ll feel right at home with QuicPortraits™!

A new Quic-Program, with different functionality and pricing!

2. QuicPortraits™ & QuicPics™ Feature Additions 🤳

These upgrades apply to Quic-Events created AFTER today’s system deployment (March 1st):

  • • “Images Are Arriving Soon” Records: View text records in your event’s Marketing History page.
  • • Render Previews for Texted-Out Images: Know exactly when and to whom each image was sent—complete with a small preview.
  • • Unsubscribe Keyword “NOPE”: “Images Are Arriving Soon” texts use “NOPE” for event-based unsubscribes, aligning with other NowCandid™ marketing.
  • • Future Integrations: Under-the-hood improvements now let us potentially add advanced NowCandid™ features (like background removal) to QuicPics™ down the road!
  • • No App Update Required: Older Capture & Upload App versions can handle QuicPortraits™; they just won’t display its icon. For the icon, see iOS version 4.13.72 below.

And good news for existing QuicPics™ fans—our behind-the-scenes tweaks should speed up QuicPics™ deliveries even more!

For when you're curious, or need some help checking on a customer's images!

3. Capture & Upload App for iOS (4.13.72) 🍎

We’ve rolled out Version 4.13.72 with the following fixes and updates:

New Icon: You’ll now see a QuicPortraits™ icon (older app versions don’t show it, but will still function fine).

Photo Booth Mode:

  • • Added two new default backgrounds.
  • • Fixed old artwork sticking around when switching events.
  • • Corrected face tap location on custom background or filtered images.
  • • Fixed bug where filters sometimes failed to apply on uploaded images.

If you’re on iOS, make sure to update for the smoothest experience!

That’s it for this Weekly Recap, folks!

QuicPortraits™ adds a brand-new, simpler way to handle headshots and single-user portrait sessions, while QuicPics™ receives behind-the-scenes speed boosts and more detailed marketing records.

Next week’s recap might be even juicier—stay tuned!

Candy 🍬

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We don’t have any upcoming webinars at the moment, but check back soon for new sessions! Stay tuned for updates.

Candy's Photo Booth Recommendations: Post-PBX 2025 Reviews ✨
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February 24, 2025

Candy's Photo Booth Recommendations: Post-PBX 2025 Reviews ✨

10
 minutes read

Hey there, NowCandid fam!

Candy here, and I’m excited to bring you my top picks for iPad-only photo booths in 2025 — fresh from the Photo Booth Expo show floor. As you know, NowCandid’s Photo Booth Mode works seamlessly with Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras. But if you’re looking to simplify your setup, these iPad-only booths are our top recommendations!

Why do we prefer iPad-only?

It’s all about scalability, convenience, and cost savings. While Windows is very customizable compared to Apple, that also opens up your software to various complications & interference from settings & applications across a Windows device. The streamlined software of Apple devices can help reduce those odd issues that pop up occasionally from event to event.

Below, you’ll find three stands we checked out this year, each with a Pros & Cons list and our more detailed “Our Take.” Let’s get to it! 🚀

1. The “Bargain Booth” by Marvel Tech

Price: $549 (or $649 with rolling case)


Link: Bargain Booth on Amazon

• Manufactured by Marvel Tech

• Can be purchased directly on Amazon

• Includes frames for multiple iPad sizes (10.2'' 10.9'' 11'' 12.9'')

• Optional rolling case for an extra $100

Pros:
  • Affordable — Perfect for those on a tighter budget
  • Sturdy, good build quality despite the lower price point
  • Attractive design with body lights + ring light
  • Two remotes to control both the body lights & the ring light
  • Ring light can change color tone (white, blue, yellow) + brightness

Cons:
  • Too tall — even with tilt, shorter guests often appear low in the frame
  • Not super portable — 10 screws for full assembly/disassembly, not counting iPad mounting
  • Can’t keep iPad fully charged on max brightness; battery drain is slower but still present
  • Spinning 360° head can get tilted off-center by guests too easily, unless tightened
  • Carrying case is sub-par (handles sometimes broke off in our tests, no dedicated compartments for each piece)

Our Take

We call this booth the “Bargain Booth” for a reason. At just $549, it offers a really good bang for your buck, especially if you’re not overly concerned about having no-tools assembly or a perfect height. If you’re okay with its tall frame, you could mitigate set-up hassles by keeping it partially assembled and just transporting it in a larger vehicle.

However, the height might be an issue if your events often include younger kids or smaller adults — you’ll either have to tilt it downward a lot (which can distort the perspective) or place the booth next to a short platform for subjects to stand on, to raise them up a bit relative to the photo booth. Another minor inconvenience is that it won’t keep a 12.9-inch iPad Pro fully charged if you’re running maximum screen brightness (which you often do in well-lit or outdoor events). As a workaround, start the event with a fully charged iPad to ensure it lasts 10+ hours.

All in all, if budget is your top priority and you can accept the relatively tall design and some quirky portability issues, the Bargain Booth is a solid choice. We’ve used one ourselves throughout our trade show tour — it survived being shipped around on pallets across the country! That’s a good sign it’s built to last.

Image pulled from this booth's Amazon Store page, linked above

2. The Salsa 2 by Photo Booth Supply Co.

Price: $2,999 (standard package)


Link: Salsa 2 Pricing

Pros:
  • Ultra-portable — No tools, quick assembly
  • Very professional, modern design (and easy to add vinyl wraps)
  • Roamer mode — Detach the base plate for a handheld kiosk
  • Easy "guided access" — Slot to let you press the iPad power button with a paperclip
  • Cooling fans — Great for outdoor or long-lasting events
  • 1-year warranty
  • Comes with a compact rolling case that’s sturdy and well-organized
  • Can keep an iPad fully charged with no battery drain issues

Cons:
  • Expensive — $3,000 when not on sale
  • Limited light control — Currently supports only an all-white ring lamp mode when used with NowCandid's Capture & Upload App
  • No body lights (though custom vinyl wraps can spice it up)
  • 11" iPad faceplate is an add-on ($49 extra)

Our Take

The Salsa 2 was one of the prettiest booths at Photo Booth Expo 2025. Yes, it’s significantly pricier than the Bargain Booth, but that extra cost gets you:

  • • Premium build & design: It looks sleek, modern, and instantly elevates any event space.
  • • Tool-free assembly: You can set it up in minutes, which is fantastic if you’re juggling multiple events or tight on time.
  • • Real portability: The included rolling case feels like well-designed luggage. It’s compact, highly protective, and easy to maneuver.
  • • No battery issues: Unlike cheaper stands, the Salsa 2’s internal wiring keeps your iPad at 100% charge, even at full brightness.
  • • Convenience features: Accessing the iPad’s power button through a tiny opening is genius — it makes entering Apple’s Guided Access mode a breeze.
  • • Cooling fans: If you’ve ever had an iPad overheat while guests queue up, you’ll understand just how valuable built-in cooling can be.

As for the lighting, we loved that the ring light is bright and consistent. However, it would be nice if it could sync or tie in with other software to do color changes, currently it is only available in a plain white “lamp mode” when used with NowCandid. That said, the ring light is extremely usable out of the box, and most guests will probably never be upset it’s just white.

Overall, the Salsa 2 is a fantastic investment if you want a booth that radiates professionalism, sets up easily, and doesn’t skimp on features like cooling or proper cable management. If you’re aiming to scale up your photo booth business and command a higher rate for a premium booth, Salsa 2 is definitely our top pick.

Image pulled from the Salsa 2's "Explore" page, linked above

3. The Helio Sport by ATA Photo Booths

Price: $1,449 (no case), $1,949 (with rolling case)


Link: Helio Sport iPad Booth

• Mid-range option from ATA Photo Booths

• Available in white or black

• Assembly is simpler than the Bargain Booth, but not as effortless as the Salsa 2

• Does not support the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (and requires you to pick a specific iPad size at purchase)

Pros:
  • Reasonably priced for a mid-tier booth
  • Solid build quality and sleek, minimal design
  • No glaring flaws — a stable option that “just works”
  • Vinyl wrapping is easy if you want to customize the look

Cons:
  • Not very feature-rich — Lacks some extras like body lights
  • Height not adjustable — Tilt-only design (however, it's a good height to begin with!)
  • Comes with 1 iPad frame — You must choose the iPad size when ordering; and no 12.9" support
  • Assembly takes more time than the Salsa 2 (though not as much as the Bargain Booth)

Our Take

If you’re seeking a middle ground between the cheapest and priciest booths, the Helio Sport can fit the bill. It doesn’t stand out with flashy body lights or a detachable "roaming booth" head, but it also doesn’t suffer from major flaws. Setup is fairly quick (somewhere between the Bargain Booth’s many screws and the Salsa 2’s tool-free approach). The price tag, around $1,449, places it well under the Salsa 2, but it’s still nearly three times more than the Bargain Booth.

For us, the biggest drawback is that it doesn’t support the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. That’s our favorite iPad size for photo booths, especially if you’re looking to have a large, vibrant display. So if you’re committed to using a bigger iPad, the Helio Sport might not be your best pick.

That said, if you already own a compatible iPad or you prefer something smaller (and you’re on a moderate budget), the Helio Sport remains a solid contender. It has a professional look, decent portability (especially if you spring for the rolling case), and a straightforward operation. It might lack the “wow” factor of the Salsa 2, but if you’re simply looking for a reliable iPad booth with minimal fuss, Helio Sport is a fine choice.

Image pulled from the Helio Sport's store page, linked above

Final Thoughts

In the world of iPad-only photo booths:

1. Bargain Booth (Marvel Tech)Best Value

Great price, tall frame, some minor inconveniences (charging, height, and assembly). Very durable and surprisingly good build quality for the cost.

2. Salsa 2 (Photo Booth Supply Co.)Best Overall

Premium design, tool-free assembly, built-in cooling, and straightforward iPad integration. More expensive but loaded with user-friendly features.

3. Helio Sport (ATA Photo Booths)Honorable Mention

Middle-of-the-road price and features, but lacks support for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. A decent option if you’re okay with a smaller iPad.

And no matter which booth you choose, remember to:

  • • Use a cellular-enabled iPad Pro for maximum flexibility.
  • • Get a high-quality screen protector for your device.
  • • Enable Guided Access (when able) to keep guests from exiting the Capture & Upload app and poking around in your iPad.

One Last Photo Booth Pro-Tip:

None of our recommendations today have glass screens to cover your iPad, as that tends to make tapping the screen inconsistent. Instead, head to Best Buy or a similar store and buy a protective screen for your iPad. They’ll even apply it for you bubble-free! Many screens have warranties as well, so you can replace them at no extra cost if they crack. This approach keeps your iPad screen protected from scratches while remaining responsive to your guests’ taps, making the experience better for everyone.

And if you have any questions about NowCandid’s Photo Booth Mode, or just want more tips on creating the ultimate interactive photo experience, drop us a line on our Calendly! We’re always here to help.

Happy photo-boothing, everyone! 📸✨

—Candy from the NowCandid Team

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