Feature Updates

Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!📸🎉

Candy

October 1, 2024

minute read

Hello, wonderful photographers!

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Candy here, bringing you the first edition of our Recap series! 🌟

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This blog post will cover alllllll of September's new features and changes worth mentioning! But going forward, we will be doing Weekly Recaps to keep you in the loop even faster.

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We've been busy bees these past few weeks, and I can't wait to share all the fantastic new features and improvements we've made to help you shine even brighter. ✨

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Psst... since this is our inaugural recap, we're covering updates from all of September, so grab a comfy seat—it's a bit longer than usual! Going forward, these recaps will be weekly and shorter, but just as sweet. 😉

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1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation 🛠️

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We're thrilled to announce that manual gallery assignment and participant creation are now live! This means you can:

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○ Assign images to someone's personal gallery manually—perfect for those shots where the subject wasn't facing the camera, and face recognition didn't pick them up.
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○ Create participants manually, either one at a time or by uploading a spreadsheet.
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○ Instantly trigger marketing campaigns to individuals when you assign images to them, ensuring they receive their photos promptly.

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We believe this will greatly enhance your workflow and support needs. Let us know how it helps you during your next event!

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2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience 🛍️

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We've made several improvements to our retail site to enhance the shopping experience for your clients:

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○ "Tap image to get started" text now shimmers on the initial gallery screen to guide users who aren't sure what to do next.
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○ Package creation improvements make it more intuitive for customers to customize their packages and select photos.
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○ Product renders in the cart: The view cart screen now displays product images next to every item, including items within multi-item packages, for increased clarity.
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○ Updated header and footer: Clear guidance on when to contact our retail support or reach out to you, the photographer, for assistance.

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These tweaks aim to make the purchasing process as seamless and enjoyable as possible for your clients!

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*Theme: Liquorice - Watermarking: Default*

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3. Default Price Levels Are Back! 💰

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Great news! The Default Price Levels from our previous NowCandid system are back and better than ever.

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While you can still create custom offers, these ready-made Price Levels are optimized to help you maximize sales in various situations.

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○ Optimized for success: Designed to boost your sales potential.
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○ Versatile options: Suitable for a wide range of events and client needs.
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○ Easy to access: Gives you good Offer options in a pinch or when entering a new market.

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For a detailed breakdown, click here.

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4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers 🛎️

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We've improved our marketing system to better serve your clients and help keep those sales up:

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○ If someone purchases on Day 1 and is photographed again on Day 2, they will now receive a notification about the new images added to their gallery.
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○ Enhances customer engagement: Keeps clients informed and encourages additional purchases.
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○ Prevents missed opportunities: Even early buyers stay in the loop for new content.

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This ensures your clients never miss out on their special moments!

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5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options 💳

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We're excited to introduce Google Pay as a new express checkout option!

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Our available payment methods now include:

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○ Traditional credit/debit card checkout
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○ Apple Pay
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○ Google Pay
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○ PayPal (and PayPal Pay Later)
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○ Venmo

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And guess what? We have one more express checkout option coming soon! Stay tuned. 📢

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6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows 📱💻

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The latest Capture App Version 4.4 is now available for both iOS and Windows, featuring:

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○ Keyboard support for Windows: Windows laptop users can now input phone numbers using the keyboard when using the Tap-A-Face Workflow.
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○ Performance improvements: Smoother and faster app experience.
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○ sRGB color checking: The app now ensures images are in sRGB format, preventing issues caused by Adobe RGB images.
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○ Event Selfie Check-In QR code display: Access the QR code directly from your device when needed.

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Upgrade now to enjoy these enhancements!

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7. Enhanced Folders Report 📊

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Our Folders Report (which you can find using the Graph button on an Event's Management Page) just got more powerful:

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○ Sortable columns: Organize by images, participants, sales, and more.
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○ Real-time insights: Works live during events, allowing you to identify your best-performing photographers, mid-event.
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○ Actionable data: Mid-event reporting helps you provide immediate feedback to your team to boost performance.
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○ Download button: This report is now downloadable via the green button in the screenshot below as well!

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Optimize your event management like never before!

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8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders 📁

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We've added a handy button in the Manage Images page, when you have a folder selected:

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○ Mark entire folders as visible or invisible with one click.
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○ Use cases: Quickly hide a batch of images that need reworking, such as a blurry set.
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○ Saves time: Streamlines the process of managing large numbers of images.

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Sometimes, mistakes happen! Now you can use this button to quickly hide images in bulk as you work to correct issues.

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9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings 🖼️

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You now have more control over the All Event Images gallery:

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○ Override default settings at the Offer level.
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○ Options:
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- Turn off the All Event Images gallery for Face Matching Events.
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- Turn on the All Event Images gallery for Positive ID Events.
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○ Recommendation: We suggest sticking with the defaults, but if you'd like to explore the pros and cons, click here to schedule a chat with us!

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Tailor the gallery experience to suit any event's needs!

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10. Simplified Selfie Check-In 📲

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We've made the Selfie Check-In process even more user-friendly:

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○ Only requires a cell number OR email address.
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○ Encourages participation: Even though neither field says "optional," most people still provide both.
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○ Addresses Fringe Issues: Every now and then, someone doesn't have (or refuses to provide) a cell or email address. This change will account for those individuals!

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Enhances guest engagement and reduces fringe support issues, with no changes on your part!

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11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

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We've introduced a new, fun way for clients to manage their marketing preferences:

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"NOPE": Clients can reply with this word to opt out of marketing for a specific event.
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Future communications: They will still receive messages for future events unless they opt out again.
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Accidental "STOP" replies: If someone replies "STOP" though, they'll need to send "START" to our marketing number to resume receiving texts.

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This gives your clients more control while still keeping communication lines open for future events.

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12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn 🍂🎃

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Get into the festive spirit with our new retail site themes:

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Apple Crumble:
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- Autumn colors: Warm and inviting hues.
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- Falling leaves: Adorable "leaves falling" animation upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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Candy Corn:
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- Halloween vibes: Shades of black and bright orange.
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- Candy corn confetti: Fun "candy corn toss" animation to celebrate the spooky season upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout.
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- Haunted Retail Site: A few ghosts frequently fly across your customer's screens as they shop!

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Delight your clients with these charming themes!

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Note: the Leaves & Candy Corn only fall across the screen upon gallery arrival, check-in completion, and after checkout - these GIFs are simply showing it in a loop :)

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*Theme: Apple Crumble - Watermarking: Off*

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We hope these updates make your experience with NowCandid even more enjoyable and efficient.

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Your success is our top priority, and we're always here to support you. 💖

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As always, if you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all ears! 👂

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Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

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Cheers and sparkles,

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Candy 🍬

PartyPics

April 14, 2023

Proms: An Untapped Gold Mine

minutes read

Plenty of photographers think photographing a prom is not worth their time and energy. They're not wrong to think that either... as that can often be the case! But, NowCandid's "PartyPics Now!" program has cracked the code and found a way to consistently monetize proms and other school dances!

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We analyzed all the proms that took place in 2022 that had utilized PartyPics Now, and found that across dozens of proms, photographers averaged well over $2 per image taken and about $5 per guest at the prom. Not bad, considering the average number of students at any given prom was about 400 students!

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The top performing proms well exceeded $2 per image and $5 per guest by doing some combination of the following things:

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• First, they used NowCandid's Selfie Check-In workflow, which gathered the guest's parent's contact data! Marketing the prom images to them as well.

• Second, they utilized photo stations (sometimes with backdrops and/or props!) with photographer attendants in addition to roaming photographers.

• And third, they sent 4 or more photographers to ensure they photographed every guest multiple times, making the guest's online galleries (and the larger photo packages) more appealing!

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At proms where all three of those conditions were successfully met, the average sales per image was $3 and the average sales per event guest was almost $9!

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So, while proms might not be quite as profitable as they were once upon a time, they can still be a great way to make some extra profit in your off season, expand your business, keep your photographers paid and busy, and more!

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And... stay tuned! Because a new feature we're calling Group-by-Face rolls out in the very near future! Helping to take your online galleries for social events to the next level! 🎉

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Have any questions? Feel free to contact us! We love to chat. 😃

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Stay profitable, photographers! 📸

Cap and Gown Chronicles: Master the Art of Graduation Photography with These Expert Tips

GradPics

April 11, 2023

Cap and Gown Chronicles: Master the Art of Graduation Photography with These Expert Tips

minutes read

Graduation day is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the occasional all-nighter (we're looking at you, college students). As a photographer, you have the unique opportunity to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments, and we're here to help you make the most of it. From technical know-how to creative flair, we've got you covered with expert tips for optimal graduation photography. And with NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program at your side, you'll be snapping insta-worthy shots in no time. So, ready your camera and let's get started!

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Scout the Location:
Before the big day, visit the graduation venue to familiarize yourself with the layout and lighting conditions. Identify the best spots for group shots, candid moments, and the all-important diploma handoff. This prep work will ensure that you're in the right place at the right time to capture those precious memories.
Use the Right Gear:
Bring a telephoto lens for close-ups of the stage, a wide-angle lens for group shots, and a fast prime lens for low-light conditions. A monopod or tripod can also help steady your shots and reduce camera shake during those crucial moments and pre- or post-stage cross portraits.
Find the Perfect Angle:
Get creative with your angles to add depth and interest to your shots. But importantly, always find the right shot in order to get the graduate’s face in the photo! When using NowCandid’s face matching workflows, that’s a very important piece of the puzzle! When you can’t get a good angle, consider asking the school ahead of time to make sure the “handshaker” will always turn towards the camera and smile, prompting the graduates to do the same!
Tell the Story:
Graduation day is a rollercoaster of emotions, from anticipation to elation. Document the day's events, capturing candid moments and reactions that tell a compelling story. With NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program, you can easily organize and share these images in a personalized gallery, allowing graduates and their families to relive the day for years to come.
Get Creative with Portraits:
Graduation portraits don't have to be stiff and formal. Encourage the graduates to express themselves, whether it's a celebratory jump or a quirky pose with their diploma. These fun shots will stand out and make lasting memories.

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With these expert tips and NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to master the art of graduation photography. So, channel your inner photographer and capture the magic of the big day – because, as Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." And no one wants to miss a moment as special as graduation day. Happy snapping!

Prom Night Profits: How to Rock Prom Photography in the Age of Smartphones

PartyPics

April 10, 2023

Prom Night Profits: How to Rock Prom Photography in the Age of Smartphones

minutes read

Prom night is a rite of passage, filled with teenage dreams, extravagant dresses, and Insta-worthy moments. But as a photographer, you might be wondering if prom photography is still a profitable gig in the era of smartphones and selfies. Fear not, fellow camera enthusiasts! With a few clever strategies and the help of NowCandid's Party Pics Now program, you can turn prom night into a money-making opportunity. So, grab your camera and let's dive into the world of prom photography!

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Adapt and Thrive:
The rise of smartphones has indeed changed the game, but savvy photographers can adapt by focusing on what they do best: capturing high-quality, professional images. Offer your clients a mix of posed pictures and candid shots, using the Selfie Check-In and Tap-A-Face workflows from NowCandid's Party Pics Now program to streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.
More Photographers, More Profit:
Increase your revenue potential by sending multiple photographers to cover the event. Assign one to a dedicated photo station for portraits, while others roam the venue capturing quick posed photos of friends and group pictures. This approach ensures that you capture a wide variety of sellable frames, making the most of your time on-site.
Create a Unique Photo Station:
Make your photo station stand out by offering themed backdrops, fun props, and creative lighting. This will not only draw the prom-goers to your station but also encourage them to share their professional photos on social media, giving you free advertising and potentially attracting new clients.
Network with Schools and Event Planners:
Build relationships with schools, event planners, and other key stakeholders to secure more prom photography gigs. Offer special deals, referral incentives, or donate a portion of your profits to the school as a way to give back and establish a positive reputation in the community.
Promote Your Services:
Use social media, your website, and local advertising to promote your prom photography services. Share examples of your work, highlight special offers, and showcase testimonials from satisfied clients to build credibility and attract new business.
Capture the Essence of Prom Night:
Prom is a night of glitz, glamor, and teenage dreams come true. To create images that truly resonate, focus on capturing the energy, emotion, and excitement of the event. Channel your inner photographer and make every shot a visual feast that transports the viewer to a world of prom night magic.

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Prom photography can still be a profitable venture for professional photographers willing to adapt and innovate. By combining the power of NowCandid's Party Pics Now program with smart strategies and a touch of creativity, you can turn prom night into a lucrative opportunity that'll have you dancing all the way to the bank. And hey, who knows? You might even get a chance to bust a move on the dance floor while you're at it – just remember to keep your camera handy, because you never know when that perfect shot will present itself. Happy shooting!

Let’s get in touch

If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid services to your wheelhouse – set up a call by clicking the button below.

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What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

List One
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Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!📸🎉

Hello, wonderful photographers!

1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation 🛠️

2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience 🛍️

3. Default Price Levels Are Back! 💰

4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers 🛎️

5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options 💳

6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows 📱💻

7. Enhanced Folders Report 📊

8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders 📁

9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings 🖼️

10. Simplified Selfie Check-In 📲

11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn 🍂🎃

We hope these updates make your experience with NowCandid even more enjoyable and efficient.

Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

Related articles

Proms: An Untapped Gold Mine

Cap and Gown Chronicles: Master the Art of Graduation Photography with These Expert Tips

Prom Night Profits: How to Rock Prom Photography in the Age of Smartphones

Let’s get in touch

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text