HomeNavigation arrowBlogNavigation arrow
Current page
Feature Updates

Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!πŸ“ΈπŸŽ‰

Candy's September Recap: New Features from Last Month!πŸ“ΈπŸŽ‰
Hello, wonderful photographers!

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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. ✨

‍

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

‍

1. Manual Gallery Assignment & Participant Creation πŸ› οΈ

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

‍

2. Tweaks to the Retail Site for a Smoother Experience πŸ›οΈ

‍

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

‍

  • β—‹ "Tap image to get started" text now shimmers on the initial gallery screen to guide users who aren't sure what to do next.
    ‍
  • β—‹ Package creation improvements make it more intuitive for customers to customize their packages and select photos.
    ‍
  • β—‹ 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.
    ‍
  • β—‹ Updated header and footer: Clear guidance on when to contact our retail support or reach out to you, the photographer, for assistance.

‍

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

‍

Theme:Β Liquorice - Watermarking:Β Default

‍

3. Default Price Levels Are Back! πŸ’°

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

For a detailed breakdown, click here.

‍

‍

4. New Image Notifications for Previous Purchasers πŸ›ŽοΈ

‍

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

‍

  • β—‹ 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.
    ‍
  • β—‹ Enhances customer engagement: Keeps clients informed and encourages additional purchases.
    ‍
  • β—‹ Prevents missed opportunities: Even early buyers stay in the loop for new content.

‍

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

‍

‍

5. Google Pay Added to Express Checkout Options πŸ’³

‍

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

‍

Our available payment methods now include:

‍

  • β—‹ Traditional credit/debit card checkout
    ‍‍
  • β—‹ Apple Pay
    ‍
  • β—‹ Google Pay
    ‍
  • β—‹ PayPal (and PayPal Pay Later)
    ‍
  • β—‹ Venmo

‍

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

‍

Theme:Β Liquorice - Watermarking:Β Default

‍

6. Capture App Version 4.4 for iOS & Windows πŸ“±πŸ’»

‍

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

‍

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

‍

Upgrade now to enjoy these enhancements!

‍

‍

7. Enhanced Folders Report πŸ“Š

‍

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

‍

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

‍

Optimize your event management like never before!

‍

‍

8. Bulk Visibility Control for Image Folders πŸ“

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

‍

9. Customize "All Event Images" Gallery Settings πŸ–ΌοΈ

‍

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

‍

  • β—‹ Override default settings at the Offer level.
    ‍
  • β—‹ Options:
    ‍
    • Turn off the All Event Images gallery for Face Matching Events.
      ‍
    • Turn on the All Event Images gallery for Positive ID Events.
      ‍
  • β—‹ 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!

‍

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

‍

‍

10. Simplified Selfie Check-In πŸ“²

‍

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

‍

  • β—‹ Only requires a cell number OR email address.
    ‍
  • β—‹ Encourages participation: Even though neither field says "optional," most people still provide both.
    ‍
  • β—‹ 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!

‍

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

‍

Theme:Β Liquorice

‍

11. New Unsubscribe Keyword: "NOPE"! 🚫

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

‍

12. Seasonal Retail Themes: Apple Crumble & Candy Corn πŸ‚πŸŽƒ

‍

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

‍

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

‍

Delight your clients with these charming themes!

‍

Note: the Leaves &Β 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 :)

‍

Theme: Apple Crumble - Watermarking:Β Off

‍

Theme:Β Candy Corn - Watermarking:Β Off

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

Until next week, keep capturing those amazing moments!

‍

Cheers and sparkles,

‍

Candy 🍬

Related articles

Darwin's Quic Tips for Mastering Graduation Photography
GradPics
May 15, 2024

Darwin's Quic Tips for Mastering Graduation Photography

5
Β minutes read
Graduation season is a bustling time for photographers.

‍

Capturing the essence of such a monumental event requires not just skill but also the right strategy. At NowCandid, we understand this well, which is why our GradPics Now program is designed to maximize both the quality and efficiency of your graduation photography services.

‍

Here, Darwin, our long-time Photography Specialist with a wealth of experience in graduation events, shares his top tips to help you excel this graduation season.

‍

1. Prioritize Speed Over Extensive Retouching

‍

In the fast-paced environment of graduation ceremonies, the quick delivery of photos can significantly boost your sales. Darwin emphasizes that speed in making images available often trumps the detailed retouching of images in terms of sales impact.

‍

Graduates and families appreciate quick access to their photos to share their special moments. Therefore, focus on capturing the best possible shots in-camera.

‍

2. Stick to SRGB Color Profiles for Retouching

‍

If retouching is necessary, Darwin advises saving images in an SRGB color profile. This ensures that your photos look consistent and vibrant across all viewing platforms, be it digital devices or prints, enhancing the overall appeal of your photos to clients.

‍

3. Use Direct Flash to Enhance Image Quality

‍

Proper lighting is crucial in photography, especially in the varied environments of graduation venues. Using direct flash can help mitigate common lighting issues such as facial shadows, ensuring your subjects are evenly lit and standout.

‍

This simple technique can significantly improve the color and clarity of your photos, making them more appealing to your clients.

‍

4. Be Prepared: Carry Extra Batteries and a Backup Camera

‍

Always be prepared for the unexpected. Darwin recommends carrying extra batteries and a backup camera to all events. This ensures that you can continue shooting uninterrupted, even if your primary camera fails or batteries run out.

‍

Being prepared is key to a smooth operation during busy events like graduations.

‍

Darwin's Impressive Track Record

‍

Darwin brings a vast amount of practical knowledge to the table, having managed the capture of over 35,152 graduation images in just the last two weeks of this season alone. His experience underscores the effectiveness of these tips in real-world settings.

‍

Why Choose GradPics Now?

‍

NowCandid's GradPics Now program is tailored to streamline the graduation photography process. By integrating Darwin's tips and our state-of-the-art technology, photographers can not only enhance their efficiency but also improve their sales potential.

‍

The program supports instant uploading and sorting of images, enabling photographers to focus more on capturing great shots and less on post-event workflows.

‍

Graduation season doesn't have to be overwhelming.

‍

With the right tools and strategies, you can turn this busy time into a highly profitable and fulfilling part of your photography career. Embrace these tips, utilize GradPics Now, and capture the milestones with confidence and efficiency.

‍

Ready to transform your graduation photography approach?

‍

Join the many photographers who have already found success with NowCandid. Learn more about GradPics Now and schedule a session with Darwin to fine-tune your strategy. Let’s make this graduation season your best yet!

Capture & Upload App Update: Version 3.22
Feature Updates
May 10, 2024

Capture & Upload App Update: Version 3.22

3
Β minutes read
🌟 Candy here with a new Capture & Upload app update overview! 🌟

‍

Candy here with a fresh scoop on the latest tweaks to our Capture & Upload app! πŸ“² While this update might seem light on the surface, it's packed with all sorts of behind-the-scenes magic to boost performance and stability. ✨

‍

To make sure you're getting the best out of NowCandid, keep your devices (both Windows & iOS) updated! πŸ”„

‍

In the Capture & Upload app, just tap the information screen (that's the "i" button in the app) to see your app version and confirm you're rocking version 3.22. πŸŽ‰

‍

iOS &Β Windows App Updates: πŸ› οΈ

‍

  • Misc improvements & fixes to keep things running smoothly.
    ‍
  • Now see the number of logs for each date when using the log uploader – super handy! πŸ—“οΈ
    ‍
  • New "Having trouble?" popup if 30 seconds pass on the take photo screen without any action. It's got helpful reminders in case something's amiss! πŸ•’
    ‍
  • Say goodbye to the "Service Lost" popup on the shooting screenβ€”it won't bug you anymore! 🚫
    ‍
  • Introduced a dedicated "Name Lookup" button for Positive ID Events, making things more obvious than ever. πŸ”
    ‍
  • Misc UI tweaks & improvements to spruce things up!
    ‍
  • Changed the "Dismiss" button in the update popup to "Use Old Version" for those who like a throwback. βͺ
    ‍
  • Updated the "Add Participant" keypad to match the chic look of our newer Tap-A-Face keypad. πŸ‘―

‍

iOS-App-Only Updates: 🍏

‍

  • Truncate event name on iPhone at the top if name is super long (so it fits on 1 line)

‍

Thanks for tuning in, and for being such amazing users of NowCandid! 🌈

‍

See you again soon! And remember, if you've got questions or need a little help, just reach out. We're here for you! πŸ’Œ

‍

Cheers and sparkles,

‍

Candy 🍬

Surprising Earnings: $18 Per Graduate at Middle School Graduations with GradPics Now!
GradPics
May 9, 2024

Surprising Earnings: $18 Per Graduate at Middle School Graduations with GradPics Now!

8
Β minutes read

Breaking New Ground at Middle School Graduations πŸŽ“

‍

Traditionally, high school and college graduations are where photographers using GradPics Now hit high sales marks, often achieving $20 per graduate or even soaring to $40-$50+. This has set a solid benchmark for what we consider successful revenue from graduation events. However, middle school graduations, also known as moving up ceremonies, have typically seen much lower sales figuresβ€”until now.

‍

A Surprising Success Story 🌟

‍

A GradPics Now user recently shattered our modest expectations by earning over $18 per graduate at a middle school graduation ceremony. Covering this event with the same vigor and strategy as higher education graduations, including the use of our Selfie Check-In feature, this photographer managed to turn what is often considered a less lucrative opportunity into a significant success. With more than 400 graduates participating, the total sales exceeded $7,200 for just this one middle school event. Impressive, right?

‍

The Power of Immediate Engagement πŸ“Έ

‍

This remarkable achievement highlights an important lesson: the potential of middle school graduations as viable and profitable photography events. The success at this particular ceremony suggests that GradPics Now, especially with the implementation of Selfie Check-In, is exceptionally effective at capturing the moment and leveraging the emotions of proud parents. This immediate engagement allows photographers to capitalize on the celebratory atmosphere right then and there, boosting sales significantly.

‍

Expanding Your Horizons 🌍

‍

This case study serves as a powerful testament to the capabilities of GradPics Now across different educational levels. If you've primarily focused on high school or college graduations, it might be time to consider the untapped potential of middle school ceremonies. The combination of efficient technology and emotional moments can clearly yield fantastic results.

‍

Get Prepared with Pre-Grad Chats πŸ’¬

‍

Interested in exploring how you can maximize your success with middle school graduations? Schedule a pre-grad chat with Jack (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training) to refine your strategy and ensure you're fully equipped to make the most of every graduation ceremony this season. We salute all graduation photographers making memorable moments last. Good luck this grad season, and here's to raising the bar even higher!

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.

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

‍

‍

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
  • List Two
  • List Three
  • List Four
  • List Five

This is a link

This is bold text

‍

  • ‍

‍