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Candy’s Weekly Recap: Photo Release Features, Merged Participant Clarity & More!

Candy’s Weekly Recap: Photo Release Features, Merged Participant Clarity & More!
Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! We’ve been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid™ experience, and I’ve got all the juicy details right here.

Let’s dive in!

1. Photo Releases & The New Image Release Gallery

Collecting Releases

Before using the pictures you take of your subjects in things like portfolios, websites, flyers, samples, and more - the best practice is to get a record of consent from your subjects before using photos of them for such things!

So... we've made some additions to NowCandid that will expedite this process for everyone involved!

  • Enabled via Retail Site Settings: Head to your Account Profile, open the “Retail Site Settings,” and toggle whether to ask participants for a photo release when they complete Selfie Check-In™.
  • Future Expansion: We plan to someday add this consent request to other locations in our Workflows, such as Scanner ID™ Check-Ins or after retail site checkout, so stay tuned!

Found under "Retail Site Settings" in your account profile

The post-Selfie Check-In messaging

Image Release Gallery

Once you’ve enabled Photo Releases, we’ve made viewing those fully released images a snap with the new Image Release Gallery!

  • Fully Released Photos Only: This gallery shows images where every primary face in the picture has opted in for marketing use.
  • Opt-Out Procedures: If someone changes their mind, NowCandid™ support can remove their release, and those images will disappear from the gallery.
  • Easier Marketing & Inspiration: Enjoy a reliable stash of images for portfolios, websites, flyers, or sample products, all with peace of mind!

This major addition simplifies the entire release process and keeps your marketing efforts on the right side of consent!

Starting next week, this feature will be enabled by default for all NowCandid accounts! If you wish to disable it, that's up to you!

An example of some images with only released faces in the new Image Release Gallery

2. Improved Merged Participants Clarity

We have also improved the photographer's experience and clarity when it comes to Merged Participants!

  • Multiple Names, One Contact: When two or more participants share a phone number, they now visibly merge under one participant in the Participant Manager, with all names separated by commas.
  • Reduced Confusion: Parents with multiple kids at an event won’t be an enigma anymore. You’ll see each kid’s name instead of a single ambiguous participant.
  • Same Smooth Experience for Families: Consumers won’t notice much change, but you’ll breathe easier knowing your records more clearly show who’s who.

No more wondering why two kids keep “replacing” each other in the backend—our improved merging UI has your back!

Example of multiple merged participants wrapped into one participant

3. Group Photo Filter in Manage Images

  • Just Group Photos: We’ve added a toggle to the Manage Images page that shows only images flagged as “Group Photos.”
  • Sports & GroupTags™: Perfect for organizing big team shots or verifying no single-person images slipped in by accident.
  • Future Tweaks Coming: We’re cooking up more ways to polish Group Photo and GroupTags™ functionalities, so watch this space!

If you handle big groups (like sports teams or large gatherings), this quick filter simplifies your event workflow.

New toggle button to switch between showing All Images and just Group Photos

4. All Images Gallery Pagination

  • Page-by-Page Browsing: We replaced the endless scroll in the NowCandid™ retail site’s All Images Gallery with a paginated view—complete with arrows to move between pages.
  • Jump to Page: Customers can type or select a page number if they already know where to look.
  • Less Scrolling, More Finding: Makes returning to a specific photo (especially one not in a personal gallery) a breeze.

This update ensures customers spend less time hunting and more time admiring—or purchasing—the images they love.

New retail site page navigation tools

5. New Events List Filter

One last small addition to mention... we added a way to filter down your Events list!

This should make it easier than ever to browse through your upcoming Events as you plan and prepare for them.

New Events list filter options

That’s it for this week’s recap!

We hope these changes help you manage your events more smoothly, give you extra confidence in your marketing, and offer your customers a cleaner, faster photo-browsing experience.

As always, we love your feedback, so feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.

Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid™ community. Keep capturing those unforgettable moments and creating smiles! 📸✨

Cheers and sparkles,

Candy 🍬

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How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success
Success Stories
November 22, 2024

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success

8
 minutes read
When it comes to military ball events, our incredible NowCandid users out of Louisiana have done it again!

Building on their previous years of success, they’ve once again showcased how profitable and rewarding these events can be with the right tools, strategy, and dedication.

Consistency & Growth in 2024

Despite a slight decrease in event participants/attendance in 2024 compared to the previous year, this Louisiana team managed to match their impressive ~$26,000 sales total from 2023—and they didn’t stop there. They also improved their sales per image and sales per participant averages, proving that even with fewer attendees, their ability to deliver value remains unparalleled.

This is the kind of consistency and adaptability that defines true professionals. Even more remarkable is their journey to this point.

The Journey: From 2022 to 2024

It’s worth revisiting their story. Back in 2022, this team had just started using NowCandid—trained on the system the week of their first military ball event. Despite being completely new to the platform and working under tight deadlines, they pulled in an impressive $16,000 in sales. While those numbers didn’t quite hit the heights of their 2023 and 2024 totals, it was a strong foundation for what was to come.

For their 2023 and 2024 events, they doubled down on preparation and team strategy, hiring additional staff to support their photographers and improve operational efficiency.

One of the key moves was more actively promoting selfie check-ins, which not only enhanced the customer experience but also increased the number of photos taken—a direct driver of sales. These refinements pushed them to over $26,000 in sales in 2023 and another stellar year in 2024.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the new Web Dashboard at their fingertips, the Louisiana team is already preparing to take their 2025 military ball to new heights. The Web Dashboard will unlock features that are sure to impress attendees and drive even greater sales:

  • More Art Overlay Options: Customize event images with exciting designs that attendees will love.
  • All-New Retail Site: A sleek, user-friendly interface for clients to browse and purchase their images.
  • Upsell Opportunities: Introduce premium options like retouching and diamond gloss print coating to enhance the final product and boost sales.

Armed with these enhancements, they’re aiming for even bigger successes in 2025—and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish.

Military Balls: A Goldmine for Photographers

This Louisiana team’s story is a shining example of how profitable military ball events can be. With strategic planning, the right tools, and a little effort, these events can bring in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.

If there are military bases in or near your area, we strongly encourage you to seek out these opportunities. Partnering with military organizations for formal events is not only rewarding financially but also a chance to build lasting relationships with a highly engaged audience.

Tips for Success

  • Invest in Support Staff: Extra hands help keep the process smooth, from organizing attendees to encouraging selfie check-ins.
  • Leverage NowCandid Tools: Our workflows, like Selfie Check-In and advanced offers, make events efficient and client-focused.
  • Upsell Smartly: Use premium options like overlays, retouching, and print upgrades to maximize your per-participant revenue.
  • Engage Participants Early: Drive excitement and ensure attendees know how to access their photos before and after the event.

Ready to Capture More Success?

Military ball events are a prime opportunity to elevate your business, and NowCandid is here to support you every step of the way. If this story inspires you to explore similar opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out or dive into your local market to find events like these.

Here’s to making 2025 your most successful year yet! 🎉

Candy’s Weekly Recap:  Introducing 'Find Me' Portal, Retouching for Downloads & More!
Feature Updates
November 15, 2024

Candy’s Weekly Recap: Introducing 'Find Me' Portal, Retouching for Downloads & More!

8
 minutes read

Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! 🌟

We've been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid experience, and I've got all the details right here. Let's dive in! 🏊‍♀️

1. Introducing the New NowCandid "Find Me" Portal! 🔍

We're thrilled to unveil our brand-new "Find Me" portal!

  • Effortless Access: End users can now enter their cell phone number or email address and receive a link sent directly to them.
  • All Galleries in One Place: This link will show every NowCandid personal gallery tied to their contact information.
  • Secure and Private: Rest assured, galleries aren't searchable by others. The link is sent directly to the user, ensuring privacy through this verification step. 😄
  • A direct link to the new "Find Me" Portal can be found here: https://www.quic.pics/find-me

Make it easier than ever for your clients to find their photos!

2. Retouching Now Available for Personal Gallery Downloads! 💄

Great news! Retouching can now be applied to Personal Gallery Download products.

  • Enhanced Offerings: Provide your clients with beautifully retouched images, even in their full gallery downloads.
  • Updated Retail Site: We've removed previous disclaimers, so customers know they can expect top-notch quality in every download.

Add that extra touch of magic to your clients' memories!

3. New Image Timeline Chart in Manage Images 🕰️

Visualize your event like never before with our Image Timeline Chart!

  • Accessible via Manage Images: Find it within any of your event's folders.
  • Insights at a Glance: See when images were taken, identify peak activity times, and spot any lulls.
  • Candy's Quick Summary: I'll even provide a brief overview to help you interpret the data.

Optimize your shooting schedule and make the most of every event!

4. Metadata Preservation in Web Dashboard 🗂️

We've made an important update regarding image metadata:

  • No More Stripping: The web dashboard no longer removes metadata from images.
  • Full Information: When you download images from the dashboard, all metadata is retained.
  • Future Features: This change sets the stage for more exciting features down the line.

Keep all your valuable image information intact!

5. Enhanced Selfie Check-In for SportsPics and GradPics 🤳

We've improved the Selfie Check-In experience for your participants:

  • Additional Contact Always Visible: The "Additional Contact" field now appears at all times.
    • Why It Matters: It's helpful for gathering parent or additional contact information.
  • Camera Roll Uploads for SportsPics: Participants can now upload an image from their camera roll as an alternative to taking a selfie.
    • Perfect For: Parents can easily check in using a photo of their child.

Simplify the check-in process and collect essential info effortlessly!

6. Introducing Web Traffic Metrics 📈

Gain deeper insights with our new Web Traffic metrics!

  • Event-Level Views: Access this data from the Marketing page within any of your events.
  • Participant Details: See whether a participant's gallery has been opened and how many times.
  • Conversion Rate Analysis: Compare web traffic to orders placed to gauge your conversion rate.
  • Informed Decisions: Use this information to decide if you need to adjust pricing.

Note: Web traffic tracking started on November 14. Visits before this date were not recorded.

7. All Reference Images Now Visible for Merged Participants 🖼️

We've made a helpful tweak for managing participant data:

  • Merged Participants: If participants merge by having the same phone number, you'll now see all their reference images on their details page.
  • Comprehensive View: This provides a complete picture of the participant's images, not just the first one.

Manage your participant data with greater clarity!

8. New Champion Plaque Product Added 🏆

We're excited to introduce the Champion Plaque to our product lineup!

  • Perfect for Sports Tournaments: Designed for medal winners to mount their medals onto the plaque.
  • Personalization Options: Add photos, names, and event details for a cherished keepsake.

Offer your clients a unique way to celebrate their victories!

9. Quick Download for Participant Images ⬇️

We've added a handy new feature to the participant details screen:

  • Download Icon: Allows you to simultaneously download all of a participant's matched images.
  • Time Saver: No more downloading images one by one.

Efficiently access participant images when you need them!

We're always here to support you!

So please, feel free to share your feedback or questions.

Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Keep capturing those unforgettable moments and creating smiles! 📸😊

Cheers and sparkles,

Candy 🍬

Big News: NowCandid Goes Global!📣🌍
Feature Updates
November 13, 2024

Big News: NowCandid Goes Global!📣🌍

5
 minutes read
Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

Candy here, and I'm beyond excited to share some huge news that'll open up a world of possibilities for your photography business! Particularly when it comes to tourism!🌟

NowCandid now facilitates international end customers! 🎉

International Phone Number Support 📞

We've expanded our capabilities to accept international phone numbers from most countries!

  • Capture App Update: With the latest version (4.9.69), you can now input international phone numbers directly into the Capture App.
  • Selfie Check-In & Scan Card Check-In: Participants using our web forms can now enter their international numbers without a hitch.

Pictured: Selfie Check-In Country Code Selector - Theme: Liquorice

Marketing Messages Delivered Globally 🌐

  • Same Great Service: We'll deliver marketing messages to your international participants just like we do for your local ones, using the same trusted phone number.
    • Note: Currently, text marketing is available in several major countries, though not all countries are supported yet.
  • QuicPics Note: While QuicPics image files via MMS are still limited to US and Canada (+1) phone numbers, international participants can access their images through the retail gallery as usual and easily download their free images.

Pictured: Tap-A-Face Cell # Entry, Country Code Selector

International Shipping & Billing Addresses 🛒

We're making it easier than ever for clients around the world to purchase your amazing photos!

  • Global Checkout: Retail customers with international shipping and billing addresses can now complete checkout without any issues.
  • Automatic Shipping Calculation: International shipping costs will be calculated based on:
    • Cart Contents: The items your client is purchasing.
    • Destination Country: Where the order is being shipped.
  • Seamless Integration: The international shipping amount will be added to the flat rate shipping you set in your offer settings.

Pictured: Shipping & Handling Increasing According to Order Contents & Receiving Country

What This Means for You

These exciting changes mean you can now:

  • Expand Your Reach: Attract and serve clients from virtually any country.
  • Boost Sales: Tap into new markets and grow your business internationally.
  • Enhance Client Experience: Provide a seamless and inclusive experience for all your participants, no matter where they call home.

We're Here to Help!

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're thrilled to support you as you take your photography business to new horizons! 🚀

Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Together, we're making memories last a lifetime—now on a global scale!

Cheers and sparkles,

Candy 🍬

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.

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This is a link

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