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Feature Updates

Capture & Upload App's Latest Update 3.17

Capture & Upload App's Latest Update 3.17
Hiya, NowCandid fam!

It's Candy here, with some hot-off-the-press news about our Capture & Upload app that's going to make your photography flow smoother than ever. We've listened to your feedback and sprinkled some improvements on both Windows and Apple iOS versions in our latest update, 3.17. 🌟

Changes Across Windows & Apple iOS Versions of the App

1.     Whoops! We didn't make this very clear before. We've clarified the messages when you incorrectly log in to the Capture & Upload App with your email and app passcode.

2.     Plus, we've changed the login button to say "Login" instead of "Save" – because sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference.

3.     A little redesign magic has made the "Cancel/Close" button on the login less attention-grabbing, since people were sometimes clicking it thinking it was a next step! Whoops.

4.     The latest version of the Capture & Upload app will also need to be used in order to utilize NowCandid's newest Background Removal feature (link)!

Changes to Only the Windows Version of the App

1.      Get ready to feel the need for speed! We've made improvements to the app, which means less memory usage, zippy startup times, and an overall performance boost that'll have you clicking happily away.

Changes to Only the Apple iOS Version of the App

1.     Volume button as a shutter? Yes, please! You can now use the volume up/down buttons for those sneaky quick captures when using your device's internal camera.

2.     Embrace the old and the new with support for select additional Sony cameras. We used to only support newer versions of Sony cameras! Check out the list at the bottom of this post to see if your gear's on there.

3.     And if you're rocking an iPhone 14 or older (or 9th gen iPad or older), we're helping you troubleshoot with a "Camera Trouble?" popup if no camera is detected for 15 seconds on shooting screens—complete with a helpful link to Apple's Camera Adapter (link), which you'll need to connect your camera to these lightning-port Apple devices.

4.     For our Nikon D7000 users, no more connection woes. We've ironed out those kinks for you!

5.     Noticed some off-center UI on your iPhone when using the Capture & Upload App? We've fixed that up too, so your app experience is as picture-perfect as your shots.

What's Next?

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates and improvements, because we're just getting started.

In the meantime, enjoy the new tweaks and treats with update 3.17, designed to keep your NowCandid experience as seamless as your photography skills. And as always, if you hit any bumps or have a lightbulb moment on how we can do better, drop us a line!

Happy shooting, everyone!

Candy 🌟

List of Additional Sony Cameras Now Supported on Apple iOS

Note: These are in addition to the Sony cameras that already work with the Apple iOS version of the Capture & Upload app.

ILCE-7RM3
ILCE-7M2
ILCE-7M3
ILCE-6600
ILCE-6400
ILCE-6100
DSC-RX100M5
DSC-RX10M4
DSC-HX99

Note: Firmware updates may be required for some models of Sony.

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Teaser: NowCandid's Game-Changing Updates for Photographers!
Feature Updates
June 21, 2024

Teaser: NowCandid's Game-Changing Updates for Photographers!

10
 minutes read
At NowCandid, we understand that the success of our platform hinges on the success of our photographers.

Over the past year, we have invested significant time, energy and resources into revamping our system, tailoring our software and interfaces to meet the specific wants and needs of photographers. Our commitment is to create solutions that are built around the photographer, for the photographer. Here’s a look at the powerful new features and functionalities coming to NowCandid:

New Updates to Boost Your Business

1. Custom Offers

Until now, NowCandid users could only use our premade Offers, which have been very successful - but the limited options have sometimes been restrictive in certain situations.

Now, we are excited to introduce the ability for photographers to create their own custom Offers.

This means you can now set your own prices, choose your own product lineup, set your shipping costs, and create your own packages.

You can even choose from a variety of color schemes, including animated holiday themes, that will change the color palette of the new retail site, Selfie Check-In site, and Scan Card Check-In site.

Speaking of, the Selfie Check-In site has been overhauled as well! And now will only allow the subject to take a selfie if there is only one face visible in their camera view.

If you're not sure where to start when building your first offer, instead of building from scratch you can use our recommended premade Offers as templates to get started.

Also, we have revamped our text & email marketing system for Custom Offer Events! Text marketing is now a bit trendier, and includes emojis to improve click rates, and gallery links for QuicPics will now be delivered from the same phone number as their QuicPics image files. Plus, if a new image is added to a subject's gallery after they make a purchase, they will now receive a text or email notification that new images have been added since their last visit.

These new features aim to break down significant obstacles NowCandid photographers have faced, and allow for greater flexibility and customization.

2. Simplified Retail Site with new Features

When you create a new Event using one of your Custom Offers, it will utilize an all-new, simplified, retail site! The new site has a very clean and simple look, and comes with a variety of cool features:

  • Cart-Wide Retouching: End customers can order retouching for all items in their cart for one flat price. This incentivizes larger orders, and allows photographers to focus on speedy delivery by skipping pre-upload retouching.
  • Third-Party Sign-In: Customers can sign in using Google, Apple, Facebook, or X/Twitter accounts. This provides access to an Event History of all personal galleries they’ve accessed, and an Order History complete with order statuses.
  • Product Page Rendering: When viewing the product page, most products will render with the customer's selected image, right there in the product gallery!
  • More Product Customization: Customers can choose from multiple product styles, and change an art style's primary & accent colors before adding the product to their cart.
  • AI Background Generation Tools: For images with backgrounds removed, customers can use text prompts to generate unique AI backgrounds tailored to their specifications, or choose from a variety of popular defaults.
  • Live Face Match Groups: Similar to our popular Group-by-Face feature, this allows faces in a Face Matching Event's gallery to be clicked to view other images in the Event with a matching face. However, this runs live during an Event (not just by triggering it afterwards) on all Tapped or Checked-In faces within the Event.
  • Retail Header Tweaks: Now includes the Event Name first and foremost, followed by your Business Name! Retail Support contact info will be featured frequently throughout the remainder of the sales process.
  • More Private Galleries: Personal Gallery links now require both an Event Name and a corresponding randomized sequence unique to that participant. Making each gallery more private than ever before.

3. App Version 4.0

Our upcoming app version 4.0 for iOS and Windows is a complete overhaul of version 3.22, including:

  • Improved UI: A refreshed user interface for a smoother experience.
  • Dark Mode: A new Dark Theme for the app's UI that also optimizes battery saving on OLED iOS devices.
  • Pre-Highlighted Faces: Enhanced Face Matching with pre-highlighted faces ensures subjects never miss their face when tapping.
  • Significant Performance Improvements: Reduced bugs, lag, and improved battery life.

4. Event Management Improvements

When managing your new Custom Offer Events (different from traditional NowCandid Events) you'll have access to new Event Management tools and information.

  • Manage Participants: A new Manage Participants interface so you can access your subjects' personal gallery URL.
  • Marketing Tracking: Number of marketing pieces sent out (counting both texts & emails sent).
  • Recent Orders: A new "recent orders" window.
  • Sales Chart: A new sales chart tracking sales over the first 30 days from your Event's start date.
  • Image Uploader: An all-new image-upload tool with a variety of improvements.

Why NowCandid?

NowCandid is designed to be incredibly simple to use, with no subscription fees, startup fees, or license fees. We only make money when you do.

Our platform is built to help you scale your business and brand by being completely white-label, handling customer support for your retail customers, and replacing orders damaged in shipping—all for free.

This means there's more time for you to focus on booking and shooting, while we handle the rest.

Ready to take your photography business to the next level? Embrace NowCandid’s new features and watch your business thrive!
Expanding Your Photography Business with NowCandid: Exploring Niche Opportunities
Events
June 14, 2024

Expanding Your Photography Business with NowCandid: Exploring Niche Opportunities

5
 minutes read
In the world of professional photography, niche events often present untapped opportunities that can be both rewarding and profitable.

With NowCandid's innovative services and systems, photographers can now explore these niche markets with confidence, creating new business avenues that were previously considered unviable. Here’s how you can leverage NowCandid to seek out and thrive in niche photography opportunities.

The Power of NowCandid in Niche Markets

1. Military Deployments

The United States military has troops deployed in countries all over the world, with over 150,000 troops typically stationed outside the US at any given time. Many members of the US military, essentially, take turns being stationed at these international locations. When a new group is about to be sent out on deployment, they will often have a deployment ceremony, and notably, these deployment ceremonies are not often well-photographed - despite being great portrait opportunities.

Members of the military will often be wearing their uniforms, many of their friends and family will attend the Event, and there are often high-ranking political or military figures speaking at the ceremony as well. Basically, it can be a big deal! Anecdotally, one deployment ceremony we attended in Oklahoma City for a group of troops being deployed to Africa for a year filled out the Paycom Center (where the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA team, competes). The governor of Oklahoma at the time as well as several other high-ranking figures spoke at the ceremony.

Once the ceremony concluded, all the families and military members in their uniforms spent the next hour or so taking pictures of each other with their phones, struggling to get good lighting, avoid wind, avoid a crowd in the background, etc. It was a perfect opportunity for professional photographers to provide their services, though there were none to be found.

By being aware of a deployment ceremony happening in your area, you could work your way into the Event as a portrait photographer, setting up multiple portrait stations at the Event. Military deployments are deeply emotional and significant events for families and service members, and people are generally dressed in uniforms and formal outfits. Capturing these moments can be nearly historical for those involved, and providing professional photography services will be MUCH appreciated by those photographed.

The prices you set are up to you, but by providing images for sale in real-time to these subjects, you can both provide a very appreciated service to those about to be deployed, as well as generate some amazing revenue for your photography business.

2. Community Fairs and Carnivals

Community fairs and carnivals are vibrant and bustling with activities. However, these events often lack professional photography services. With NowCandid's real-time photo delivery you can deliver images and fun instantly to attendees.

There are two ways to approach this, either being paid substantially upfront by the Event's organizers or sponsors to provide free and instant images to subjects via QuicPics...

OR using PartyPics Now to instantly deliver image galleries where subjects can purchase downloads and physical products to generate revenue in that way instead.

Which of these two methods is more profitable really depends on the Event and the situation - but feel free to Contact Us to discuss which might be profitable for your specific Event! We are always here to help.

3. Fitness Community Events

The fitness community thrives on events like marathons, CrossFit competitions, and triathlons. While large marathons are typically already covered by photographers, the smaller events are perfect for professional photography, as well.

These communities have large social medial audiences and are in constant need of images that are capturing the determination and achievements of participants. So, providing the images you take to the event organizers is always a selling point.

And thanks to Selfie Check-In and NowCandid's Face Matching, you can easily distribute and sell action photos you take of these athletes and competitors to generate significant revenue! Participants love to buy action photo downloads to share their accomplishments on social media.

4. Craft and Art Fairs

Craft and art fairs showcase the creativity and talent of local artisans. By getting a booth space at a fair such as this, you can be accomplishing two things at once!

  1. You can promote your photography business to the outgoing and socialite-infused crowd that tends to visit craft and art fairs, and demonstrate what you're capable of both in terms of skill and technology (thanks to your partners at NowCandid!). This could lead to lots of brand awareness and future bookings for you and your photography company.
  2. In the process of demonstrating your photography skills and technology, you will be taking portraits of subjects and selling them! Having a nice backdrop, a professional camera, and maybe some props can lead to some pretty sellable photos that fair-goers just might purchase!

5. Hobby Conventions and Immersive Experience Events

Hobby conventions, such as comic book conventions and gaming events, are filled with passionate participants and selfie stations that aren't typically staffed by photographers. These events are perfect for professional photography, capturing the unique and vibrant atmosphere.

In addition, anime conventions, comic conventions, gaming conventions, and renaissance fairs are loaded with people in well-designed costumes that took lots of hard work and preparation. By taking professional photos of these individuals, you can generate a lot of sales, as they may want the physical photo products you provide or the high-quality digital downloads that they could post to social media right away.

Plus, you can always provide photos to the Event organizer at the end as well, giving them promotional content for future Events of their own.

Making Niche Events Profitable with NowCandid

NowCandid's advanced technology and real-time delivery system make it possible to turn previously unprofitable niche events into lucrative opportunities. Here's how:

  • Instant Image Delivery: Attendees receive their photos instantly, making them more likely to purchase and share these images.
  • Well-Composed Images: Professional photos enhance the value of the event and are desirable mementos for attendees.
  • Data Collection: Collecting attendee data allows for targeted marketing of their photos, directing them to their pictures the moment they click a marketing link.
  • Physical Products: NowCandid provides a wide variety of photo products your subjects can purchase, giving everybody regardless of differing tastes something to get excited about.
  • LiveLoop Feature (Optional): Displaying images via slideshow in real-time during certain kinds of Events adds excitement and encourages more attendees to participate in photo sessions.

Conclusion

By leveraging NowCandid's innovative tools and workflows, photographers can successfully tap into niche markets that were previously considered unprofitable. From military deployments to community fairs, fitness events, and immersive experiences, the possibilities are endless. NowCandid not only enhances the event experience for attendees but also provides photographers with a profitable and sustainable business model.

Ready to explore new opportunities and expand your photography business?

Connect with us at NowCandid and discover how our services can help you capture and capitalize on every moment. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our support team is here to help you succeed.

https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training
Land Summer Event Photography Gigs with NowCandid
PartyPics
June 7, 2024

Land Summer Event Photography Gigs with NowCandid

5
 minutes read

Summer is the season of festivals, fairs, and vibrant outdoor events. From community gatherings to large-scale festivals, the atmosphere is alive with excitement and celebration. Typically, these events feature photo stations with intricate, themed backdrops, encouraging attendees to snap selfies or burdening another guests with the "Will you take our photo?" ask. While this DIY approach captures some fun moments, it often falls short of providing high-quality, shareable images, and can be momentarily disruptive.

As a NowCandid photographer, you have a unique opportunity to pitch your professional photography services to event organizers, offering an upgrade that will elevate their event and create lasting memories for attendees. Here’s how you can effectively pitch your services:

The Advantages of Professional Photography at Events

1. Well-Composed, Shareable Images

Professional photographers capture well-cropped and well-lit images that attendees will be excited to share on their social media profiles. These high-quality photos can enhance the attendees' experience, providing them with well-composed images that stand out from typical smartphone selfies.

2. Real-Time Delivery

Using NowCandid’s advanced technology, photographers can deliver images in real-time via a link through text message or email. Attendees receive their photos quickly, allowing them to share their professional photos instantly on social media, boosting the event’s visibility and engagement.

3. Enhanced Event Promotion

By providing stunning images, you help event organizers promote future events. High-quality photos can be used in marketing materials, social media campaigns, and promotional content, showcasing the event’s atmosphere and encouraging higher attendance in the future.

4. Fun and Excitement

Adding a professional photographer brings an element of fun and excitement to the event. Attendees will enjoy posing for professional shots and seeing their photos displayed in real-time with our LiveLoop feature, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

How to Pitch Your Services

1. Highlight the Professional Touch

Emphasize the difference between DIY photos and professional photography. Explain how your expertise and equipment can capture moments that truly reflect the spirit of the event, with better lighting, composition, and clarity.

2. Showcase Real-Time Sharing

Demonstrate how NowCandid’s technology allows for real-time image delivery. Show examples of how quickly attendees can receive and share their photos, enhancing their event experience and increasing social media engagement.

3. Provide Visual Examples

Share a portfolio of your work from previous events, highlighting the quality and creativity of your shots. Visual examples can be a powerful tool in convincing organizers of the value you bring to their event.

4. Offer a Unique Selling Proposition

Present a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets you apart from other photographers. This could, again, be NowCandid's LiveLoop feature, where images are show on large event screens. It could be your ability to quickly process and deliver photos.

5. Demonstrate the Marketing Benefits

Explain how professional photos can be used for future event promotion. Provide case studies or examples of events where professional photography significantly boosted marketing efforts and attracted more attendees.

Conclusion

By pitching your professional photography services to summer event organizers, you can transform their photo stations into dynamic, engaging experiences that attendees will love. Professional images not only enhance the attendees' experience but also provide valuable marketing material for future events.

Reach out to local event organizers and showcase how NowCandid can add fun and excitement to their events, delivering high-quality, shareable images that attendees will cherish. Let’s make this summer season unforgettable with photography that captures the essence of every celebration.

Ready to Capture the Good Times?

If you have any questions or need further assistance in pitching your services, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you succeed and make every event a picture-perfect success!

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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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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