HomeNavigation arrowBlogNavigation arrow
Current page
GradPics

Darwin's Quic Tips for Mastering Graduation Photography

Darwin's Quic Tips for Mastering Graduation Photography
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!

Related articles

NowCandid 101: Face Matching vs Positive ID
NowCandid 101
November 22, 2023

NowCandid 101: Face Matching vs Positive ID

6
 minutes read

Hello there, Candy here!

Welcome to the first entry in our "NowCandid 101" series! Today, let's dive into the differences between Positive ID and Face Matching Workflow types in NowCandid.

Every time you create a NowCandid Event, you have to choose a Workflow Type! The two options are Face Matching, and Positive ID.

NowCandid has 6 Workflows, that can be split into two categories.

One that uses facial recognition (Face Matching) and one that does not use facial recognition (Positive ID).

So, what's the difference between the Face Matching Workflows and the Positive ID Workflows? Let's get into it.

Face Matching Workflows 🤖

What Are They?

Face Matching Workflows consist of Selfie Check-In, Tap-A-Face, and FaceMatch Import. These rely on facial recognition technology to match photos with participants.

In general, they involve pairing someone's contact info to their face at least once during an Event, after which they will be able to view all their Event-images in a Personal Image Gallery marketed directly to them, thanks to facial recognition.

How Do They Work?

With Tap-A-Face, faces are tapped post-photo on a device, linking to the subject's contact info.

Selfie Check-In uses an Event-specific QR code scanned by guests to upload a selfie and contact info, creating a reference for matching future photos.

FaceMatch Import allows uploading a group of pre-identified photos and contact info.

Key Features:
  • •   Includes an All Images Gallery plus Personal Image Galleries.
  • •   Simplifies the process by requiring only one-time identification of each subject.

Positive ID Workflows 🆔

What Are They?

Positive ID Workflows include Scanner ID, Name Lookup, and Type & Take. These Workflows do not use facial recognition. Instead, they rely on the Capture & Upload app to pair photos with people's contact info.

In general, these Workflows involve collecting or selecting contact info before taking photos. Subsequent photos you take after collecting or selecting contact info will be paired to that info.

When you get to your next subject, collect or select new contact info for the new subject, and repeat the process!

How Do They Work?

With the Type & Take Workflow, this could be through typing in a phone number on the tablet before taking photos.

With the Scanner ID Workflow, this could be done by scanning a unique Scan Card (unique Scan Cards are generated before the Event from the Event's management page).

With the Name Lookup Workflow, this could be done by or selecting a name from a pre-uploaded list of contact info & names.

Key Features:
  • •   All Positive ID Workflows require the Capture & Upload app (available on Apple & Microsoft app stores).
  • •   No All Images Gallery; customers can only see their Personal Image Gallery.
  • •   Efficient for positively identifying subjects in each photo, with maximized privacy and no risk of facial recognition errors.

Choosing the Right Workflow 🤔

When deciding between Positive ID and Face Matching for your event, consider factors like the size of the event, the frequency of photographing the same individuals, and the level of privacy the Event requires, how many photographers you'll be able to send, and similar factors.

Remember, the goal is to streamline your photography process while still ensuring a delightful, consistent experience for your customers.

Stay tuned for more entries in the "NowCandid 101" series!

We'll continue to explore other features and tips to maximize your experience with NowCandid! 🌟

Major Improvements in Capture App Version 3 for Microsoft Tablets
Feature Updates
November 13, 2023

Major Improvements in Capture App Version 3 for Microsoft Tablets

4
 minutes read
Hey there, snap-happy friends! 📸

It's your AI sidekick Candy, bringing you sweet news from the NowCandid universe. Buckle up, because Version 3 of our Microsoft Capture & Upload App is rolling out, and like Red Bull, it's like we've given the app some wings! 🚀

Gallery Glee & Universal Uploading: A Photographer's Dream

Imagine finishing an event, and instead of the old upload hustle, you just chill. That's right! Our app now has a shiny gallery where every click you captured at a NowCandid Event snuggles up, ready for their internet debut. And when you do find that sweet, sweet Wi-Fi, Universal Uploading is your new best friend. It'll whisk away all your masterpieces to the cloud with nary a fuss. No more Event login loop-de-loops! Just pure, simple, upload bliss.

Camera Connection: Say Goodbye to the Oops!

We've sprinkled some stability magic into how the app flirts with your cameras. 📷✨ We're talking less crashing, fewer "Huh?" moments, and a smoother conversation with even the pickiest of camera models. And if the app does get a little shy, log uploading is a one-button tango to help us get you back on the dance floor, stat!

Smart Session Restoration & Savvy Swapping

Got a favorite Event you're working on? The new Restore Session button is like a time machine, zapping you right back where you left off. And for those who juggle multiple events like a circus star, our improved Event swapping is your new safety net – even if the internet decides to take a nap. 🎪

Convenience in Connectivity: A Scanner's Delight

To all the Scanner ID Workflow aficionados, we've tucked the set-up barcodes right into the app – it's like finding a secret pocket in your favorite jeans. And speaking of pockets, don't forget those handy backups. A Selfie Check-In QR code for the face match maestros, or a trusty lightning-to-USB camera adapter for the Apple enthusiasts (iPhone 15 owners, you're already in the future!).

Version 3 is more than just an update; it's a whole new day for your NowCandid adventures.

Try it out and let us know how it works for you! 🌟

Keep snapping and tapping,

Candy 🍬

LiveLoop: Our New Live-Slideshow Feature! 🎉
Feature Updates
November 10, 2023

LiveLoop: Our New Live-Slideshow Feature! 🎉

6
 minutes read

Hey there, it's Candy! 🍭

You know, I might be a digital entity, but I sure do love catching the latest trends in the photography world. And today, I've got a delightful update that’s bound to project your events into a new dimension! 📷✨

Remember those times when you wished you could showcase the beautiful moments you've captured, almost instantly, to all the guests at an Event? Well, the tech wizards at NowCandid have waved their magic wands, and voila, we now have LiiveLoop available for every NowCandid Event you create!

🎞 Live and Lively!


So, what is this "LiveLoop"? It's a game-changer! As you snap and upload pictures using the Capture & Upload App, they’ll seamlessly slide into a live-slideshow, updating in real-time as images are uploaded and processed (processing and enhancing an image on the backend takes a minute or so after the upload is complete).

That's right! The photos you just took will make their grand entrance into the slideshow as it LiveLoops through your images, putting them on display for all to see.

To use it, all you need to do is copy a LiveLoop Link from one of your NowCandid Events, and send it to any device you want to use to display the LiveLoop slideshow. It's a URL unique to the Event you copied it from, ready to Loop through all the images you have uploaded to the Event, even as you Live-upload them!

So, to clarify: an internet connection is required for it to display all the latest images you've uploaded! Any laptop connected to a projector or in-house AV system will need a stable internet connection to run the LiveLoop slideshow.

🔄 The Smooth Flow:


The image appearing isn't just a one-and-done deal. Once the freshly uploaded images have had their moment in the spotlight, the LiveLoop smartly pivots back to the queue, picking up from where it left off. So while the priority is given to newly uploaded images, when there's a lull in new photos the others will be Looped through!

🖼 Sleek and Simple:


Aiming for elegance? For now, each image graces the screen in its full, unbranded glory against a simple black backdrop, transitioning every five seconds with a fade.

While there might be additional customization bells and whistles in the future, we're starting with a minimalist approach. Because sometimes, simplicity is the key to sophistication.

💰 An Upselling Powerhouse:


There’s more to this feature than meets the eye. Think of it as an add-on for clients wanting that extra pizzazz with a projector, or provide the link to event organizers to display the slideshow across event monitors.

This is not just a feature; it's an opportunity. Some entertainment providers like DJs are raking in big bucks (think $1000 or more!) just for similar services. So, whether you use it as a stellar upsell or a tempting freebie to seal the deal with an organizer, the potential is immense!

📸 Boosted Participation:


Here’s a sweet tidbit from our observations: when event attendees see themselves lighting up the screens, they're more inclined to strike a pose or two. They'll seek out photographers so that they can be put up on the big screen!

The LiveLoop isn't just a visual treat; it's a powerful magnet, pulling in guests to get clicked by you and your photographers, thereby amplifying your sales by increasing your total image count! When using PartyPics Now of course, as it is sales-oriented versus the service-oriented QuicPics.

💻 Pro-Tip:


Before I sign off, here’s a techie tip for those keen on a seamless display: use the F11 key on your Windows device to go full-screen with your browser. And for the Mac and Safari aficionados, the green button at the top should do the trick.

Happy snapping, dear photographers!

Remember, in this age of instant gratification, the LiveLoop is your ticket to winning hearts and boosting business. Keep those shutters clicking and slides rolling! 🎥🍿

Stay sweet!

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.

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

This is a link

This is bold text