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

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

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Picture Your Future: Transform Your Passion for Photography into a Thriving Business
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August 8, 2023

Picture Your Future: Transform Your Passion for Photography into a Thriving Business

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Attention, aspiring entrepreneurs and photography enthusiasts!

If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion for photography into a thriving business, now's the time to do it. With the help of NowCandid, you'll be able to focus on the most profitable aspects of your venture: booking and shooting. Get ready to channel your inner Peter Parker and capture the world around you as a professional photographer (he was a photographer first, Spider-Man second!). Let's dive into the exciting world of photography entrepreneurship and discover why you should start a photo business in your area today!

1. Low Start-Up Costs and Overhead:


Starting a photography business doesn't require a ton of capital. All you need is some high-quality camera gear and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit. With minimal overhead and excellent profit margins, you'll be well on your way to success.

2. A World of Creative Opportunities:


Photography offers a universe of creative possibilities. From weddings and events to portraits and niche markets, the opportunities are endless. Plus, you can always expand or pivot as your business grows and evolves.

3. Flexible Work-Life Balance:


Owning a photography business provides the unique chance to create a work schedule that suits your lifestyle. Enjoy the freedom of choosing when and where you work, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between your professional and personal life.

4.Comprehensive Support with NowCandid:


NowCandid is your trusty sidekick, taking care of customer support, product fulfillment, and marketing so you can concentrate on booking and shooting. Our Earn More, Work Less philosophy helps you maximize your profits while minimizing your workload.

5. Building Your Network and Reputation:


Starting a photography business is an adventure in networking and reputation-building. As you forge connections and establish your name in the industry, you'll become the go-to photographer in your area – the one clients turn to for capturing their most important moments.

6. A Fulfilling Career Path:


Being a professional photographer allows you to play a crucial role in your clients' lives, preserving their most precious memories. From immortalizing a couple's first dance to snapping the perfect prom photo, you'll be the one responsible for telling their stories through your lens.

7. Continuous Learning and Growth:


As a photography business owner, you'll embark on a never-ending journey of professional and personal growth. Mastering new techniques, staying current with industry trends, and honing your skills will keep you engaged and passionate about your craft.

Launching a photo business in your area is a rewarding and exciting opportunity, offering a wealth of creative potential and the chance for a fulfilling, flexible career.

With NowCandid's support, you can focus on your passion for photography while enjoying the benefits of entrepreneurship. So, grab your camera, embrace your inner entrepreneur, and create a successful and enjoyable photography business.

School’s Out, Earnings In: A Teacher's GradPics Now Success
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July 27, 2023

School’s Out, Earnings In: A Teacher's GradPics Now Success

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Time for another success story!

For years, graduation photography has played a crucial role in capturing the pivotal moments of grads. Not only are these professional photos treasured keepsakes, but they also present substantial income opportunities for photographers.

Consider the story of Eric, a high school photography teacher and small business owner. Eric ventured into a graduation event with NowCandid's platform, intending to photograph around 500 graduates. He had modest expectations, aiming to generate about $1,200 in sales. What unfolded next, however, far exceeded even his most optimistic projections.

In his very first event using NowCandid, the earnings soared past expectations!

Almost reaching an astounding $12,000 within only seven days after the event. Such a windfall was not only a personal victory for the teacher but also a testament to NowCandid's potential to transform event photography. So far (as of publishing this article), the event has reached well over $15,000. A far cry from his initially predicted $1,200.

 

Sharing his success in an email to his onboarding trainer, Darwin Drake, the photography teacher expressed his profound amazement and gratitude. "I am at $6,700 earned and counting. I am beyond speechless. I'm gobsmacked. I'm overjoyed. I am stunned." (And that reaction was before it hit $12,000 days later!)

 

A friends & family photo taken after the ceremony by Eric & his photographers.

But the triumph of this story goes beyond the impressive earnings.

As a teacher, Eric was able to bring his students onboard, teaching them practical skills while also providing them with paid experience. "I hired 4 of my current and former photography students for this event," he wrote, "and as a teacher and small business owner I am so profoundly thankful to be able to teach them and pay them."

 

Eric and some students in Berlin at a graffiti workshop just days after their successful graduation ceremony.

This story highlights the remarkable opportunities that NowCandid can bring to photographers and entrepreneurs.

Whether you're a professional photographer seeking to maximize your earnings, a teacher nurturing the next generation of photographers, or a business owner eager to expand your reach, NowCandid can provide the platform and tools you need to achieve your goals.

In event photography, moments become memories, and for a photographer: memories are opportunities!

Eric's experience shows, that with the right tools and workflow, it is more possible (and easier!) than ever before to monetize your photography in a big way.

Enjoy some more photos taken by Eric & his photographers below!

NowCandid Event Settings & Numbers Breakdown

Program: GradPics Now

Workflow: Selfie Check-In

Price Level: Price Level 8

Title Option: Simple Text Title

Staff: 4 Photographers (doing some Selfie Check-In work as well) and 1 Dedicated Selfie Check-In Attendant

Participants: 500+ Participants via Selfie Check-In

Total Images Taken: 1944

Picture Perfect Marketing: Tips to Promote Your Photo Business
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Picture Perfect Marketing: Tips to Promote Your Photo Business

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As Don Draper (a character from "Mad Men") once said, "Success comes from standing out, not fitting in."

In the competitive world of photography, marketing your photo business to stand out is just as important for your business as capturing stunning images. In this blog post, we'll share some tips to help you market your business effectively and stand out from the crowd. And with a little help from NowCandid, making your brand stand out can be even easier.

1. Identify Your Target Audience:


To effectively market your photo business, it's crucial to first identify your target audience. Are you specializing in weddings, graduations, corporate events, parties, or headshots? Once you know your niche, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach the right clients.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence:


Your website and social media profiles are essential tools for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. Update your social media platforms regularly with captivating images, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging stories that will get the attention of potential customers and get them reaching out to you for future events.

3. Utilize NowCandid's White-Label Services:

NowCandid is completely white-label by default and focuses on features that put your branding front and center. From backprinting your business info on photo prints to providing a library of Canva templates for your marketing materials, NowCandid helps you maintain a consistent brand image without stealing the spotlight.

4. Collaborate with Local Businesses and Vendors:


Partner with local businesses and vendors to cross-promote each other's services. This can include collaborating with event planners, florists, and catering companies, or exchanging promotional materials with complementary businesses.

5. Offer QuicPics Events for Promotion:


Hosting a QuicPics event for free is an excellent way to showcase your talents and promote your business. The marketing texts for QuicPics include your business name and contact info, providing a direct line of communication between you and potential clients.

6. Attend Networking Events and Trade Shows:


Networking is key to building relationships and finding new clients. Attend local events, trade shows, and photography conferences to connect with industry professionals and potential customers.

7. Encourage Referrals and Testimonials:


Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and family, and ask them to write testimonials for your website or review platforms. As the Ghostbusters famously said, "Who you gonna call?" Make sure your clients are calling you for their photography needs!

Marketing your photo business is essential for growth and success.

By identifying your target audience, building a strong online presence, and utilizing tools like NowCandid's white-label services, you can effectively promote your brand and stand out in the competitive photography industry. We hope these tips help you make your photo business truly picture-perfect!

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
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