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

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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:

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New Updates to Boost Your Business

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1. Custom Offers

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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2. Simplified Retail Site with new Features

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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:
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Product Page Rendering: When viewing the product page, most products will render with the customer's selected image, right there in the product gallery!
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• 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.
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• ‍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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.

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3. App Version 4.0

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

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

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4. Event Management Improvements

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

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

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Why NowCandid?

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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.

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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.

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

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Ready to take your photography business to the next level? Embrace NowCandid’s new features and watch your business thrive!

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

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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.

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The Power of NowCandid in Niche Markets

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1. Military Deployments

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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2. Community Fairs and Carnivals

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‍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.

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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...

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

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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.

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3. Fitness Community Events

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‍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.

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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.

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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.

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4. Craft and Art Fairs

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‍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!

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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.
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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!

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5. Hobby Conventions and Immersive Experience Events

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‍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.

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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.

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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.

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Making Niche Events Profitable with NowCandid

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

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• Instant Image Delivery: Attendees receive their photos instantly, making them more likely to purchase and share these images.
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• Well-Composed Images: Professional photos enhance the value of the event and are desirable mementos for attendees.
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• Data Collection: Collecting attendee data allows for targeted marketing of their photos, directing them to their pictures the moment they click a marketing link.
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• 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.
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• 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.

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Conclusion

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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.

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Ready to explore new opportunities and expand your photography business?

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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.

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https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training

As we move past the mid-way point of graduation season, it's a perfect time to reflect on the key takeaways and strategies that can boost your photography business in these last handful of ceremonies.

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The impact of using NowCandid's GradPics Now program has been significant for photographers working both large and small events. Here’s a look at what we've learned so far and how you can make the most of the remaining graduations.
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Tips for a Successful Graduation Season
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1. Prioritize Speed Over Extensive Retouching

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‍In the fast-paced environment of graduation ceremonies, the quick delivery of photos can significantly boost your sales. Focus on capturing the best possible shots in-camera and ensure speedy delivery to clients.

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2. Stick to SRGB Color Profiles for Retouching

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‍If retouching is necessary, save images in an SRGB color profile. This ensures consistency and vibrancy across all viewing platforms, enhancing the overall appeal of your photos to clients.

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3. Use Direct Flash to Enhance Image Quality

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‍Proper lighting is crucial, 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 stand out.

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

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‍Always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry extra batteries and a backup camera to all events. This ensures uninterrupted shooting, even if your primary camera fails or batteries run out.

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NowCandid Best Practices: Selfie Check-In Workflow

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NowCandid's Selfie Check-In workflow is designed to streamline the graduation photography process, making it easier for photographers to manage large events and ensuring every graduate's moment is captured. Here's how to effectively use this feature:

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• Ensure Participation: Encourage every graduate to use the Selfie Check-In upon arrival. Consider assigning assistants to facilitate this process and ensure a smooth workflow.
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• Visibility: Utilize multiple QR code placements—signs, lanyards, and handheld QR code signs—to ensure no one misses out. This increases the chances of capturing every graduate.
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• Extended Reach: Gather information not just from graduates, but also their families. This expands your marketing reach and increases the potential for sales.

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Highlighting Best Performing Graduations with NowCandid

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The power of NowCandid's tools is evident in the outstanding performance of several recent graduation events:

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• An Oklahoma Medical College Commencement
  • ~150 graduates
  • ~$65 sales per graduate
  • ~$9,750 in sales

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• An Oklahoma Graduate School Commencement
  • ~115 graduates
  • ~$41.50 sales per graduate
  • ~$4,772.50 in sales

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• A Louisiana Medical College Commencement
  • ~175 graduates
  • ~$40 sales per graduate
  • ~$7,000 in sales

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• A Louisiana College Commencement
  • ~250 graduates
  • ~$37.50 sales per graduate
  • ~$9,375 in sales

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• An Alaska College Graduation Ceremony
  • ~100 graduates
  • ~$21 sales per graduate
  • ~$2,100 in sales

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All these events were photographed in the last two months, showcasing the incredible potential of leveraging NowCandid for your graduation photography needs.

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Ready to Elevate Your Graduation Photography?

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There's still time to use NowCandid for your upcoming graduation events. If you have any questions or need help setting up an event, our experts Jack and Darwin are here to assist you.

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Schedule a session with them today at https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training to ensure you're fully prepared to make this graduation season your most successful yet!