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Cap and Gown Chronicles: Master the Art of Graduation Photography with These Expert Tips

Cap and Gown Chronicles: Master the Art of Graduation Photography with These Expert Tips

Graduation day is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the occasional all-nighter (we're looking at you, college students). As a photographer, you have the unique opportunity to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments, and we're here to help you make the most of it. From technical know-how to creative flair, we've got you covered with expert tips for optimal graduation photography. And with NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program at your side, you'll be snapping insta-worthy shots in no time. So, ready your camera and let's get started!

  1. Scout the Location:
    Before the big day, visit the graduation venue to familiarize yourself with the layout and lighting conditions. Identify the best spots for group shots, candid moments, and the all-important diploma handoff. This prep work will ensure that you're in the right place at the right time to capture those precious memories.
  2. Use the Right Gear:
    Bring a telephoto lens for close-ups of the stage, a wide-angle lens for group shots, and a fast prime lens for low-light conditions. A monopod or tripod can also help steady your shots and reduce camera shake during those crucial moments and pre- or post-stage cross portraits.
  3. Find the Perfect Angle:
    Get creative with your angles to add depth and interest to your shots. But importantly, always find the right shot in order to get the graduate’s face in the photo! When using NowCandid’s face matching workflows, that’s a very important piece of the puzzle! When you can’t get a good angle, consider asking the school ahead of time to make sure the “handshaker” will always turn towards the camera and smile, prompting the graduates to do the same!
  4. Tell the Story:
    Graduation day is a rollercoaster of emotions, from anticipation to elation. Document the day's events, capturing candid moments and reactions that tell a compelling story. With NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program, you can easily organize and share these images in a personalized gallery, allowing graduates and their families to relive the day for years to come.
  5. Get Creative with Portraits:
    Graduation portraits don't have to be stiff and formal. Encourage the graduates to express themselves, whether it's a celebratory jump or a quirky pose with their diploma. These fun shots will stand out and make lasting memories.

With these expert tips and NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to master the art of graduation photography. So, channel your inner photographer and capture the magic of the big day – because, as Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." And no one wants to miss a moment as special as graduation day. Happy snapping!

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Hey photo friends!

Lots of small but meaningful updates this week—making check-ins better, dashboards clearer, retail orders more polished, and Capture App workflows smoother.

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✅ Positive ID Improvement

  • 👥 Additional Contact support for Simple Check-In & Scan Card Check-In

Subjects can now enter friend or family contact info in addition to their own at Positive ID Events!

This feature was previously limited to Selfie Check-In and Face Matching Events!

📋 Dashboard Improvements

  • 🏷️ Badges for Additional Contacts: Participants and Contacts added as “Additional Contacts” now display a badge for extra clarity
  • 📦 Order Details upgrade: Resubmits now show receive date, order status, and mail date
  • 🔍 New Participant & Contact filters:
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    • PhotoTag dropdown added to filters
    • Filter UI updated for consistency with the Event List & Manage Images pages

🛍️ Retail Updates

  • 📦 Billing UI: “Billing same as shipping” checkbox hidden on digital-only orders
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  • 📧 Post-checkout sheet: Now always shows their email on the order, plus order ID & support email
  • 🖼️ Wallet product upgraded: Now precut with rounded corners for a more professional look!
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    • 💲 Price increased slightly more than other products (+21¢) to account for the upgrade

Retail site renders have also been updated to match the upgraded wallets!

📱 Capture App 4.20.4 (iOS)

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  • 📷 Nikon Z series fix: Prevents cameras from showing as “connected” while powered off with USB power on

🛠️ Small but Mighty Fixes

  • 👤 No more comma-separated names if merged participants have identical first + last names
  • 💲 Recent price changes went live this week
  • 🍎 Fixed Apple Pay prompt not reappearing after dismissal
  • 🌎 Fixed timezone issues on “X min ago” displays in Image Details & Order Details
  • 🏷️ Fixed PhotoTag/Group selector incorrectly showing on package image picker when no PhotoTags existed
  • 📧 Download receipt emails now specify that files will come from YourPhotos@orderssupport.picsemail.com, helping subjects find their downloads

That’s a wrap for this week! 💫

Whether you’re checking in guests, managing contacts, or delivering polished wallets, these updates should make your work a little smoother.

Keep being amazing,

Candy 🍬

Weekly Recap: Positive ID Improvements, New Product & Capture App Upgrades 🎓📱
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🛍️ Retail Site Updates

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🎓 Graduation Tassel Frame: Text now renders live on the retail site, and features a gold gradient text instead of plain white, and has a new matching stock example

🖼️ New Print Products: 10×18 Print and 10×18 Group Photo now available in the Custom Offer Creator & Editor

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📂 CSV roster uploads now supported (not just Excel files)

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From cleaner rosters to new products, these changes should make your workflow smoother and your galleries better.

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Weekly Recap: More PhotoTag Power + Capture App Upgrades 🏷️📱
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🖼️Small Retail Site Improvements

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That’s it for this week!

Lots of small changes adding up to smoother workflows and better gallery organization. 🏆

Keep being amazing,

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