New Orleans Event Photography: Social Sales Up 60%
By
Jack C.
on
December 6, 2023
|
7
minute read
New Orleans Event Photography, led by the dynamic duo of Amy Lombardo and Brian Junod, has had quite the success at a recent social Event!
Though they had successfully covered this annual social Event in 2022, their experience and preparation, combined with NowCandid's improvements over the past year, led to over a 60% increase in sales covering the same Event in 2023.
Left: Amy Lombardo Right: Brian Junod
The Backstory
New Orleans Event Photography embarked on their NowCandid journey just a week before covering the same annual social event in 2022.
Despite the brief preparation period, they managed to prepare Microsoft Surface Go tablets to utilize NowCandid’s Tap-A-Face, connected to the internet via LTE hotspot, to generate over $15,000 in sales. Typically, devices with LTE built-in are highly recommended, but in a pinch, an LTE hotspot works!
This impressive feat marked just the beginning of their journey with NowCandid! Their 2023 results were even more impressive.
Elevating Sales through Education and Experience
Building on their initial success, the team sought to deepen their understanding of NowCandid's capabilities through workshops and mentorships. This proactive approach was key to their remarkable 60% sales increase.
"With the mentorships and workshops we have done over the past year, we have grown the sales of the same event over 60%," they reported. This educational commitment catapulted their sales from over $15,000 in 2022 to over $25,000 in 2023.
It's worth mentioning that their profit (before paying their photographers & crew) was well over $20,000. An almost 83% profit margin! Not bad for an Event where they were only taking photos for 5 hours.
What were some of the lessons learned through workshops and mentorships?
Putting some of the more nuanced lessons aside, the basics were: more photographers, more images taken, using LTE-enabled tablets, and knowing when and how to utilize Selfie Check-In.
While in 2022 New Orleans Event Photography had 4-5 photographers at the Event, in 2023 they had 7 photographers in total, with approximately 7 additional crew members there for support.
Additional photographers allowed a significant increase in poses and images taken, while the additional crew streamlined the Event and allowed them to garner hundreds of Selfie Check-Ins as attendees arrived at the Event. Amy & Brian could not have succeeded at this Event without the help of their awesome photographers and crew!
By having additional crew present to acquire Selfie Check-Ins, the photographers did not need to spend as much time on tapping faces (though there were still plenty of Tap-A-Face entries at their Event as well) allowing them time to take even more images.
What New Orleans Event Photography Liked Most About NowCandid:
Focusing on the Photography
One of the standout features that Amy and Brian emphasized was the ability of NowCandid to simplify the complexities of the photo sales process. This allowed them and their team to concentrate fully on their photography and increasing their volume.
"It is nice to be able to just focus on the photography aspect knowing that the sales, marketing, and technical features are being handled by NowCandid," they shared. This focus on photography ensured thorough and professional coverage of the event, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Ease of Use and Customer Satisfaction
The intuitive nature of NowCandid played a significant role in streamlining their workflow and enhancing customer satisfaction.
"Our customers have loved the experience of instantly receiving their photo proofs and being able to order on the spot," Amy & Brian noted. Instant gallery delivery not only simplified the process for the photographers, but also delighted their clients.
Responsive Improvements and Growth
Over the past year, New Orleans Event Photography witnessed firsthand the evolution of NowCandid's Capture & Upload app.
"The NowCandid crew listens to feedback and has vastly improved the application since we first used it a year ago," they acknowledged. This responsiveness to user feedback demonstrates NowCandid’s commitment to continuous improvement, aligning with the evolving needs of professional photographers.
The story of New Orleans Event Photography and NowCandid is one of collaboration, innovation, and remarkable growth.
Their journey showcases how the right tools, combined with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, can lead to exceptional outcomes in event photography.
At NowCandid™, we’re committed to helping photographers streamline their workflow, maximize revenue, and capture unforgettable moments with ease. That’s why we’re hosting a series of exclusive webinars covering our latest tools and strategies. Whether you’re looking to boost your graduation photography business or explore the full power of NowCandid™, these sessions are for you!
🎓 GradPics Now™ – The Smart Way to Capture Graduations
Graduation photography should be seamless, profitable, and stress-free. GradPics Now™ gives you the flexibility and efficiency you need to handle ceremonies of any size—all while increasing your earnings. With our innovative Selfie Check-In™ Workflow, you can ensure every graduate gets photographed and linked effortlessly.
In this webinar, you’ll learn: ✅ How GradPics Now™ helps you capture and sell more photos ✅ Key benchmarks for running a successful graduation event ✅ How to use our latest tools to streamline the process
📸 NowCandid™ Overview – The Ultimate Photography Toolkit
Whether you specialize in social events, sports, graduations, or portraits, our powerful software suite is designed to help you Snap More and Stress Less. With cutting-edge features like Selfie Check-In™, Live Loop™, and Photo Booth Mode, NowCandid™ gives photographers the tools they need to automate, market, and grow their business like never before.
In this webinar, we’ll cover: 🚀 The latest NowCandid™ features and enhancements 💡 How our tools help photographers save time and increase sales 📈 Best practices for making the most of NowCandid™ in your business
Candy here, and I’m excited to bring you my top picks for iPad-only photo booths in 2025 — fresh from the Photo Booth Expo show floor. As you know, NowCandid’s Photo Booth Mode works seamlessly with Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras. But if you’re looking to simplify your setup, these iPad-only booths are our top recommendations!
Why do we prefer iPad-only?
It’s all about scalability, convenience, and cost savings. While Windows is very customizable compared to Apple, that also opens up your software to various complications & interference from settings & applications across a Windows device. The streamlined software of Apple devices can help reduce those odd issues that pop up occasionally from event to event.
Below, you’ll find three stands we checked out this year, each with a Pros & Cons list and our more detailed “Our Take.” Let’s get to it! 🚀
• Includes frames for multiple iPad sizes (10.2'' 10.9'' 11'' 12.9'')
• Optional rolling case for an extra $100
Pros:
✅ Affordable — Perfect for those on a tighter budget
✅ Sturdy, good build quality despite the lower price point
✅ Attractive design with body lights + ring light
✅ Two remotes to control both the body lights & the ring light
✅ Ring light can change color tone (white, blue, yellow) + brightness
Cons:
❌ Too tall — even with tilt, shorter guests often appear low in the frame
❌ Not super portable — 10 screws for full assembly/disassembly, not counting iPad mounting
❌ Can’t keep iPad fully charged on max brightness; battery drain is slower but still present
❌ Spinning 360° head can get tilted off-center by guests too easily, unless tightened
❌ Carrying case is sub-par (handles sometimes broke off in our tests, no dedicated compartments for each piece)
Our Take
We call this booth the “Bargain Booth” for a reason. At just $549, it offers a really good bang for your buck, especially if you’re not overly concerned about having no-tools assembly or a perfect height. If you’re okay with its tall frame, you could mitigate set-up hassles by keeping it partially assembled and just transporting it in a larger vehicle.
However, the height might be an issue if your events often include younger kids or smaller adults — you’ll either have to tilt it downward a lot (which can distort the perspective) or place the booth next to a short platform for subjects to stand on, to raise them up a bit relative to the photo booth. Another minor inconvenience is that it won’t keep a 12.9-inch iPad Pro fully charged if you’re running maximum screen brightness (which you often do in well-lit or outdoor events). As a workaround, start the event with a fully charged iPad to ensure it lasts 10+ hours.
All in all, if budget is your top priority and you can accept the relatively tall design and some quirky portability issues, the Bargain Booth is a solid choice. We’ve used one ourselves throughout our trade show tour — it survived being shipped around on pallets across the country! That’s a good sign it’s built to last.
Image pulled from this booth's Amazon Store page, linked above
✅ Very professional, modern design (and easy to add vinyl wraps)
✅ Roamer mode — Detach the base plate for a handheld kiosk
✅ Easy "guided access" — Slot to let you press the iPad power button with a paperclip
✅ Cooling fans — Great for outdoor or long-lasting events
✅ 1-year warranty
✅ Comes with a compact rolling case that’s sturdy and well-organized
✅ Can keep an iPad fully charged with no battery drain issues
Cons:
❌ Expensive — $3,000 when not on sale
❌ Limited light control — Currently supports only an all-white ring lamp mode when used with NowCandid's Capture & Upload App
❌ No body lights (though custom vinyl wraps can spice it up)
❌ 11" iPad faceplate is an add-on ($49 extra)
Our Take
The Salsa 2 was one of the prettiest booths at Photo Booth Expo 2025. Yes, it’s significantly pricier than the Bargain Booth, but that extra cost gets you:
• Premium build & design: It looks sleek, modern, and instantly elevates any event space.
• Tool-free assembly: You can set it up in minutes, which is fantastic if you’re juggling multiple events or tight on time.
• Real portability: The included rolling case feels like well-designed luggage. It’s compact, highly protective, and easy to maneuver.
• No battery issues: Unlike cheaper stands, the Salsa 2’s internal wiring keeps your iPad at 100% charge, even at full brightness.
• Convenience features: Accessing the iPad’s power button through a tiny opening is genius — it makes entering Apple’s Guided Access mode a breeze.
• Cooling fans: If you’ve ever had an iPad overheat while guests queue up, you’ll understand just how valuable built-in cooling can be.
As for the lighting, we loved that the ring light is bright and consistent. However, it would be nice if it could sync or tie in with other software to do color changes, currently it is only available in a plain white “lamp mode” when used with NowCandid. That said, the ring light is extremely usable out of the box, and most guests will probably never be upset it’s just white.
Overall, the Salsa 2 is a fantastic investment if you want a booth that radiates professionalism, sets up easily, and doesn’t skimp on features like cooling or proper cable management. If you’re aiming to scale up your photo booth business and command a higher rate for a premium booth, Salsa 2 is definitely our top pick.
Image pulled from the Salsa 2's "Explore" page, linked above
3. The Helio Sport by ATA Photo Booths
Price: $1,449 (no case), $1,949 (with rolling case)
• Assembly is simpler than the Bargain Booth, but not as effortless as the Salsa 2
• Does not support the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (and requires you to pick a specific iPad size at purchase)
Pros:
✅ Reasonably priced for a mid-tier booth
✅ Solid build quality and sleek, minimal design
✅ No glaring flaws — a stable option that “just works”
✅ Vinyl wrapping is easy if you want to customize the look
Cons:
❌ Not very feature-rich — Lacks some extras like body lights
❌ Height not adjustable — Tilt-only design (however, it's a good height to begin with!)
❌ Comes with 1 iPad frame — You must choose the iPad size when ordering; and no 12.9" support
❌ Assembly takes more time than the Salsa 2 (though not as much as the Bargain Booth)
Our Take
If you’re seeking a middle ground between the cheapest and priciest booths, the Helio Sport can fit the bill. It doesn’t stand out with flashy body lights or a detachable "roaming booth" head, but it also doesn’t suffer from major flaws. Setup is fairly quick (somewhere between the Bargain Booth’s many screws and the Salsa 2’s tool-free approach). The price tag, around $1,449, places it well under the Salsa 2, but it’s still nearly three times more than the Bargain Booth.
For us, the biggest drawback is that it doesn’t support the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. That’s our favorite iPad size for photo booths, especially if you’re looking to have a large, vibrant display. So if you’re committed to using a bigger iPad, the Helio Sport might not be your best pick.
That said, if you already own a compatible iPad or you prefer something smaller (and you’re on a moderate budget), the Helio Sport remains a solid contender. It has a professional look, decent portability (especially if you spring for the rolling case), and a straightforward operation. It might lack the “wow” factor of the Salsa 2, but if you’re simply looking for a reliable iPad booth with minimal fuss, Helio Sport is a fine choice.
Image pulled from the Helio Sport's store page, linked above
Final Thoughts
In the world of iPad-only photo booths:
1. Bargain Booth (Marvel Tech) – Best Value
Great price, tall frame, some minor inconveniences (charging, height, and assembly). Very durable and surprisingly good build quality for the cost.
Premium design, tool-free assembly, built-in cooling, and straightforward iPad integration. More expensive but loaded with user-friendly features.
3. Helio Sport (ATA Photo Booths) – Honorable Mention
Middle-of-the-road price and features, but lacks support for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. A decent option if you’re okay with a smaller iPad.
And no matter which booth you choose, remember to:
• Use a cellular-enabled iPad Pro for maximum flexibility.
• Get a high-quality screen protector for your device.
• Enable Guided Access (when able) to keep guests from exiting the Capture & Upload app and poking around in your iPad.
One Last Photo Booth Pro-Tip:
None of our recommendations today have glass screens to cover your iPad, as that tends to make tapping the screen inconsistent. Instead, head to Best Buy or a similar store and buy a protective screen for your iPad. They’ll even apply it for you bubble-free! Many screens have warranties as well, so you can replace them at no extra cost if they crack. This approach keeps your iPad screen protected from scratches while remaining responsive to your guests’ taps, making the experience better for everyone.
And if you have any questions about NowCandid’s Photo Booth Mode, or just want more tips on creating the ultimate interactive photo experience, drop us a line on our Calendly! We’re always here to help.
Candy here, welcoming you to a slightly lighter Weekly Recap than usual—though trust me, next week’s is shaping up to be pretty big, so stay tuned!
Let’s dive into the latest changes and features arriving on NowCandid™ this week.
1. Group Photo Toggle for PartyPics™ 🏷️
We’ve extended the Group Photo toggle on the Manage Images page to include PartyPics™ events:
Mark as Group Image: Place that photo at the end of every participant’s personal gallery.
Selling Group Photos:
If you have group photo–specific products, those images are only purchasable on those items.
If not, they’re sold on your normal product lineup.
No Automatic Marketing: Group photos won’t trigger separate marketing, but they’ll appear for everyone with a personal gallery.
It’s a handy way to ensure attendees see any large group or crowd shots without extra hassle!
2. Improved Participant Counts 🙋
Our Participant counting system just got more accurate:
Combined Contacts: If a single Selfie Check-In™ has multiple Contact entries, it now counts as one "Participant", rather than one Participant for each Contact.
Counts Across the Platform: These updated numbers apply in Reports, the Event Management page, and the Participant Management page.
Contact Details: You’ll still see a Total Contacts count below the Participant count—so you can manage each Contact's gallery and info as needed, as usual!
These more accurately reflect how many individuals were actually at your events, while preserving key data about who’s who and how many contacts you collected.
3. Face Matching™ for Portraits Now 🤳
Lastly, you can now choose to run Face Matching™ in your Portraits Now events:
Previously Positive ID Only: Portraiture Events historically used only Positive ID, but many photographers brought up use cases for face-based workflows in certain portrait sessions!
Example: It can help with portraiture Events for which clients may be taking time to do outfit changes, or go to multiple portrait stations. Face Matching allows you to photo subjects out of order, without any slowdowns or multiple entries.
It’s another way we’re giving you flexibility to craft the best workflow for your clients’ needs.
That’s it for this week, folks!
Sometimes even small updates can have a big impact on your Workflow! So thanks for staying tuned.
As always, if you have any questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out—and don’t forget to check back next week for some very exciting changes!
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