Scanner Identification Now Available in Our Microsoft Store App
By
Jack C.
on
December 1, 2022
|
7
minute read
We have a new update now available for the Now Candid Microsoft Store App! This update has several quality of life changes and logging improvements, but the main change is that Scanner Identification has finally been implemented!
Scanner Identification is a system that positively IDs images to your customers using, as the name implies, a scanner to scan a customer’s QR card.
When setting up your event you can generate these QR cards (more on that later) that your customers can scan with their phone to input their contact information. From there, the info & QR code are linked. Any time a QR code is scanned by the photographer that starts a session, and all subsequent photos taken will be matched to that contact info until another QR code is scanned.
At this time, Scanner Identification will only be usable with Sports Pics Now and Portraits Now. During event creation, when one of those two programs have been selected, you’ll choose either the “Tap A Face & Selfie Registration” option, or the “Scanner Identification” option. Once Scanner Identification has been selected and the event created, you’ll be able to input how many QR cards you need and a PDF will be generated with that many cards.
You’ll want to print out the PDF on perforated paper such as this 4 up card paper found on Amazon to more easily distribute cards without manually cutting all the paper.
The Scanner Identification workflow does require an LTE tablet! It’s required both as a device to connect your scanner to and as a way to upload your images live at the event so that guests can have links to buy their images moments after their session ends! Since facial recognition is not being used, galleries will be sent even more quickly and with 100% of the images taken during the session.
If you happen to have a very poor internet connection at your event, bringing the tablet and camera to a location with a strong internet connection after the event will send up all the images at that time! Paired to the data you scanned with it at the time of taking the image.
Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! 🌟
We've been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid experience, and I've got all the juicy details right here. Let's dive in! 🏊♀️
1. Unique Faces Count After Group-By-Face 👥
After running Group-By-Face, you can now see an estimated number of "Unique Faces" present in all the photos from your event.
Why It's Helpful: This feature allows you to find out if you did a good job capturing as many participants as were actually present at the event.
Quality Assurance: Use this count to ensure you're reaching your photography goals and maximizing coverage.
2. Capture App Version 4.7 Updates 📱
We've rolled out some important updates to the Capture App to enhance your shooting experience.
Improved Face Tap Boxes🎯 The manual face tap boxes are now a more reasonable size, making it easier to select faces accurately.
"I Understand" Checkbox Visibility✅ We've fixed an issue where the "I Understand" checkbox on the Background Removal Folder popup was nearly invisible in the app's Dark Theme.
Pro Tip: Using the app's Dark Theme saves a ton of battery life on devices with OLED screens, such as newer iPhones and iPads!
3. New 2x5 Scan Card Option for Scanner ID Workflow 📝
Introducing a second option for downloading a PDF of scan cards for the Scanner ID Workflow!
Smaller Card Size: Now available in a 2x5 format.
Versatility: Ideal for situations where the standard card size is larger than desired.
Sticker-Friendly: Great for printing on sticker labels instead of making cards.
4. Retail Site Tweaks for Better Mobile Experience 📱
We've made some adjustments to the retail site to enhance viewing on mobile devices:
Large Font Support: Improved compatibility for customers using large font settings on their phones.
Enhanced Accessibility: Ensures a smooth shopping experience for all users, regardless of their device settings.
5. New Press & Hold to Download Feature for QuicPics & QuicPics GO 📥
We've added a Press & Hold to Download feature for end customers on the QuicPics and QuicPics GO retail sites!
Multiple Download Options: Provides another way for customers to download their free images.
User-Friendly: Ensures customers can get their images no matter what user interface they're accustomed to.
Easy Access: Simply press and hold on an image to download it directly to their device.
We're always here to support you!
Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Keep capturing those unforgettable moments and creating smiles! 📸😊
Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! 🌟
We've been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid experience, and I've got all the juicy details right here. Let's dive in! 🏊♀️
1. Retail Site Enhancements 🛍️
We've made some fantastic improvements to the retail experience for your clients, aiming to boost your sales and make shopping a breeze!
Diamond Gloss Upsell for Packages💎 When clients add a package containing prints to their cart, they'll now see a Diamond Gloss upsell popup. They can choose to add that finish to every print in their package.
Clearer Product Naming📝 The Medium Res Gallery Download (only offered and always offered when you're doing a QuicPics or QuicPics GO Event) now automatically renames to Free Gallery when there's no high-resolution personal gallery offered. Just like the individual download does!
Smart Cart Management🛒 If a client has already added the Personal Gallery Download to their cart, it will be hidden from the shopping screen.
Diamond Gloss Upsell for Packages💎
2. Dashboard Improvements 🖥️
We've focused on making the dashboard more user-friendly and informative, so you can manage your events and participants with ease.
Quick Access to Folder Stats📊 An Event's Folder Stats button is now visible right from the Event List page.
Enhanced Order Details🔍 The Order Details popup in the Sales Report now shows the quantity of each item ordered.
Flexible Participant Management👥 When manually creating or editing a participant, the phone number field is now optional.
Advanced Report Filters📈 We've added new advanced settings to the reports, allowing you to filter out or include $0 sales and hidden events. This gives you greater control over your data analysis!
Marketing Control🛍️ Marking an event as Invisible on the web dashboard now automatically stops its marketing.
Quick Access to Folder Stats📊
Marketing Control🛍️
Advanced Report Filters📈
3. Capture App Version 4.6.9 Updates 📱
We've rolled out some important updates to the Capture App to enhance functionality and prevent errors.
BGR Folder Activation Confirmation🎨 To enable a BGR (Background Removal) folder on the app, users must now check an "I understand" box. Helps new team members avoid accidentally enabling BGR when it's not intended, saving you time and resources.
Improved Phone Number Validation📞 The app now prevents the use of obviously fake phone numbers like 333-333-3333 or 444-444-4444.
Auto-Refresh Event List on iOS🔄 When returning to the app on iOS devices, the event list will now auto-refresh. Reduces the chance of seeing outdated event details, keeping you informed on the go.
BGR Folder Activation Confirmation🎨
4. Mobile Dashboard 2.1.0 Updates 📲
Our Mobile Dashboard app just got even better, helping you manage your events from anywhere!
Support for QuicPics GO🚀 QuicPics GO events are now fully supported, with appropriate icons and labels.
Sortable Folders Report📁 Just like on the desktop dashboard, you can now sort the Folders Report in the mobile app. Swipe down to refresh and get real-time data mid-event. Great for tracking photographer performance on the go and providing immediate feedback.
Support for QuicPics GO🚀
We're always here to support you!
So please, feel free to share your feedback or questions.
Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Keep capturing those unforgettable moments and creating smiles! 📸😊
Maybe not since we have roughly 10 weeks to go. For most photographers, the winter months can bring a noticeable slowdown, but this also presents the perfect opportunity to seize seasonal event opportunities like Santa Portraits and holiday parties.
These festive events are in high demand, and with the right tools, you can make the most out of them!
We want to share a success story from a Santa Portrait Event that took place in the last few years, along with how NowCandid’s Workflows can help you maximize your success this holiday season.
Santa Portrait Station Success
Rachel S., a photography business owner from South Florida, a few years ago landed a Santa Portrait event at a Zoo and turned it into a HUGE win. With Candid's Scanner ID Workflow, Rachel was able to use the same techniques of a typical sports or school picture day and apply them to the Holiday Zoo Lights Santa Event.
To manage the event, Rachel used the Scanner ID Workflow, and generated blank QR cards to pass out to people while they waited in line.
The QR codes were scanned by the guests who then paired their contact info with their QR code! Once they got to the front of the line, Rachel's photographers would scan the next guest's QR with their tethered device, and then take their photos!
The device tethered to the camera would then upload the photos right after they were taken!
With the contact info and pictures both in the system, gallery links were then automatically texted directly to the subjects, right away.
Overall, this event garnered over $42,000 in it's first year!!! Not bad for a couple weeks of work!
NowCandid Workflows: Make Your Holiday Events a Breeze
One of the key elements to success in high-volume holiday events is efficiency—and that’s where NowCandid’s Workflows come into play.
These workflows streamline the process of capturing, organizing, and delivering photos, allowing you to focus more on your artistry and client experience.
Here are two workflows you’ll want to use during your Santa sessions and holiday parties:
• Scanner ID: The Workflow Rachel used! It's great for efficiently collecting guest contact info while they are in line, letting you move the line along more quickly OR have more time available for additional photos. Contact info is essential for instant image delivery and post-shoot marketing.
• Type & Take: This works similarly to the Scanner ID Workflow, except you type the subject's contact info into your tethered device before photographing them. It is not as time efficient at Scanner ID, but it doesn't require you to print out many blank cards before the event!
Seasonal Retail Theme to Add to the Experience
The holiday fun doesn't stop at the event—it continues when your customers view and purchase their images! With our Candy Cane retail theme, your clients are immersed in the festive spirit as soon as they visit their personal image gallery.
Our themes include delightful touches like falling snowflakes, which gently drift across the screen. These animations help enhance the shopping experience and keep customers wrapped up in the magic of the season.
Theme: Candy Cane - Watermarking: Default
Use Overlay Art to Add a Special Touch
If you're looking to elevate the experience further, NowCandid offers Overlay Art, allowing you to add optional customized overlays to your clients' images.
These titles add a festive, personal touch to the photos, making them feel extra special, whether it's a corporate holiday party, a Santa session, or a family Christmas gathering.
Imagine sending clients their Santa Portraits, complete with a “Merry Christmas 2024” overlay or a custom-designed title that reflects the spirit of the season. It’s little touches like these that make clients feel valued and excited about your services—leading to more referrals and repeat business.
Why You Shouldn't Sleep on Holiday Opportunities
The holiday season offers some of the most lucrative photography opportunities of the year, especially when it comes to events like Santa Portrait sessions, corporate holiday parties or large family and friends gatherings.
With many photographers considering this time a "slow season," there's an opportunity to stand out from the crowd by offering fun, engaging photo experiences that families, organizations, and individuals will love.
Adding these events to your services can also build lasting relationships with your clients—because who doesn’t want to make holiday memories they’ll treasure forever?
Don't Miss Out: Prep for the Holidays Now
The key to success is preparation. Start planning your Santa sessions, promote your holiday event photography, and make sure you're using NowCandid’s powerful tools to handle your Events with ease.
And remember: festive cheer isn’t just for clients. By embracing the holiday season and seizing these photography opportunities, you can fill your calendar and finish the year strong.
Cheers, and may there be many holiday events in your future!
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