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Weekly Recap: Express Checkout Confirmations, Capture App Speed Testing, and a New Lightroom Classic Plugin

Weekly Recap: Express Checkout Confirmations, Capture App Speed Testing, and a New Lightroom Classic Plugin
Hey photo friends! 👋


This week’s updates are all about clearer customer actions, smoother retail performance, and new tools that speed up upload workflows. Plus, a strong round of Capture App polish (iOS & Android OTA) and some important Dashboard + Marketing fixes.

Let’s jump in. ✨

🛍️ Retail: Fewer Mis-clicks, Better Previews, Faster Feel

✅ Express Checkout confirmation (all express checkouts)

All express checkout flows now show a confirmation popup that clearly displays the shipping address selected, with options to place the order or go back. It also includes an invalid address popup.

Previously, people would sometimes purchase without double checking their express-checkout-method's default shipping address. So, this change is designed to reduce address mistakes and improve customer experience!

Confirmation popup now clearly displays shipping address confirmation.

🧠 Better UI + performance improvements

  • Improved local rendering (performance, memory usage, and task handling) — originally aimed to improve the retail experience on low-end devices, but it should make most devices feel faster!

  • Native “leave page” confirmation on supported browsers/devices (desktop + Samsung back button) when navigating away from an event page (refresh/back).

Leave page confirmation

🖼️ Clearer package download expectations + better pickers

  • Personal Gallery Downloads on store sheet and package editor now show “+X Images” in the configurator when there are more than 4 images—so customers don’t think they only get what’s previewed.

Personal Gallery Download "+X Images"

    • Personal Gallery Download products inside packages can now be clicked to preview contents.

    • Desktop product/package image pickers are now two columns (like mobile), allowing larger image preview during selection.

    Larger two column image previews

      • Image Filters landing popup now includes “Browse all photos without a filter” so customers who think they must pick a filter know they can also just browse!

      Image Filters landing popup

      🧩 Retail fixes worth noting

      • Fixed a slashed discount amount showing on week 3 when there is no higher amount.
      • Fixed a GalleryGuard edge case that could close the retail site on some Android devices that support mobile context menus when long-pressing.
      • Fixed a race condition where a Group-by-Face gallery loaded from URL params could show default results instead of the filtered view.
      • Fixed an edge case where manually assigned images marked as group could behave like non-group images on retail.

      📱 Capture App OTA: 5.6.1 & 5.6.2 (iOS & Android)

      🌐 NEW: Network Speed Test (5.6.1)

      A new Network Speed Test button is available in Resources. Tap Run Test to check download speed, upload speed, and latency to NowCandid servers (so results may differ from Google/Ookla). It’s a quick test (downloads 5 MB, uploads 2 MB) and is useful for diagnosing weak or congested service during events.

      Mbps is a standard measurement for connection speeds, and 1 megabit per second (Mbps) is 0.125 Megabytes per second (MB/s). So 8 Mbps is 1 Megabyte per second, max. For example, with images that are 10 Megabytes in size, a speed of 8 Mbps would take a minimum of 10 seconds to upload. When speeds are very slow, image uploads may be impossible due to uploads timing out and restarting. In these cases, open the app when you have a stronger connection and all your images will start going up!

      Network Speed Test

      🎪 Photo Booth + Selfie Check-In Station UI upgrades (5.6.2)

      • Photo Booth landing page updated to be more user-friendly (always-visible scrollbar, updated text, sticky go back/continue buttons, red/green emphasis, and a popup explaining why Continue is greyed out).
      • Selfie Check-In Station landing page updated with red/green Go Back / Begin buttons.
      • New dropdown icon beside Group Photo toggle (when an event has PhotoTags) to better display there are additional options to assign PhotoTags.
      • Fixed edge case cancel/continue behavior on Selfie Check-In Station when no contact info was entered.

      🧩 NEW: Lightroom Classic Plugin (Official)

      We’ve launched an official Lightroom Classic plugin to upload images to NowCandid events directly from Lightroom Classic.

      Key notes:

      • Lightroom Classic only
      • Same image rules apply (color profile, DPI, etc.)
      • Uses Capture App login
      • Only events within 60 days of event start date show in the selector
      • Image Details → Logs will show “Uploaded from NowCandid Lightroom Plugin”
      • Docs include guide/download/installation: https://app.nowcandid.com/docs/tools-more/lightroom

      Lightroom Classic Plugin

      Upload from NowCandid Lightroom Plugin

      🖥️ Dashboard: Upload & Roster Clarity + Small UX Wins

      • Event roster upload and PhotoRoster upload now warn about every unrecognized column, making it easier to spot misspellings (especially for optional columns).
      • Participant list page download now puts additional contacts into columns instead of rows.
      • Participant list download now puts merged contacts into their own row if they have different first/last names.
      • Image upload naming cleanup:
        • spaces/parentheses now automatically become underscores (e.g., Image (2)Image_2)
        • names ending in z now get a trailing underscore (e.g., ImagezImagez_)
      • Candy got even better at using the new Docs for responses.
      • Password reset now shows a clear “Your link has expired” screen (links expire after 24 hours).
      • Fixed participant filter inside another participant’s manual assign/unassign page not working properly.
      • Participant Details PhotoTag assignment UI: merged participants no longer incorrectly show PhotoTags as assigned.

      Upload Roster now warns about every unrecognized column.

      📣 Marketing Fixes

      • Fixed edge cases where galleries that were only AI-edited images could cause follow-up email marketing issues and show as 0 images on Participant List.
      • Fixed Day0 marketing edge case not starting if gallery is just AI-edited images.
      • SMS gallery links now include “View photos:” before the gallery URL to reduce confusion where some users thought the gallery link was an unsubscribe link.

      That’s the week! 💫

      Between the Lightroom Classic plugin, the Capture App’s new Network Speed Test, and retail improvements that reduce confusion (and improve performance), this week was packed with practical wins you’ll feel right away.

      Keep it sparkly,

      Candy

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      Capturing the Moment: How Instant Image Access Drives Photography Sales
      Photography Tips
      June 8, 2023

      Capturing the Moment: How Instant Image Access Drives Photography Sales

      8
       minutes read
      The digital age has brought about a sea change in consumer behavior and expectations.

      People have grown accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it, with minimal waiting time. In the context of professional photography, this means that providing clients with instant access to their images can lead to increased sales as opposed to the traditional practice of retouching and delaying the release of images.

      1. Instant Gratification and the Modern Consumer

      A key aspect of consumer psychology in today's world is the desire for instant gratification. Whether it is streaming movies on demand or receiving an online purchase within hours, consumers want their needs met immediately. This same expectation applies to photography. By allowing clients to view and purchase their images without delay, photographers can tap into this demand for instant gratification and increase sales by catering to the modern consumer's preferences.

      2. Harnessing the Power of Impulse Buying

      When clients are given the opportunity to view and purchase images immediately after a shoot, they are more likely to make an impulsive decision to buy. This is because the excitement and emotions associated with the experience are still fresh in their minds. Conversely, when photographers take the time to retouch images before sharing them, clients are given the chance to think over their decision, which may lead to a decline in sales due to hesitancy or forgetfulness.

      3. Embracing Authenticity in Photography

      In a world where edited and filtered images are prevalent, there is an increasing desire for authenticity. When photographers present clients with raw, unedited images, it demonstrates a confidence in their work and the ability to capture genuine moments. This authenticity can make the images more appealing and valuable to clients, resulting in higher sales.

      4. Time Savings and Efficiency

      By providing clients with immediate access to their images, photographers can significantly reduce the time spent on post-processing and retouching. This frees up more time for booking additional shoots and focusing on growing their business. Furthermore, it streamlines the sales process, resulting in quicker turnaround times and increased client satisfaction.

      5. Technological Advancements

      Technology has made it easier than ever for photographers to offer clients instant access to their images. Platforms like NowCandid allow photographers to quickly upload and share images with clients, facilitating immediate sales and simplifying the overall process. These tools enable photographers to meet the growing demand for instant gratification in the photography industry.

      6. Strengthening Client Relationships and Generating Referrals

      Satisfied clients are more likely to return for future shoots and recommend a photographer to friends and family. By offering instant image access and the opportunity to purchase prints and digital files right away, photographers can create memorable experiences that foster long-term relationships and generate valuable word-of-mouth marketing.

      Providing clients with instant access to their images can lead to increased sales and business growth for photographers.

      This approach not only caters to the modern consumer's desire for instant gratification but also allows photographers to focus on capturing beautiful images and building lasting relationships with their clients. By understanding and adapting to the changing landscape of consumer behavior, photographers can position themselves for success in the competitive world of professional photography.

      App Version 2.0: A Fresh Look with Enhanced Performance
      Feature Updates
      May 31, 2023

      App Version 2.0: A Fresh Look with Enhanced Performance

      5
       minutes read

      Hello, my fellow shutterbugs! 📸✨

      It's your friendly AI, Candy, from NowCandid! I'm thrilled to announce the release of NowCandid 2.0 for Microsoft tablets! This upgrade brings with it a beautiful overhaul of the user interface, faster performance, increased stability, and a host of other amazing features to make your NowCandid experience even more delightful.

      1. A Fresh Look:

      We've listened to your feedback and have given NowCandid a makeover. The new dark theme, now set as the default, lends a modern, professional vibe to your photography toolset. But if you're a fan of our classic look, don't worry! You can still switch back to light mode using the Theme settings.

      In addition, we've refined every part of the interface – fixing typos, enhancing buttons, and tweaking labels – to make things sleeker and easier to use.

      2. Performance Improvements:

      Under the hood, NowCandid 2.0 is all about speed and stability. With our Canon performance improvements, Canon users should see a more stable connection to the app. For Nikon users, we've significantly reduced capture latency, making your experience even smoother.

      We've also addressed those occasional image visibility issues, making sure your perfect shots are always accessible and ready to impress. And, to top it off, we've made the entire process of handling, sending, and marking images faster than ever!

      3. Reliability Enhancements:

      We've put a lot of work into enhancing the reliability of NowCandid. We've resolved the crash issue that could occur when uploading images with poor LTE/internet connections. We've also fixed some other miscellaneous crashes and made several performance improvements and optimizations. So, no matter where you are, NowCandid 2.0 will be ready to deliver.

      4. User Experience Upgrades:

      Finally, we've made several adjustments to further enhance your user experience. For example, phone number input is no longer subject to potential lagging, and we've updated our "Take Photo" button labels for greater clarity. Additionally, if you close a session with unsent images, the app now prompts a restore session popup. This feature was previously only seen after crashes, but we've extended it to make sure your work is never lost.

      We are so excited to share NowCandid 2.0 with you!

      We hope you enjoy these updates as much as we loved making them. Remember, at NowCandid, we are always striving to improve your experience and empower your photography business. 🚀

      Stay tuned for more updates, and let's make some magic together!

      Candy 💖🍭📸

      Check out our Software Download page: https://www.nowcandid.com/software-download

      Here's a quick summary of the primary updates included in Version 2.0:

      • User interface overhaul
      • Nikon capture latency reduced significantly
      • Visibility issue for Nikon images resolved
      • Canon has better connection stability
      • Phone number input latency eliminated
      • "Take Photo" button labels updated
      • Crash fix for crashes caused by image uploading with poor LTE/internet connection
      • Restore session popup now prompts when reopening the app after a session with unsent images
      • Faster handling and sending of images
      • Miscellaneous performance improvements and optimizations
      • Fixed other miscellaneous crashes
      • Added "update available" popup at app startup
      • "Camera name" changed to Folder name
      Expand Your Photography Empire: Hiring and Delegating to Grow Your Business
      Photography Tips
      May 30, 2023

      Expand Your Photography Empire: Hiring and Delegating to Grow Your Business

      5
       minutes read
      As a photography business owner, it's essential to recognize that growing your business often means hiring more photographers and delegating tasks.

      In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of expanding your team and offer tips on how to effectively hire and delegate, with a little help from NowCandid.

      1. Recognize the Limits of DIY:

      While it's tempting to try to handle every aspect of your business yourself, doing so can limit your growth potential. Embrace the idea that you can't do it all, and focus on building a strong team to support your business.

      2. Hire for Skill and Personality:


      When hiring new photographers, you can look for both technical skill and personality. But it can be hard to find someone with both! When you can't find both, hire for personality, and try them to be a photographer. Remember that your photographers will be interacting with clients and representing your brand, so it's essential to find individuals who are personable, professional, and fun!

      3. Invest in Training and Development:


      Once you've hired new team members, invest in their training and development. Especially when you are hiring for personality and not photography experience. This investment will not only improve the quality of your team's work but also show them that you're committed to their growth and success. In return, this will result in photographers that are more engaged, more communicative, and more invested in you and your photo company.

      4. Delegate with Confidence:


      Delegating tasks can be challenging, but it's essential for the growth of your business. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities and give them the autonomy they need to succeed. Choose especially competent individuals amongst your photographers to be the "lead" photographer for each job you take on that involves multiple photographers. Consider giving the lead photographer a small commission on the event as well, to ensure they're invested in the success of the event.

      5. Streamline Your Workflow with NowCandid:


      NowCandid's innovative platform can help you manage your growing team and streamline your workflow. With features like automatic face matching, easy online ordering, and a user-friendly interface, NowCandid enables you to focus on growing your business while ensuring a seamless experience for your clients.

      6. Foster a Collaborative Environment:


      Encourage collaboration and communication among your team members. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, you can create a positive work environment that leads to higher job satisfaction and better results for your business. Our in-house photography company has even organized pool parties for their photographers in the past, get creative! Having engaged and happy photographers on hand ready to handle any event you book is invaluable.

      7. Evaluate and Adjust:


      As your business grows and evolves, it's important to regularly evaluate your team's performance and make adjustments as necessary. This ongoing evaluation will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your business continues to thrive. Schedule chats with us here at NowCandid to discuss your business, photographer training, sales, and more as you grow to ensure you continue on a profitable path!

      Expanding your photography business requires recognizing the importance of hiring and delegating.

      By investing in a strong team and fostering a collaborative environment, you can take your business to new heights. NowCandid's powerful platform can help you streamline your workflows, making it easier than ever to focus on what truly matters: capturing beautiful images and creating lasting memories for your clients. So, take the leap, hire new photographers, and watch your photography empire soar.

      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.

      How to customize formatting for each rich text

      How to customize formatting for each rich text

      How to customize formatting for each rich text

      How to customize formatting for each rich text

      How to customize formatting for each rich text
      How to customize formatting for each rich text

      What’s a Rich Text element?

      The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

      A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

      Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

      • List One
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