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Weekly Recap: Faster Virtual Group Creation, New Candy Image Studio Tools & Capture App 5.7 Updates ✨📸

Weekly Recap: Faster Virtual Group Creation, New Candy Image Studio Tools & Capture App 5.7 Updates ✨📸
Hey photo friends! 👋

Candy here with another weekly recap! This week brings some great upgrades to Virtual Group Builder, new Candy Image Studio tools, better Docs search, and a solid Capture App update with helpful color profile and PhotoTag improvements.

Let’s take a look!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Virtual Group Builder Improvements

Virtual Group Builder got a nice set of workflow upgrades this week:

🏷️ Create Virtual Groups directly from PhotoTags

  • On the PhotoTags page, click Create under the VGroup column to automatically start a new Virtual Group using participants from that PhotoTag. You’ll also get a popup asking whether to use each participant’s first or last cutout.

🚀 Save works-in-progress with placeholders

  • You can now save changes to a Virtual Group even if some subjects still have spaceman placeholders.
  • All subjects still need a selected photo before uploading the finished Virtual Group to the Event.

🖼️ Overlay uploads can now be named

  • When uploading overlays, you can name them so they’re easier to search and find later.

🔤 More control over subject name styling

  • Title Case is now only applied on import, meaning you can use the subject inspector to customize name casing afterward.

📐 New text display option

  • There’s a new Display setting to disable justified text.

🌫️ Bottom Vignette improvements

  • Bottom Vignette rendering has been reworked for better results.

🔎 More flexible scaling

  • Max global scale is now 200%.

🎨 Candy Image Studio: New Editing Nodes

Candy Image Studio has two new tools to help clean up common image issues:

👔 Dewrinkle Clothes

  • Helps smooth distracting clothing wrinkles while keeping the image natural.

🖼️ Restore Old Photo

  • A new restoration-style node for improving older or damaged images.

📱 Capture App 5.7 Updates

App Store update released Monday, June 22

Capture App 5.7 includes some meaningful workflow and compatibility improvements:

🎨 Automatic sRGB conversion

  • If an image is detected as non-sRGB, the app will now try to automatically convert it to sRGB. If it can’t, you’ll still get the existing invalid color profile warning.
  • This can be especially useful for black-and-white shooting modes that output a different color profile. That said, we still recommend shooting in sRGB whenever possible, since conversion can cause some color loss and may use extra battery during long sessions.

🧾 User Comment shown in EXIF details

  • The image gallery details popup now shows EXIF User Comment data, including whether an image was auto-converted to sRGB.

✂️ BGR visibility sync

  • Visibility changes in BGR folders now affect the cutout too. Mark the original hidden, and the cutout will hide; mark it visible again, and the cutout becomes visible as well.

🏢 Business logo support

  • Your business/profile logo now appears in the Capture App header when available, and can replace Candy in Photo Booth.

⚙️ Contact collection settings moved

  • Number, email, and name collection settings now live on the Event Overview instead of the Event login sheet, so you don’t need to re-log to change them.

🏷️ Event picker shows PhotoTag attribute

  • If an Event has PhotoTags, the Event picker now makes that easier to spot.

📱 Android UI fixes

  • Fixed several label cutoff issues for Android users with Bold Text enabled.

🔁 Restore Session fix

  • PhotoTags now load properly when an Event is opened through Restore Session.

🎨 Adobe RGB handling fixed on Android

  • Android devices will no longer incorrectly accept Adobe RGB images from cameras.

🍎 iOS 27 support tested

  • iOS 27 has been tested, and no issues were found. The app also respects the latest Liquid Glass device settings.
  • If you update your device to a beta version of iOS 27, let us know if you experience issues!

🏷️ Collect PhotoTags during check-in

  • Participants can now select their own PhotoTag, such as team name, before entering contact information. This option appears when the Event has PhotoTags.
  • We added this primarily to assist photographers in easily tagging late additions not on a roster that show up to a photoshoot, but there will be additional features for action photography in next week's update!

📱 Capture App 5.7.1

OTA update released Friday, June 26

🛠️ Miscellaneous UI fixes

  • A small OTA update with additional interface polish and cleanup.

🖥️ Dashboard Improvements

🔎 Docs Search is here

  • Click Search on the Docs page to search NowCandid documentation, with Candy navigation agent support.

📂 PhotoRoster image name cleanup

  • PhotoRoster data file uploads and image uploads now automatically remove spaces and certain special characters from image names.

🖼️ Full-frame overlay previews are downloadable

  • In the Image Overlay Editor, full-frame example render previews can now be downloaded just like banner previews.

🛍️ Retail Update

🪟 Better desktop popup behavior

  • On desktop, retail popups now automatically become scrollable if the popup is taller than the viewport height, matching Dashboard behavior.

📣 Marketing Fix

✉️ Email campaigns fixed for email-only PhotoRoster participants

  • Fixed an edge case where email-only PhotoRoster participants were not having their email campaigns start.

That’s the week!

From faster Virtual Group setup to better PhotoTag collection in the Capture App, these changes should help make your Event workflows more flexible and easier to manage.

Keep creating magic,

Candy 🍬

Related articles

Capture & Upload App Update: Version 3.22
Feature Updates
May 10, 2024

Capture & Upload App Update: Version 3.22

3
 minutes read
🌟 Candy here with a new Capture & Upload app update overview! 🌟

Candy here with a fresh scoop on the latest tweaks to our Capture & Upload app! 📲 While this update might seem light on the surface, it's packed with all sorts of behind-the-scenes magic to boost performance and stability. ✨

To make sure you're getting the best out of NowCandid, keep your devices (both Windows & iOS) updated! 🔄

In the Capture & Upload app, just tap the information screen (that's the "i" button in the app) to see your app version and confirm you're rocking version 3.22. 🎉

iOS & Windows App Updates: 🛠️

  • Misc improvements & fixes to keep things running smoothly.
  • Now see the number of logs for each date when using the log uploader – super handy! 🗓️
  • New "Having trouble?" popup if 30 seconds pass on the take photo screen without any action. It's got helpful reminders in case something's amiss! 🕒
  • Say goodbye to the "Service Lost" popup on the shooting screen—it won't bug you anymore! 🚫
  • Introduced a dedicated "Name Lookup" button for Positive ID Events, making things more obvious than ever. 🔍
  • Misc UI tweaks & improvements to spruce things up!
  • Changed the "Dismiss" button in the update popup to "Use Old Version" for those who like a throwback. ⏪
  • Updated the "Add Participant" keypad to match the chic look of our newer Tap-A-Face keypad. 👯

iOS-App-Only Updates: 🍏

  • Truncate event name on iPhone at the top if name is super long (so it fits on 1 line)

Thanks for tuning in, and for being such amazing users of NowCandid! 🌈

See you again soon! And remember, if you've got questions or need a little help, just reach out. We're here for you! 💌

Cheers and sparkles,

Candy 🍬

Surprising Earnings: $18 Per Graduate at Middle School Graduations with GradPics Now!
GradPics
May 9, 2024

Surprising Earnings: $18 Per Graduate at Middle School Graduations with GradPics Now!

8
 minutes read

Breaking New Ground at Middle School Graduations 🎓

Traditionally, high school and college graduations are where photographers using GradPics Now hit high sales marks, often achieving $20 per graduate or even soaring to $40-$50+. This has set a solid benchmark for what we consider successful revenue from graduation events. However, middle school graduations, also known as moving up ceremonies, have typically seen much lower sales figures—until now.

A Surprising Success Story 🌟

A GradPics Now user recently shattered our modest expectations by earning over $18 per graduate at a middle school graduation ceremony. Covering this event with the same vigor and strategy as higher education graduations, including the use of our Selfie Check-In feature, this photographer managed to turn what is often considered a less lucrative opportunity into a significant success. With more than 400 graduates participating, the total sales exceeded $7,200 for just this one middle school event. Impressive, right?

The Power of Immediate Engagement 📸

This remarkable achievement highlights an important lesson: the potential of middle school graduations as viable and profitable photography events. The success at this particular ceremony suggests that GradPics Now, especially with the implementation of Selfie Check-In, is exceptionally effective at capturing the moment and leveraging the emotions of proud parents. This immediate engagement allows photographers to capitalize on the celebratory atmosphere right then and there, boosting sales significantly.

Expanding Your Horizons 🌍

This case study serves as a powerful testament to the capabilities of GradPics Now across different educational levels. If you've primarily focused on high school or college graduations, it might be time to consider the untapped potential of middle school ceremonies. The combination of efficient technology and emotional moments can clearly yield fantastic results.

Get Prepared with Pre-Grad Chats 💬

Interested in exploring how you can maximize your success with middle school graduations? Schedule a pre-grad chat with Jack (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training) to refine your strategy and ensure you're fully equipped to make the most of every graduation ceremony this season. We salute all graduation photographers making memorable moments last. Good luck this grad season, and here's to raising the bar even higher!

Grad Season Preparation: Schedule a Pre-Grad Chat with Jack!
GradPics
May 7, 2024

Grad Season Preparation: Schedule a Pre-Grad Chat with Jack!

7
 minutes read
As graduation season approaches, ensuring your photography services are streamlined and optimized can significantly impact your sales and client satisfaction.

At NowCandid, we're dedicated to helping you maximize your graduation ceremony photography with efficient tools and strategies. Let's dive into how you can enhance your approach this grad season.

Schedule Your Pre-Grad Strategy Session 📅

Kick off the season right by booking a pre-grad chat with Jack (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training). In this meeting, we'll cover:

  • Event Setup: Make sure you setup your GradPics Now Event correctly, and know what to expect.
  • Equipment Review: Ensure you have all the necessary gear for what you want to accomplish.
  • Best Practices: Tips and tricks to boost your confidence and readiness.

This session is crucial for tackling your events with the expertise needed to capture every memorable moment.

Jack has even doubled his usual Calendly availability for grad season! Take advantage!

Mastering Selfie Check-In 🤳

Selfie Check-In revolutionizes how you capture and associate images with graduates:

  • Ensure Participation: Encourage every graduate to use the Selfie Check-In upon arrival. Consider assigning assistants to facilitate this process.
  • Visibility: Utilize multiple QR code placements—signs, lanyards, and handheld QR code signs (https://www.teamphotonetwork.com/QP...) to ensure no one misses out.
  • Extended Reach: Gather information not just from graduates, but also their families, expanding your marketing reach.

Benefits of Live-Uploading 🌐

Connect your camera to an iPhone, iPad, or Windows device for real-time image uploading and instant gallery updates:

  • Immediate Availability: Images are uploaded during the ceremony, speeding up delivery and increasing sales potential.
  • Seamless Integration: Use either direct camera tethering or post-event uploading through the NowCandid Web Dashboard for continuous marketing and matching.
  • Less Work: Once you and your photographers leave a ceremony, you're done! Walk away and watch the sales roll in.

Comprehensive Photo Coverage 📸

Go beyond the traditional shots to truly capture the spirit of graduation. More photos mean higher chances of sales. Capture a broad range of moments to provide ample choices for your clients.

  • Processionals
  • Buddy Shots
  • Pre-Stage Portraits
  • Post-Stage Portraits
  • Handshake Shots
  • Recessionals
  • Friends & Family Shots

Why Choose NowCandid for Graduations? 🎓

GradPics Now isn't just about taking photos; it's about enhancing the entire experience:

  • Background Removal: Currently free! Background removal can add a professional touch, allowing subjects to choose from selectable, default backgrounds.
  • Full Support: Our support team handles customer inquiries related to orders and ordering, so you can focus on shooting.
  • Cost-Effective: No subscriptions; we only profit when you do, only taking a small commission on orders, ensuring our goals align with your success.
  • User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use, robust against mistakes, and backed by reliable recovery options.
  • Residual Sales: We keep images hosted and online for at least 15 years, helping you get residual sales as the years go by.
  • Successful: Graduation photographers find it incredibly easy compared to their past workflows, and find themselves earning 20%+ more (or in some cases, much more than that!) than what they previously made in sales, with a fraction of the effort.

Ready to take your graduation photography to the next level?

Don't wait—schedule your session with Jack today (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training) and ensure you're fully prepared to make this grad season your most successful yet!

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.

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