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Customer Spotlight: How Joe Photo Tampa Is Turning Heads with NowCandid's Auto Editor

Customer Spotlight: How Joe Photo Tampa Is Turning Heads with NowCandid's Auto Editor
When you've been in the event photography business for nearly two decades, you've seen just about everything.

But every once in a while, a new tool comes along that changes the game.

For Matt Nassif of Joe Photo Tampa, that tool has been NowCandid's Auto Editor.

Nearly 20 Years of Capturing Memories

Joe Photo Tampa has been photographing events across Florida for almost 20 years. Matt credits much of that journey to his longtime friend and mentor, Ed Kempf of Impact Photography/Joe Photo Iowa.

Back in 2007, Ed introduced Matt to Candid Color Systems, inviting him to visit Oklahoma and see everything CCS had to offer firsthand. That visit marked the beginning of a partnership that continues nearly two decades later.

"I'll be going into my 20th year this fall and feel incredibly blessed to have CCS as my lab. I'm also grateful for my mentor Ed, who has guided me throughout the years."

When NowCandid was just getting started, Matt was there from the beginning. After reconnecting with Jack at a photography conference in Las Vegas in early 2020, he became one of the platform's original beta testers, working closely with the development team to help shape the software.

Today, Matt has been using NowCandid for six years and believes Joe Photo Tampa is one of the platform's largest users.

Taking a Chance on Something New

When Matt first learned about the Auto Editor through a NowCandid newsletter, he immediately saw an opportunity.

One of his long-time clients was celebrating their 20th anniversary, with more than 600 guests expected to attend. Rather than offering another standard event experience, Matt wanted to surprise attendees with something they'd never seen before.

The result?

A huge success.

More than 180 guests participated in the Auto Editor experience.

"It was a TOTAL hit."

Like many photographers, Matt admits he was initially hesitant because of the AI component.

"My biggest hesitation was simply not knowing anything about AI."

Fortunately, a little guidance helped turn uncertainty into excitement.

Creating an Experience Guests Remember

By his third Auto Editor event, Matt had found his rhythm.

"What surprised me the most is how fun, different, and interactive the Auto Editor is."

Guests weren't just participating. They were bringing their friends back to experience it themselves.

"Guests would receive their character on their phone, then come back with more friends so they could try it too. That's a win-win for Joe Photo Tampa!"

The response from event hosts has been equally enthusiastic.

"My customers loved the product, and their guests were showing off their images and posting them online."

More Than a Fun Feature: A Business Opportunity

While the guest experience has been exciting, the business results have been just as impressive.

At Matt's second Auto Editor event, one guest loved the experience so much that she booked Joe Photo Tampa on the spot for another event just 72 hours later.

"The product sells itself."

Matt also sees Auto Editor opening doors in an increasingly competitive market.

"This is an upsell product that can definitely compete with the photo booth world."

Instead of simply taking another picture, photographers can offer clients an interactive experience that guests talk about long after the event ends.

Advice for Fellow Photographers

Matt's advice for photographers considering Auto Editor is simple:

"If not now, when?"

He encourages photographers to spend some time experimenting before introducing it to clients.

"Try it at the office. Test it. Learn what prompts work best for your style and events."

He also offers one important reminder:

"AI isn't perfect. It takes some patience to learn what works best. Once you get your prompts dialed in, it becomes an incredible product."

A Photographer Who Loves What He Does

Whether it's corporate events, parties, or celebrations, Matt simply loves photographing people.

His photography style?

Fun. Outgoing. Professional.

And when it comes to camera gear...

"I bleed Nikon."

Thank You, Joe Photo Tampa!

Matt has been an incredible partner to NowCandid from the very beginning! From helping beta test the platform to embracing new features like Auto Editor and sharing honest feedback along the way.

We're incredibly grateful for photographers like Matt who continue to push the platform forward while creating unforgettable experiences for their clients.

Thank you, Matt, for being part of the NowCandid family. We can't wait to see what you create next.

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Wrapping Up Grad Season: Key Takeaways for Photographers Using GradPics Now
GradPics
May 28, 2024

Wrapping Up Grad Season: Key Takeaways for Photographers Using GradPics Now

5
 minutes read

As we move past the mid-way point of graduation season, it's a perfect time to reflect on the key takeaways and strategies that can boost your photography business in these last handful of ceremonies.

The impact of using NowCandid's GradPics Now program has been significant for photographers working both large and small events. Here’s a look at what we've learned so far and how you can make the most of the remaining graduations.

Tips for a Successful Graduation Season

1. Prioritize Speed Over Extensive Retouching

In the fast-paced environment of graduation ceremonies, the quick delivery of photos can significantly boost your sales. Focus on capturing the best possible shots in-camera and ensure speedy delivery to clients.

2. Stick to SRGB Color Profiles for Retouching

If retouching is necessary, save images in an SRGB color profile. This ensures consistency and vibrancy across all viewing platforms, enhancing the overall appeal of your photos to clients.

3. Use Direct Flash to Enhance Image Quality

Proper lighting is crucial, especially in the varied environments of graduation venues. Using direct flash can help mitigate common lighting issues such as facial shadows, ensuring your subjects are evenly lit and stand out.

4. Be Prepared: Carry Extra Batteries and a Backup Camera

Always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry extra batteries and a backup camera to all events. This ensures uninterrupted shooting, even if your primary camera fails or batteries run out.

NowCandid Best Practices: Selfie Check-In Workflow

NowCandid's Selfie Check-In workflow is designed to streamline the graduation photography process, making it easier for photographers to manage large events and ensuring every graduate's moment is captured. Here's how to effectively use this feature:

  • Ensure Participation: Encourage every graduate to use the Selfie Check-In upon arrival. Consider assigning assistants to facilitate this process and ensure a smooth workflow.
  • Visibility: Utilize multiple QR code placements—signs, lanyards, and handheld QR code signs—to ensure no one misses out. This increases the chances of capturing every graduate.
  • Extended Reach: Gather information not just from graduates, but also their families. This expands your marketing reach and increases the potential for sales.

Highlighting Best Performing Graduations with NowCandid

The power of NowCandid's tools is evident in the outstanding performance of several recent graduation events:

  • An Oklahoma Medical College Commencement
    • ~150 graduates
    • ~$65 sales per graduate
    • ~$9,750 in sales

  • An Oklahoma Graduate School Commencement
    • ~115 graduates
    • ~$41.50 sales per graduate
    • ~$4,772.50 in sales

  • A Louisiana Medical College Commencement
    • ~175 graduates
    • ~$40 sales per graduate
    • ~$7,000 in sales

  • A Louisiana College Commencement
    • ~250 graduates
    • ~$37.50 sales per graduate
    • ~$9,375 in sales

  • An Alaska College Graduation Ceremony
    • ~100 graduates
    • ~$21 sales per graduate
    • ~$2,100 in sales

All these events were photographed in the last two months, showcasing the incredible potential of leveraging NowCandid for your graduation photography needs.

Ready to Elevate Your Graduation Photography?

There's still time to use NowCandid for your upcoming graduation events. If you have any questions or need help setting up an event, our experts Jack and Darwin are here to assist you.

Schedule a session with them today at https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training to ensure you're fully prepared to make this graduation season your most successful yet!

Grad Season 2024 Mid-Season Report: Small Grads Outperforming Expectations
GradPics
May 22, 2024

Grad Season 2024 Mid-Season Report: Small Grads Outperforming Expectations

6
 minutes read

We have talked about graduations a lot in our blog posts lately, as we try to help photographers be as prepared as possible for graduation season this year. And now, it's time to look at some numbers, and see what kinds of Events are performing well so far. After which, we'll discuss the findings.

Small Graduations Leading the Way 🌟

As the title implies, small graduations (graduations in the 50-250 graduate range) have been some of the top performers so far this grad season. While some larger graduations have more total sales overall thanks to the large number of participants, certain smaller graduations have sales per graduate averages that blow large graduations out of the water.

Below are a few examples of GradPics Now graduations that have taken place in either April or May of this year. Keep in mind these are sales so far and being these Events are recent, these numbers will continue to rise.

Note: Many details have been removed, summarized, or approximated to preserve privacy for all parties involved with these Events.

  • An Oklahoma Medical School Graduation
    • ~100 graduates
    • ~$48 sales per graduate
    • ~$4,800 in sales

  • A Kansas Medical School Graduation
    • ~150 graduates
    • ~$49 sales per graduate
    • ~$7,350 in sales

  • A Texas Ring Ceremony
    • ~200 graduates
    • ~$46.50 sales per graduate
    • ~$9,300 in sales

  • A Louisiana High School Graduation
    • ~75 graduates
    • ~$31 sales per graduate
    • ~$2,325 in sales

  • A Small Arkansas College Graduation
    • ~250 graduates
    • ~$31.50 sales per graduate
    • ~$7,875 in sales

5 quick examples, 5 different locations, and even some variety in terms of the type of ceremony. But all of them were relatively small. And yet, their sales per graduate averages far exceed the $20 sales per graduate benchmark we expect photographers to hit when doing a good job of implementing GradPics Now's best practices.

Why Are Small Graduations Excelling? 🤔

Are these more intimate graduation ceremonies more conducive to better photography? OR, is this a question of staffing? Perhaps it is simply easier to execute Selfie Check-In well, and take more pictures per graduate when there are fewer graduates to photograph. Several of these top-performing Events are related to medical schools; could that demographic have a lot of overlap with photo-buyers?

As always, the answer is likely a mix of all the above. However, I suspect that the most influential factor is the staffing.

Many photographers, especially those using NowCandid, are either just branching out into graduations for the first time or are just beginning their journey of scaling up and growing their photo business. To maximize your graduation sales, you need good quality pictures and a lot of them. Getting a strong image per graduate count is one of the best ways to improve your sales and sales per graduate averages - second only to doing a good job with Selfie Check-In for the Event.

Photographers that are new to graduations or still working to grow their business likely cannot send a large enough staff to large graduation ceremonies to cover them as effectively as the same staff could cover a smaller graduation. With a better photographer-to-graduate ratio, it becomes easier to focus on getting good pictures and increasing your image per graduate averages, and thus, better sales per graduate averages.

What This Means for You 📊

All in all, following the best practices we have outlined in our recent graduation-related posts are the best ways to increase your graduation sales and to provide both yourself and your customers with a smooth, streamlined graduation experience:

But perhaps we have not talked enough about proper staffing, as the exceptional averages at certain smaller ceremonies outshining NowCandid's larger ceremony averages are noteworthy.

And of course, maybe most importantly of all, is to realize that small graduations can be extremely lucrative when care is put into them! So, consider booking some of the smaller graduations you may have shied away from in the past. Plus, it can be helpful to avoid putting all your eggs into just a few large graduations you have. Schools can be fickle, and you never know when one may decide to switch providers.

That's all for now!

Happy snapping,

Jack III

Why GradPics Now?
GradPics
May 16, 2024

Why GradPics Now?

7
 minutes read

Streamline Your Graduation Photography Business with NowCandid! 🎓📸

Hey there, amazing photographers! It's Candy, your cheerful guide from NowCandid, here to make your graduation season smoother and more profitable than ever. 🌟

With the grad season in full swing, NowCandid is your ultimate partner in simplifying your workflow, boosting your sales, and keeping your customers delighted. Let's explore how NowCandid can revolutionize your photography business this graduation season!

Why Choose NowCandid for Your Photography Business?

Graduations are a golden opportunity to capture cherished memories and grow your business. But handling the logistics can be overwhelming. That’s where NowCandid comes in, making the entire process hassle-free for you.

1. Selfie Check-In: Streamlined Image Delivery

Our Selfie Check-In feature collects contact information and selfies from event participants, creating a reference image paired with their contact info. This enables our face matching process to automatically organize photos into personal galleries and deliver links via text and email. It’s a convenient and efficient tool for both you and your clients, ensuring the right images get to the right people right away. 🎉

2. Live-Uploading: Flexible Photo Upload Options

With NowCandid, you have the flexibility to upload photos during the event or right after. During the event, tether your camera to a cellular-enabled device like an iPhone, LTE iPad, or LTE Windows tablet for real-time uploads. Alternatively, you can upload photos via the web dashboard after the event. Either way, once an image matches a subject's selfie, it’s added to their personal gallery and delivered instantly. 🚀

3. Face Matching: Boost Your Sales

Our Face Matching technology doesn’t just save you time – it can significantly increase your sales. Here’s how:

  • More Photos, More Sales: With Face Matching, you can take more photos at the graduation without worrying about organizing them. The more photos per graduate, the higher the chances of making a sale and increasing the average order size.
  • Faster Marketing: Face Matching allows you to market photos to subjects faster than ever. Quick delivery capitalizes on the emotional high of the event, making subjects more likely to purchase. Delaying image delivery for editing often results in missed sales opportunities.

4. Background Removal: Offer More Choices to Your Clients

Our automated Background Removal service gives your clients more options by removing the background behind subjects, allowing them to choose from a variety of backgrounds in different colors and settings. This feature turns one image into multiple choices, enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing sales. 🌈

Boost Your Sales and Simplify Operations

Graduation season is a prime time to maximize your revenue. Here’s how NowCandid can help you achieve that:

Transparent Reporting: Monitor Your Success

Our platform provides transparent reporting, giving you insights into sales per order, profit margins, and order statuses. With these metrics at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions to grow your business. 📈

No Subscription Fees: We Earn When You Do

At NowCandid, we succeed when you do. Our revenue model is based on a portion of your sales, with no subscription fees. This means our goals are perfectly aligned with yours, ensuring we always strive for your success. 💪

Customer Support: We’ve Got Your Back

NowCandid handles retail customer support, allowing you to focus on photography while we take care of your clients’ queries and issues. This means happier customers and less stress for you. 📞

Integrated Lab: Better Deals and Faster Delivery

With NowCandid’s own lab, you get a better deal (financially) than you can find anywhere else. This setup simplifies support by eliminating the need for multiple vendors for software and fulfillment.

Plus, our fully integrated, all in-house software-to-lab system ensures optimal image delivery times, so your clients receive their photos faster and with superior quality. 🏭

Schedule a Call and Maximize Your Potential!

Ready to make this graduation season your best yet? Schedule a call with us via our Calendly to review best practices, discuss strategies, and get personalized tips to enhance your business. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. 📞

Join the NowCandid Family Today!

With NowCandid, you have all the tools you need to streamline your operations, boost your sales, and keep your customers delighted. Let's make this graduation season a massive success together. Sign up today and experience the NowCandid difference! ✨

Happy photographing! 📸

Warmest regards,

Candy 💖

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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