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Graduation Success: Candid Color Photography's Triumph at an Oklahoma Advancement Ceremony

Graduation Success: Candid Color Photography's Triumph at an Oklahoma Advancement Ceremony
Candid Color Photography (CCP) in Oklahoma City recently orchestrated a resounding success at a local medical school's advancement ceremony.

With only 100 graduates attending the ceremony, CCP generated an impressive average revenue of roughly $49 per person in just 31 days. This achievement underscores the potential of graduation photography when executed well!

While $49 per graduate is incredible, aiming for $20 per graduate is a more consistent target to aim for and achieve for both high school and college graduations. This benchmark is attainable with proper execution, although many events (such as CCP's) can surpass this figure!

Candid Color Photography has been a longtime user of NowCandid & GradPics Now, and is able to get the most out of the program thanks to their experience with the platform! But even in the beginning, they were able to see immediate improvements when switching to NowCandid for their graduations. In 2022, CCP transitioned 82 graduation ceremonies to the GradPics Now program, resulting in a significant 22% increase in sales per person on average, compared to their previous year's sales per person at those same ceremonies.

This switch not only boosted their sales, but it also led to an ~8% discount in their previous production & software costs. NowCandid's Workflows also saved them countless hours in post-event labor compared to their previous workflows.

While there are many factors that can impact your sales averages, here are some of the most important ones CCP keeps in mind at every graduation ceremony they photograph.

Key Strategies for Graduation Photography Success

Quality of Images:

Ensure each photo is properly lit and tightly cropped to create sellable images that appeal to your buyers.

Efficient Data Collection:

Utilizing Selfie Check-In with high participation rates ensures efficient data collection and marketing opportunities. Positioning staff with QR codes at strategic points, like check-in or holding areas, can streamline the process and enhance participant engagement.

Selfie Check-In in combination with using our Capture & Upload app will also allow you to sell to parents and graduates during the ceremony! In our experience and research, speed is one of the most underrated factors in increasing your sales.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, using Selfie Check-In facilitates the next item in our list in a huge way.

Volume of Images:

Using Selfie Check-In frees you from the shackles of sequencing, alignment, and keeping things in order. With it, you can be free to photograph graduates in any order, and add as many extra shots of your subjects as you can.

Beyond standard portraits and handshake moments, with Selfie Check-In enables capturing dynamic processional shots, candid buddy images before the ceremony, and family celebrations post-event.  Employing multiple photographers can facilitate comprehensive coverage.

These extra photos can significantly increase sales volume, as more photos translate to more sales opportunities. In addition to more sales opportunities, it also creates bigger personalized galleries to be marketed to your subjects! Bigger personalized galleries means bigger orders from your buyers.

Preparation is Key:

Having all necessary materials ready, such as your Event's Selfie Check-In QR code, charged batteries and backup equipment, and a clear plan for photo stations, handshake photo timings, and post-ceremony family shots, is essential. Coordination with educational institutions for logistical and promotional support can also yield better outcomes.

Graduation Success Stories from CCP

CCP’s methodical approach has been mirrored in the experiences of individuals like Jason J., Eric M., and Bruce H., whose stories of successful graduation photography projects highlight the effectiveness of these strategies.

Read more about their graduation success stories:

     -     Jason J. - Using Face Matching to its Fullest

     -     Eric M. - School’s Out, Earnings In: A Teacher's GradPics Now Success

     -     Bruce H. - How Bruce H. Used GradPics Now to Increase Sales

By adopting CCP’s proven methods, photographers can transform any graduation event into an even more lucrative opportunity.

Related articles

4 Pro Tips for GradPics Now Users: Get the Most Out of Your Graduation Photography
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May 23, 2023

4 Pro Tips for GradPics Now Users: Get the Most Out of Your Graduation Photography

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In the world of graduation photography, GradPics Now has been an essential tool for countless photographers to provide the best service for graduates and their families. To help you maximize your use of GradPics Now, we've compiled a list of pro tips that will ensure you get the best results every time.

  1. Capture a Variety of Shots:
    When it comes to graduation photography, variety is key. Don't limit yourself to the traditional portrait and handshake photos. Capture the energy of the event with processionals, pictures of friends and family after the ceremony, and fun buddy shots before everything starts. Consider recessionals and a second portrait as well. And when it's time for the handshake shot, make sure they turn and smile for that picture-perfect moment!
  2. Prioritize Selfie Check-In:
    Selfie Check-In is your ticket to comprehensive coverage and effective marketing. Encourage every graduate to participate. Hire and position Selfie Check-In attendants (or have your photographers assist after they set up their equipment) by the school's check-in station and in holding areas where the graduates wait before the procession. Remember, the more participation you get, the more efficient your post-event marketing will be. NOTE: Avoid relying solely on pre-registrations, as these can lead to confusion about who has and has not completed Selfie Check-In as grads arrive.
  3. Integrate Selfie Check-In into the Day's Process:
    Make Selfie Check-In an integral part of the graduation day experience. Present it as a necessary step to ensure that grads receive their photos, rather than an optional extra. Phrase it as "Have you completed your Selfie Check-In?" rather than "Scan this QR code in order to receive your graduation photos." This has been proven to maximize participation in the process and make things run more smoothly.
  4. Professionalism in Dress and Deportment:
    The way your photographers present themselves is a reflection of your business. Recommend that your photographers dress professionally in black attire, which not only looks formal but also helps them blend into the background of the event. Blazers for men and dresses for women are always a good choice. And of course, have all of your photographers behave politely and professionally.

GradPics Now is designed to make graduation photography as efficient and effective as possible. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to both maximizing your sales and providing a top-notch service that keeps your schools coming back year after year. Happy shooting!

Meet Candy: The Newest Addition to the NowCandid Family
Feature Updates
May 22, 2023

Meet Candy: The Newest Addition to the NowCandid Family

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 minutes read

Hello NowCandid users!

We're excited to announce that Candy, our AI Chatbot Assistant, is now officially in open beta! As part of our ongoing commitment to making NowCandid the best photo sales software platform, we are constantly seeking new ways to enhance your user experience and overall efficiency. Candy is our latest step in that direction.

Candy is designed to be your personal assistant within NowCandid. She’s a dedicated, round-the-clock helper, designed to make your life easier. Whether you have a question about our workflows, need guidance on how to navigate our platform, or are looking for tips to maximize your photography sales, Candy is here to help.

As an AI-powered chatbot, Candy is always learning and evolving. She's quick, responsive, and doesn’t need coffee breaks! With her at your side, you'll have more time to focus on what you love—capturing those perfect moments.

But that's not all—Candy is in open beta because we want to make her the best she can be, and we need your help to do that. By interacting with Candy, you'll help us train her to become even more knowledgeable and efficient. Your questions, queries, and interactions will contribute to her learning process. It's a collaborative effort, and we're thrilled to have you be a part of it.

We're committed to making your NowCandid experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, and we believe Candy is a significant step towards achieving that goal. We can't wait for you to meet her and see all the ways she can make your NowCandid journey easier.

So, dive in and start chatting with Candy! Remember, every question you ask her helps make her smarter. Let's shape the future of NowCandid together! https://www.nowcandid.com/candy

As always, we want to thank you for being a part of the NowCandid community. Your continued support and feedback are what drive us to keep innovating. We look forward to hearing about your experiences with Candy.

Happy snapping!

The NowCandid Team

Assemble Your Photography A-Team: Tips for Hiring and Training Photographers
Photography Tips
May 16, 2023

Assemble Your Photography A-Team: Tips for Hiring and Training Photographers

5
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As the great philosopher Voltaire once said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Well, maybe it was actually Uncle Ben from Spider-Man, but the point still stands! As your photography business grows, you'll need to expand your team and delegate tasks. In this blog post, we'll share tips on hiring and training photographers to help you build your very own photography A-Team. And with the support of NowCandid, you'll be well on your way to a thriving photo business.

1. Define Your Ideal Photographer:
Before you start hiring, take the time to define the qualities and skills you're looking for in a photographer. Consider the specific niches your business covers, your brand identity, and the type of work environment you aim to create.

2. Scout for Talent:
Look for photographers through local photography clubs, online communities, social media, and job boards. Reach out to your network and ask for recommendations. When you can’t find photographers, find social, outgoing personalities, and train them to be photographers! Oftentimes, an outgoing person trained to be a photographer is an easier prospect than training a shy photographer to be outgoing.

3. Conduct Thorough Interviews:
During the interview process, ask questions that allow candidates to showcase their skills, experience, and personality. Review their portfolios, ask for references, and consider conducting a trial shoot to see how they perform in action.

4. Offer Competitive Compensation:
To attract top talent, offer competitive compensation packages that include fair wages, bonuses, and potential for growth within your company. If you compensate with base pay + a per image rate, be sure to paint the picture of what their pay would be if they were successful in taking a lot of pictures at an event!

5. Invest in Training and Development:
Once you've hired your team of photographers, invest in their ongoing training and development. Encourage them to attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay updated with industry trends and techniques. Use some of NowCandid's training resources, as it can help streamline the training! And don’t forget to always keep them connected with your business's core values.

6. Establish Clear Expectations:
Set clear expectations for your photographers regarding their roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics. Regularly review their progress and provide constructive feedback to help them grow and improve.

7. Foster a Positive Work Environment:
Create a supportive, collaborative work environment where your photographers feel valued and motivated. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for team-building activities, and celebrate your team's successes.

Hiring and training photographers for your business is a crucial step in scaling your operations and ensuring long-term success. By defining your ideal photographer, scouting for talent, and investing in their development, you can build a strong, capable team that will help your business soar to new heights. Embrace your role as a leader, and assemble your photography A-Team with confidence!

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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