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Holiday Gear Up

Holiday Gear Up
Are you ready for the Holiday Season?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!

Candy 🍬

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Picture Your Future: Transform Your Passion for Photography into a Thriving Business
Photography Tips
August 8, 2023

Picture Your Future: Transform Your Passion for Photography into a Thriving Business

8
 minutes read
Attention, aspiring entrepreneurs and photography enthusiasts!

If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion for photography into a thriving business, now's the time to do it. With the help of NowCandid, you'll be able to focus on the most profitable aspects of your venture: booking and shooting. Get ready to channel your inner Peter Parker and capture the world around you as a professional photographer (he was a photographer first, Spider-Man second!). Let's dive into the exciting world of photography entrepreneurship and discover why you should start a photo business in your area today!

1. Low Start-Up Costs and Overhead:


Starting a photography business doesn't require a ton of capital. All you need is some high-quality camera gear and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit. With minimal overhead and excellent profit margins, you'll be well on your way to success.

2. A World of Creative Opportunities:


Photography offers a universe of creative possibilities. From weddings and events to portraits and niche markets, the opportunities are endless. Plus, you can always expand or pivot as your business grows and evolves.

3. Flexible Work-Life Balance:


Owning a photography business provides the unique chance to create a work schedule that suits your lifestyle. Enjoy the freedom of choosing when and where you work, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between your professional and personal life.

4.Comprehensive Support with NowCandid:


NowCandid is your trusty sidekick, taking care of customer support, product fulfillment, and marketing so you can concentrate on booking and shooting. Our Earn More, Work Less philosophy helps you maximize your profits while minimizing your workload.

5. Building Your Network and Reputation:


Starting a photography business is an adventure in networking and reputation-building. As you forge connections and establish your name in the industry, you'll become the go-to photographer in your area – the one clients turn to for capturing their most important moments.

6. A Fulfilling Career Path:


Being a professional photographer allows you to play a crucial role in your clients' lives, preserving their most precious memories. From immortalizing a couple's first dance to snapping the perfect prom photo, you'll be the one responsible for telling their stories through your lens.

7. Continuous Learning and Growth:


As a photography business owner, you'll embark on a never-ending journey of professional and personal growth. Mastering new techniques, staying current with industry trends, and honing your skills will keep you engaged and passionate about your craft.

Launching a photo business in your area is a rewarding and exciting opportunity, offering a wealth of creative potential and the chance for a fulfilling, flexible career.

With NowCandid's support, you can focus on your passion for photography while enjoying the benefits of entrepreneurship. So, grab your camera, embrace your inner entrepreneur, and create a successful and enjoyable photography business.

School’s Out, Earnings In: A Teacher's GradPics Now Success
Success Stories
July 27, 2023

School’s Out, Earnings In: A Teacher's GradPics Now Success

8
 minutes read
Time for another success story!

For years, graduation photography has played a crucial role in capturing the pivotal moments of grads. Not only are these professional photos treasured keepsakes, but they also present substantial income opportunities for photographers.

Consider the story of Eric, a high school photography teacher and small business owner. Eric ventured into a graduation event with NowCandid's platform, intending to photograph around 500 graduates. He had modest expectations, aiming to generate about $1,200 in sales. What unfolded next, however, far exceeded even his most optimistic projections.

In his very first event using NowCandid, the earnings soared past expectations!

Almost reaching an astounding $12,000 within only seven days after the event. Such a windfall was not only a personal victory for the teacher but also a testament to NowCandid's potential to transform event photography. So far (as of publishing this article), the event has reached well over $15,000. A far cry from his initially predicted $1,200.

 

Sharing his success in an email to his onboarding trainer, Darwin Drake, the photography teacher expressed his profound amazement and gratitude. "I am at $6,700 earned and counting. I am beyond speechless. I'm gobsmacked. I'm overjoyed. I am stunned." (And that reaction was before it hit $12,000 days later!)

 

A friends & family photo taken after the ceremony by Eric & his photographers.

But the triumph of this story goes beyond the impressive earnings.

As a teacher, Eric was able to bring his students onboard, teaching them practical skills while also providing them with paid experience. "I hired 4 of my current and former photography students for this event," he wrote, "and as a teacher and small business owner I am so profoundly thankful to be able to teach them and pay them."

 

Eric and some students in Berlin at a graffiti workshop just days after their successful graduation ceremony.

This story highlights the remarkable opportunities that NowCandid can bring to photographers and entrepreneurs.

Whether you're a professional photographer seeking to maximize your earnings, a teacher nurturing the next generation of photographers, or a business owner eager to expand your reach, NowCandid can provide the platform and tools you need to achieve your goals.

In event photography, moments become memories, and for a photographer: memories are opportunities!

Eric's experience shows, that with the right tools and workflow, it is more possible (and easier!) than ever before to monetize your photography in a big way.

Enjoy some more photos taken by Eric & his photographers below!

NowCandid Event Settings & Numbers Breakdown

Program: GradPics Now

Workflow: Selfie Check-In

Price Level: Price Level 8

Title Option: Simple Text Title

Staff: 4 Photographers (doing some Selfie Check-In work as well) and 1 Dedicated Selfie Check-In Attendant

Participants: 500+ Participants via Selfie Check-In

Total Images Taken: 1944

Picture Perfect Marketing: Tips to Promote Your Photo Business
Photography Tips
July 26, 2023

Picture Perfect Marketing: Tips to Promote Your Photo Business

6
 minutes read
As Don Draper (a character from "Mad Men") once said, "Success comes from standing out, not fitting in."

In the competitive world of photography, marketing your photo business to stand out is just as important for your business as capturing stunning images. In this blog post, we'll share some tips to help you market your business effectively and stand out from the crowd. And with a little help from NowCandid, making your brand stand out can be even easier.

1. Identify Your Target Audience:


To effectively market your photo business, it's crucial to first identify your target audience. Are you specializing in weddings, graduations, corporate events, parties, or headshots? Once you know your niche, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach the right clients.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence:


Your website and social media profiles are essential tools for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. Update your social media platforms regularly with captivating images, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging stories that will get the attention of potential customers and get them reaching out to you for future events.

3. Utilize NowCandid's White-Label Services:

NowCandid is completely white-label by default and focuses on features that put your branding front and center. From backprinting your business info on photo prints to providing a library of Canva templates for your marketing materials, NowCandid helps you maintain a consistent brand image without stealing the spotlight.

4. Collaborate with Local Businesses and Vendors:


Partner with local businesses and vendors to cross-promote each other's services. This can include collaborating with event planners, florists, and catering companies, or exchanging promotional materials with complementary businesses.

5. Offer QuicPics Events for Promotion:


Hosting a QuicPics event for free is an excellent way to showcase your talents and promote your business. The marketing texts for QuicPics include your business name and contact info, providing a direct line of communication between you and potential clients.

6. Attend Networking Events and Trade Shows:


Networking is key to building relationships and finding new clients. Attend local events, trade shows, and photography conferences to connect with industry professionals and potential customers.

7. Encourage Referrals and Testimonials:


Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and family, and ask them to write testimonials for your website or review platforms. As the Ghostbusters famously said, "Who you gonna call?" Make sure your clients are calling you for their photography needs!

Marketing your photo business is essential for growth and success.

By identifying your target audience, building a strong online presence, and utilizing tools like NowCandid's white-label services, you can effectively promote your brand and stand out in the competitive photography industry. We hope these tips help you make your photo business truly picture-perfect!

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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How to customize formatting for each rich text
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