HomeNavigation arrowBlogNavigation arrow
Current page
Success Stories

New Orleans Event Photography: Social Sales Up 60%

New Orleans Event Photography: Social Sales Up 60%

New Orleans Event Photography, led by the dynamic duo of Amy Lombardo and Brian Junod, has had quite the success at a recent social Event!

Though they had successfully covered this annual social Event in 2022, their experience and preparation, combined with NowCandid's improvements over the past year, led to over a 60% increase in sales covering the same Event in 2023.

Left: Amy Lombardo     Right: Brian Junod

The Backstory

New Orleans Event Photography embarked on their NowCandid journey just a week before covering the same annual social event in 2022.

Despite the brief preparation period, they managed to prepare Microsoft Surface Go tablets to utilize NowCandid’s Tap-A-Face, connected to the internet via LTE hotspot, to generate over $15,000 in sales. Typically, devices with LTE built-in are highly recommended, but in a pinch, an LTE hotspot works!

This impressive feat marked just the beginning of their journey with NowCandid! Their 2023 results were even more impressive.

Elevating Sales through Education and Experience

Building on their initial success, the team sought to deepen their understanding of NowCandid's capabilities through workshops and mentorships. This proactive approach was key to their remarkable 60% sales increase.

"With the mentorships and workshops we have done over the past year, we have grown the sales of the same event over 60%," they reported. This educational commitment catapulted their sales from over $15,000 in 2022 to over $25,000 in 2023.

It's worth mentioning that their profit (before paying their photographers & crew) was well over $20,000. An almost 83% profit margin! Not bad for an Event where they were only taking photos for 5 hours.

What were some of the lessons learned through workshops and mentorships? 

Putting some of the more nuanced lessons aside, the basics were: more photographers, more images taken, using LTE-enabled tablets, and knowing when and how to utilize Selfie Check-In.

While in 2022 New Orleans Event Photography had 4-5 photographers at the Event, in 2023 they had 7 photographers in total, with approximately 7 additional crew members there for support.

Additional photographers allowed a significant increase in poses and images taken, while the additional crew streamlined the Event and allowed them to garner hundreds of Selfie Check-Ins as attendees arrived at the Event. Amy & Brian could not have succeeded at this Event without the help of their awesome photographers and crew!

By having additional crew present to acquire Selfie Check-Ins, the photographers did not need to spend as much time on tapping faces (though there were still plenty of Tap-A-Face entries at their Event as well) allowing them time to take even more images.

What New Orleans Event Photography Liked Most About NowCandid:

Focusing on the Photography

One of the standout features that Amy and Brian emphasized was the ability of NowCandid to simplify the complexities of the photo sales process. This allowed them and their team to concentrate fully on their photography and increasing their volume.

"It is nice to be able to just focus on the photography aspect knowing that the sales, marketing, and technical features are being handled by NowCandid," they shared. This focus on photography ensured thorough and professional coverage of the event, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Ease of Use and Customer Satisfaction

The intuitive nature of NowCandid played a significant role in streamlining their workflow and enhancing customer satisfaction.

"Our customers have loved the experience of instantly receiving their photo proofs and being able to order on the spot," Amy & Brian noted. Instant gallery delivery not only simplified the process for the photographers, but also delighted their clients.

Responsive Improvements and Growth

Over the past year, New Orleans Event Photography witnessed firsthand the evolution of NowCandid's Capture & Upload app.

"The NowCandid crew listens to feedback and has vastly improved the application since we first used it a year ago," they acknowledged. This responsiveness to user feedback demonstrates NowCandid’s commitment to continuous improvement, aligning with the evolving needs of professional photographers.

The story of New Orleans Event Photography and NowCandid is one of collaboration, innovation, and remarkable growth.

Their journey showcases how the right tools, combined with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, can lead to exceptional outcomes in event photography.

Related articles

Candy’s Weekly Recap: Exciting New Features and Updates!📸🎉
Feature Updates
October 18, 2024

Candy’s Weekly Recap: Exciting New Features and Updates!📸🎉

4
 minutes read
Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! 🌟

We've been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid experience, and I've got all the juicy details right here. Let's dive in! 🏊‍♀️

1. Retail Site Enhancements 🛍️

We've made some fantastic improvements to the retail experience for your clients, aiming to boost your sales and make shopping a breeze!

  • Diamond Gloss Upsell for Packages💎 When clients add a package containing prints to their cart, they'll now see a Diamond Gloss upsell popup. They can choose to add that finish to every print in their package.
  • Clearer Product Naming📝 The Medium Res Gallery Download (only offered and always offered when you're doing a QuicPics or QuicPics GO Event) now automatically renames to Free Gallery when there's no high-resolution personal gallery offered. Just like the individual download does!
  • Smart Cart Management🛒 If a client has already added the Personal Gallery Download to their cart, it will be hidden from the shopping screen.

Diamond Gloss Upsell for Packages💎

2. Dashboard Improvements 🖥️

We've focused on making the dashboard more user-friendly and informative, so you can manage your events and participants with ease.

  • Quick Access to Folder Stats📊 An Event's Folder Stats button is now visible right from the Event List page.
  • Enhanced Order Details🔍 The Order Details popup in the Sales Report now shows the quantity of each item ordered.
  • Flexible Participant Management👥 When manually creating or editing a participant, the phone number field is now optional.
  • Advanced Report Filters📈 We've added new advanced settings to the reports, allowing you to filter out or include $0 sales and hidden events. This gives you greater control over your data analysis!
  • Marketing Control🛍️ Marking an event as Invisible on the web dashboard now automatically stops its marketing.

Quick Access to Folder Stats📊

Marketing Control🛍️

Advanced Report Filters📈

3. Capture App Version 4.6.9 Updates 📱

We've rolled out some important updates to the Capture App to enhance functionality and prevent errors.

  • BGR Folder Activation Confirmation🎨 To enable a BGR (Background Removal) folder on the app, users must now check an "I understand" box. Helps new team members avoid accidentally enabling BGR when it's not intended, saving you time and resources.
  • Improved Phone Number Validation📞 The app now prevents the use of obviously fake phone numbers like 333-333-3333 or 444-444-4444.
  • Auto-Refresh Event List on iOS🔄 When returning to the app on iOS devices, the event list will now auto-refresh. Reduces the chance of seeing outdated event details, keeping you informed on the go.

BGR Folder Activation Confirmation🎨

4. Mobile Dashboard 2.1.0 Updates 📲

Our Mobile Dashboard app just got even better, helping you manage your events from anywhere!

  • Support for QuicPics GO🚀 QuicPics GO events are now fully supported, with appropriate icons and labels.
  • Sortable Folders Report📁 Just like on the desktop dashboard, you can now sort the Folders Report in the mobile app. Swipe down to refresh and get real-time data mid-event. Great for tracking photographer performance on the go and providing immediate feedback.

Support for QuicPics GO🚀

We're always here to support you!

So please, feel free to share your feedback or questions.

Thank you for being an essential part of the NowCandid community. Keep capturing those unforgettable moments and creating smiles! 📸😊

Cheers and sparkles,

Candy 🍬

Holiday Gear Up
Success Stories
October 16, 2024

Holiday Gear Up

4
 minutes read
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 🍬

Big News: Introducing the "View Photos in Sequence" Button for SportsPics! 📣⚽
Feature Updates
October 15, 2024

Big News: Introducing the "View Photos in Sequence" Button for SportsPics! 📣⚽

3
 minutes read
Hello, amazing photographers and sports enthusiasts!

Candy here with some thrilling news that'll make capturing and enjoying those epic sports moments even better! 🌟

Drumroll, please... 🥁 We're excited to introduce the new "View Photos in Sequence" button on the Retail site. It will be visible on SportsPics Events using Face Matching! 🎉

What's the Buzz About?

Imagine you're photographing a high-energy soccer game. You've snapped a series of shots capturing the intensity of the match. Some photos feature the players' faces, which, thanks to our Face Matching technology and Selfie Check-In or Tap-A-Face workflows, automatically land in their personal galleries.

BUT what about those incredible action shots where the player's face isn't visible? 🤔

That's where our "View Photos in Sequence" button comes into play!

How Does It Work?

When your customers view a photo in their personal gallery, they'll now see a "View Photos in Sequence" button. Clicking this button allows them to explore images taken immediately before and after that specific shot.

This means they can easily find and enjoy all the action-packed moments, even if their face isn't visible in every photo! 🏃‍♂️⚡

The button is visible when previewing a personal gallery photo on the retail site

Why You'll Love It

  • Expand Your Memories: Players can now discover more photos of themselves, capturing every twist, turn, and goal—even those where they're zooming past the camera!
  • Enhanced Engagement: Offering more images increases the chances of customers finding that perfect shot they can't wait to share or purchase.
  • Effortless Navigation: It's simple and intuitive—just a click, and they're exploring a sequence of moments from the game.

A Game-Changer for Sports Photography

This feature is a win-win for everyone:

  • Photographers: Showcase more of your work and provide added value to your clients.
  • Athletes and Families: Relive the excitement of the game with a comprehensive view of their performance.
  • Boost Sales: More images mean more opportunities for sales and happy customers!

Ready to Try It Out?

The "View Image Sequence" button is now live for all SportsPics Events using Face Matching. So go ahead and give it a spin in your next event! We can't wait to see the amazing moments you'll capture and share. 📷💫

As always, we're here to help you make the most of NowCandid's features.

If you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out!

Cheers and high fives,

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.

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
  • List Two
  • List Three
  • List Four
  • List Five

This is a link

This is bold text