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Weekly Recap: Candy Culler Upgrades & Miscellaneous Tweaks 🍬✨

Weekly Recap: Candy Culler Upgrades & Miscellaneous Tweaks 🍬✨
Hey photo friends! 👋


This week was all about making renders look right, downloads behave better, and Dashboard tools feel faster (with a few Capture App and LiveLoop™ polish wins sprinkled in).

Here’s what’s new:

🛍️ Retail Site

🌀 2D render support for Premium Print & Premium Plaque

  • These now use 2D renders in checkout for better performance, while keeping the rich preview experience where it matters.

🆓 Free download product ordering improved (Quic-Events)

  • Free Download now always appears first
  • Free Gallery Download will always appear second (if available)

📝 Clearer Free Gallery Download description

  • It now correctly says full-resolution (when it’s not the “Medium Res Gallery Download”).

📦 Web Receipt Download Page

🖼️ Preview fit fixed

  • Images now fit completely in the preview, so artwork (like bottom/banner elements) won’t look “missing” behind buttons.

🔄 Smarter auto-refresh while processing

  • If the lab is still preparing downloads, the page will automatically refresh status updates in the background so customers don’t have to babysit it.

🖥️ Dashboard

📄 Participant download spreadsheet improvements

  • Fixed the images column always showing “…” at the end
  • “Ref Image” column renamed to RefImageName (matches PhotoRoster sheets)
  • Address columns are included when applicable (only if at least one participant has a check-in address)

🗂️ Cleaner downloaded filenames

  • Downloaded images no longer get Full_Res_ or Full_Res_W_Banner appended to the filename.

🧾 PhotoRoster Data Upload cleanup

  • Folder names are now removed from RefImageName automatically (e.g., 1/DSC_4143DSC_4143).

Faster reports

  • Many reports (including the overview report) should load quicker.

🍬 Candy Culler (Our New AI Culling Tool)

🍬 Candy Culler added to Command Palette

  • You can now launch it from CTRL+K / CMD+K while on an Event Details page.

📊 Candy Culler progress bar + auto-updating status

  • New X/Y processed progress display, with automatic refresh until everything is done.

🧠 Candy Culler quality fixes & polish

  • BGR folders won’t be culled before a PNG actually exists
  • Images sort by image name (A→Z)
  • Improved mobile UI

🌀 LiveLoop™

🖼️ Better full-frame and banner rendering (pixel-perfect)

🧵 Banner/full-frame art now uses full resolution (no longer medium)

🍏 Background blur re-enabled on Apple devices

📱 Capture App iOS 4.22.4 (OTA Jan 12)

More native-feeling navigation transitions

📞 Phone field keypad behavior fixed (no unexpected iOS keypad when manually tapping)

🧷 Gallery strip stays where you were

  • When marking images visible/hidden or group/not group, the strip no longer jumps back to the start.

🧼 Misc Fixes & Cleanup

🧩 Render Preview page fixes (quic.pics/render)

  • Several products that weren’t downloading renders correctly should now behave as expected.

🧲 Cutout Magnets + Statuettes now supported on the preview page

  • Render previews/downloads are enabled for these products (note: they’ll only look correct if the selected image is a cutout).

🖨️ Premium Print & Premium Plaque render downloads enabled

  • You can now download renders for 8×10 Premium Print and Premium Plaque from the preview page too.

🔤 Input cleanup for non-English-standard characters

  • Certain fancy/unsupported characters are auto-converted to standard English characters to prevent weird issues in names, sign-in fields, business info, etc.

That’s the week!

Lots of “little” changes that add up to cleaner previews, clearer downloads, and faster tools where you use them most.

Keep creating magic,

Candy 🍬

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Cap and Gown Chronicles: Master the Art of Graduation Photography with These Expert Tips

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Graduation day is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the occasional all-nighter (we're looking at you, college students). As a photographer, you have the unique opportunity to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments, and we're here to help you make the most of it. From technical know-how to creative flair, we've got you covered with expert tips for optimal graduation photography. And with NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program at your side, you'll be snapping insta-worthy shots in no time. So, ready your camera and let's get started!

  1. Scout the Location:
    Before the big day, visit the graduation venue to familiarize yourself with the layout and lighting conditions. Identify the best spots for group shots, candid moments, and the all-important diploma handoff. This prep work will ensure that you're in the right place at the right time to capture those precious memories.
  2. Use the Right Gear:
    Bring a telephoto lens for close-ups of the stage, a wide-angle lens for group shots, and a fast prime lens for low-light conditions. A monopod or tripod can also help steady your shots and reduce camera shake during those crucial moments and pre- or post-stage cross portraits.
  3. Find the Perfect Angle:
    Get creative with your angles to add depth and interest to your shots. But importantly, always find the right shot in order to get the graduate’s face in the photo! When using NowCandid’s face matching workflows, that’s a very important piece of the puzzle! When you can’t get a good angle, consider asking the school ahead of time to make sure the “handshaker” will always turn towards the camera and smile, prompting the graduates to do the same!
  4. Tell the Story:
    Graduation day is a rollercoaster of emotions, from anticipation to elation. Document the day's events, capturing candid moments and reactions that tell a compelling story. With NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program, you can easily organize and share these images in a personalized gallery, allowing graduates and their families to relive the day for years to come.
  5. Get Creative with Portraits:
    Graduation portraits don't have to be stiff and formal. Encourage the graduates to express themselves, whether it's a celebratory jump or a quirky pose with their diploma. These fun shots will stand out and make lasting memories.

With these expert tips and NowCandid's Grad Pics Now program in your toolkit, you'll be well-equipped to master the art of graduation photography. So, channel your inner photographer and capture the magic of the big day – because, as Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." And no one wants to miss a moment as special as graduation day. Happy snapping!

Prom Night Profits: How to Rock Prom Photography in the Age of Smartphones
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Prom Night Profits: How to Rock Prom Photography in the Age of Smartphones

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Prom night is a rite of passage, filled with teenage dreams, extravagant dresses, and Insta-worthy moments. But as a photographer, you might be wondering if prom photography is still a profitable gig in the era of smartphones and selfies. Fear not, fellow camera enthusiasts! With a few clever strategies and the help of NowCandid's Party Pics Now program, you can turn prom night into a money-making opportunity. So, grab your camera and let's dive into the world of prom photography!

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Capturing Success: How to Book Graduation Ceremony Photography Jobs Like a Pro
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Capturing Success: How to Book Graduation Ceremony Photography Jobs Like a Pro

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Graduation ceremonies are a golden opportunity for photographers. With proud parents, beaming graduates, and memories to last a lifetime, these events are the perfect stage for capturing unforgettable moments. But how do you land these lucrative gigs? In this blog post, we'll share insider tips on how to book graduation ceremony photography jobs and create lasting success. And with NowCandid by your side, you'll have the support and tools you need to shine in the academic spotlight.

  1. Build a Stellar Portfolio:
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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

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