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Weekly Recap: Express Checkout Confirmations, Capture App Speed Testing, and a New Lightroom Classic Plugin

Weekly Recap: Express Checkout Confirmations, Capture App Speed Testing, and a New Lightroom Classic Plugin
Hey photo friends! 👋


This week’s updates are all about clearer customer actions, smoother retail performance, and new tools that speed up upload workflows. Plus, a strong round of Capture App polish (iOS & Android OTA) and some important Dashboard + Marketing fixes.

Let’s jump in. ✨

🛍️ Retail: Fewer Mis-clicks, Better Previews, Faster Feel

✅ Express Checkout confirmation (all express checkouts)

All express checkout flows now show a confirmation popup that clearly displays the shipping address selected, with options to place the order or go back. It also includes an invalid address popup.

Previously, people would sometimes purchase without double checking their express-checkout-method's default shipping address. So, this change is designed to reduce address mistakes and improve customer experience!

Confirmation popup now clearly displays shipping address confirmation.

🧠 Better UI + performance improvements

  • Improved local rendering (performance, memory usage, and task handling) — originally aimed to improve the retail experience on low-end devices, but it should make most devices feel faster!

  • Native “leave page” confirmation on supported browsers/devices (desktop + Samsung back button) when navigating away from an event page (refresh/back).

Leave page confirmation

🖼️ Clearer package download expectations + better pickers

  • Personal Gallery Downloads on store sheet and package editor now show “+X Images” in the configurator when there are more than 4 images—so customers don’t think they only get what’s previewed.

Personal Gallery Download "+X Images"

    • Personal Gallery Download products inside packages can now be clicked to preview contents.

    • Desktop product/package image pickers are now two columns (like mobile), allowing larger image preview during selection.

    Larger two column image previews

      • Image Filters landing popup now includes “Browse all photos without a filter” so customers who think they must pick a filter know they can also just browse!

      Image Filters landing popup

      🧩 Retail fixes worth noting

      • Fixed a slashed discount amount showing on week 3 when there is no higher amount.
      • Fixed a GalleryGuard edge case that could close the retail site on some Android devices that support mobile context menus when long-pressing.
      • Fixed a race condition where a Group-by-Face gallery loaded from URL params could show default results instead of the filtered view.
      • Fixed an edge case where manually assigned images marked as group could behave like non-group images on retail.

      📱 Capture App OTA: 5.6.1 & 5.6.2 (iOS & Android)

      🌐 NEW: Network Speed Test (5.6.1)

      A new Network Speed Test button is available in Resources. Tap Run Test to check download speed, upload speed, and latency to NowCandid servers (so results may differ from Google/Ookla). It’s a quick test (downloads 5 MB, uploads 2 MB) and is useful for diagnosing weak or congested service during events.

      Mbps is a standard measurement for connection speeds, and 1 megabit per second (Mbps) is 0.125 Megabytes per second (MB/s). So 8 Mbps is 1 Megabyte per second, max. For example, with images that are 10 Megabytes in size, a speed of 8 Mbps would take a minimum of 10 seconds to upload. When speeds are very slow, image uploads may be impossible due to uploads timing out and restarting. In these cases, open the app when you have a stronger connection and all your images will start going up!

      Network Speed Test

      🎪 Photo Booth + Selfie Check-In Station UI upgrades (5.6.2)

      • Photo Booth landing page updated to be more user-friendly (always-visible scrollbar, updated text, sticky go back/continue buttons, red/green emphasis, and a popup explaining why Continue is greyed out).
      • Selfie Check-In Station landing page updated with red/green Go Back / Begin buttons.
      • New dropdown icon beside Group Photo toggle (when an event has PhotoTags) to better display there are additional options to assign PhotoTags.
      • Fixed edge case cancel/continue behavior on Selfie Check-In Station when no contact info was entered.

      🧩 NEW: Lightroom Classic Plugin (Official)

      We’ve launched an official Lightroom Classic plugin to upload images to NowCandid events directly from Lightroom Classic.

      Key notes:

      • Lightroom Classic only
      • Same image rules apply (color profile, DPI, etc.)
      • Uses Capture App login
      • Only events within 60 days of event start date show in the selector
      • Image Details → Logs will show “Uploaded from NowCandid Lightroom Plugin”
      • Docs include guide/download/installation: https://app.nowcandid.com/docs/tools-more/lightroom

      Lightroom Classic Plugin

      Upload from NowCandid Lightroom Plugin

      🖥️ Dashboard: Upload & Roster Clarity + Small UX Wins

      • Event roster upload and PhotoRoster upload now warn about every unrecognized column, making it easier to spot misspellings (especially for optional columns).
      • Participant list page download now puts additional contacts into columns instead of rows.
      • Participant list download now puts merged contacts into their own row if they have different first/last names.
      • Image upload naming cleanup:
        • spaces/parentheses now automatically become underscores (e.g., Image (2)Image_2)
        • names ending in z now get a trailing underscore (e.g., ImagezImagez_)
      • Candy got even better at using the new Docs for responses.
      • Password reset now shows a clear “Your link has expired” screen (links expire after 24 hours).
      • Fixed participant filter inside another participant’s manual assign/unassign page not working properly.
      • Participant Details PhotoTag assignment UI: merged participants no longer incorrectly show PhotoTags as assigned.

      Upload Roster now warns about every unrecognized column.

      📣 Marketing Fixes

      • Fixed edge cases where galleries that were only AI-edited images could cause follow-up email marketing issues and show as 0 images on Participant List.
      • Fixed Day0 marketing edge case not starting if gallery is just AI-edited images.
      • SMS gallery links now include “View photos:” before the gallery URL to reduce confusion where some users thought the gallery link was an unsubscribe link.

      That’s the week! 💫

      Between the Lightroom Classic plugin, the Capture App’s new Network Speed Test, and retail improvements that reduce confusion (and improve performance), this week was packed with practical wins you’ll feel right away.

      Keep it sparkly,

      Candy

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      Expanding Your Photography Business with NowCandid: Exploring Niche Opportunities
      NowCandid 101
      June 14, 2024

      Expanding Your Photography Business with NowCandid: Exploring Niche Opportunities

      5
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      In the world of professional photography, niche events often present untapped opportunities that can be both rewarding and profitable.

      With NowCandid's innovative services and systems, photographers can now explore these niche markets with confidence, creating new business avenues that were previously considered unviable. Here’s how you can leverage NowCandid to seek out and thrive in niche photography opportunities.

      The Power of NowCandid in Niche Markets

      1. Military Deployments

      The United States military has troops deployed in countries all over the world, with over 150,000 troops typically stationed outside the US at any given time. Many members of the US military, essentially, take turns being stationed at these international locations. When a new group is about to be sent out on deployment, they will often have a deployment ceremony, and notably, these deployment ceremonies are not often well-photographed - despite being great portrait opportunities.

      Members of the military will often be wearing their uniforms, many of their friends and family will attend the Event, and there are often high-ranking political or military figures speaking at the ceremony as well. Basically, it can be a big deal! Anecdotally, one deployment ceremony we attended in Oklahoma City for a group of troops being deployed to Africa for a year filled out the Paycom Center (where the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA team, competes). The governor of Oklahoma at the time as well as several other high-ranking figures spoke at the ceremony.

      Once the ceremony concluded, all the families and military members in their uniforms spent the next hour or so taking pictures of each other with their phones, struggling to get good lighting, avoid wind, avoid a crowd in the background, etc. It was a perfect opportunity for professional photographers to provide their services, though there were none to be found.

      By being aware of a deployment ceremony happening in your area, you could work your way into the Event as a portrait photographer, setting up multiple portrait stations at the Event. Military deployments are deeply emotional and significant events for families and service members, and people are generally dressed in uniforms and formal outfits. Capturing these moments can be nearly historical for those involved, and providing professional photography services will be MUCH appreciated by those photographed.

      The prices you set are up to you, but by providing images for sale in real-time to these subjects, you can both provide a very appreciated service to those about to be deployed, as well as generate some amazing revenue for your photography business.

      2. Community Fairs and Carnivals

      Community fairs and carnivals are vibrant and bustling with activities. However, these events often lack professional photography services. With NowCandid's real-time photo delivery you can deliver images and fun instantly to attendees.

      There are two ways to approach this, either being paid substantially upfront by the Event's organizers or sponsors to provide free and instant images to subjects via FreePics...

      OR using PartyPics Now to instantly deliver image galleries where subjects can purchase downloads and physical products to generate revenue in that way instead.

      Which of these two methods is more profitable really depends on the Event and the situation - but feel free to Contact Us to discuss which might be profitable for your specific Event! We are always here to help.

      3. Fitness Community Events

      The fitness community thrives on events like marathons, CrossFit competitions, and triathlons. While large marathons are typically already covered by photographers, the smaller events are perfect for professional photography, as well.

      These communities have large social medial audiences and are in constant need of images that are capturing the determination and achievements of participants. So, providing the images you take to the event organizers is always a selling point.

      And thanks to Selfie Check-In and NowCandid's Face Matching, you can easily distribute and sell action photos you take of these athletes and competitors to generate significant revenue! Participants love to buy action photo downloads to share their accomplishments on social media.

      4. Craft and Art Fairs

      Craft and art fairs showcase the creativity and talent of local artisans. By getting a booth space at a fair such as this, you can be accomplishing two things at once!

      1. You can promote your photography business to the outgoing and socialite-infused crowd that tends to visit craft and art fairs, and demonstrate what you're capable of both in terms of skill and technology (thanks to your partners at NowCandid!). This could lead to lots of brand awareness and future bookings for you and your photography company.
      2. In the process of demonstrating your photography skills and technology, you will be taking portraits of subjects and selling them! Having a nice backdrop, a professional camera, and maybe some props can lead to some pretty sellable photos that fair-goers just might purchase!

      5. Hobby Conventions and Immersive Experience Events

      Hobby conventions, such as comic book conventions and gaming events, are filled with passionate participants and selfie stations that aren't typically staffed by photographers. These events are perfect for professional photography, capturing the unique and vibrant atmosphere.

      In addition, anime conventions, comic conventions, gaming conventions, and renaissance fairs are loaded with people in well-designed costumes that took lots of hard work and preparation. By taking professional photos of these individuals, you can generate a lot of sales, as they may want the physical photo products you provide or the high-quality digital downloads that they could post to social media right away.

      Plus, you can always provide photos to the Event organizer at the end as well, giving them promotional content for future Events of their own.

      Making Niche Events Profitable with NowCandid

      NowCandid's advanced technology and real-time delivery system make it possible to turn previously unprofitable niche events into lucrative opportunities. Here's how:

      • Instant Image Delivery: Attendees receive their photos instantly, making them more likely to purchase and share these images.
      • Well-Composed Images: Professional photos enhance the value of the event and are desirable mementos for attendees.
      • Data Collection: Collecting attendee data allows for targeted marketing of their photos, directing them to their pictures the moment they click a marketing link.
      • Physical Products: NowCandid provides a wide variety of photo products your subjects can purchase, giving everybody regardless of differing tastes something to get excited about.
      • LiveLoop Feature (Optional): Displaying images via slideshow in real-time during certain kinds of Events adds excitement and encourages more attendees to participate in photo sessions.

      Conclusion

      By leveraging NowCandid's innovative tools and workflows, photographers can successfully tap into niche markets that were previously considered unprofitable. From military deployments to community fairs, fitness events, and immersive experiences, the possibilities are endless. NowCandid not only enhances the event experience for attendees but also provides photographers with a profitable and sustainable business model.

      Ready to explore new opportunities and expand your photography business?

      Connect with us at NowCandid and discover how our services can help you capture and capitalize on every moment. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our support team is here to help you succeed.

      https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training
      Land Summer Event Photography Gigs with NowCandid
      PartyPics
      June 7, 2024

      Land Summer Event Photography Gigs with NowCandid

      5
       minutes read

      Summer is the season of festivals, fairs, and vibrant outdoor events. From community gatherings to large-scale festivals, the atmosphere is alive with excitement and celebration. Typically, these events feature photo stations with intricate, themed backdrops, encouraging attendees to snap selfies or burdening another guests with the "Will you take our photo?" ask. While this DIY approach captures some fun moments, it often falls short of providing high-quality, shareable images, and can be momentarily disruptive.

      As a NowCandid photographer, you have a unique opportunity to pitch your professional photography services to event organizers, offering an upgrade that will elevate their event and create lasting memories for attendees. Here’s how you can effectively pitch your services:

      The Advantages of Professional Photography at Events

      1. Well-Composed, Shareable Images

      Professional photographers capture well-cropped and well-lit images that attendees will be excited to share on their social media profiles. These high-quality photos can enhance the attendees' experience, providing them with well-composed images that stand out from typical smartphone selfies.

      2. Real-Time Delivery

      Using NowCandid’s advanced technology, photographers can deliver images in real-time via a link through text message or email. Attendees receive their photos quickly, allowing them to share their professional photos instantly on social media, boosting the event’s visibility and engagement.

      3. Enhanced Event Promotion

      By providing stunning images, you help event organizers promote future events. High-quality photos can be used in marketing materials, social media campaigns, and promotional content, showcasing the event’s atmosphere and encouraging higher attendance in the future.

      4. Fun and Excitement

      Adding a professional photographer brings an element of fun and excitement to the event. Attendees will enjoy posing for professional shots and seeing their photos displayed in real-time with our LiveLoop feature, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

      How to Pitch Your Services

      1. Highlight the Professional Touch

      Emphasize the difference between DIY photos and professional photography. Explain how your expertise and equipment can capture moments that truly reflect the spirit of the event, with better lighting, composition, and clarity.

      2. Showcase Real-Time Sharing

      Demonstrate how NowCandid’s technology allows for real-time image delivery. Show examples of how quickly attendees can receive and share their photos, enhancing their event experience and increasing social media engagement.

      3. Provide Visual Examples

      Share a portfolio of your work from previous events, highlighting the quality and creativity of your shots. Visual examples can be a powerful tool in convincing organizers of the value you bring to their event.

      4. Offer a Unique Selling Proposition

      Present a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets you apart from other photographers. This could, again, be NowCandid's LiveLoop feature, where images are show on large event screens. It could be your ability to quickly process and deliver photos.

      5. Demonstrate the Marketing Benefits

      Explain how professional photos can be used for future event promotion. Provide case studies or examples of events where professional photography significantly boosted marketing efforts and attracted more attendees.

      Conclusion

      By pitching your professional photography services to summer event organizers, you can transform their photo stations into dynamic, engaging experiences that attendees will love. Professional images not only enhance the attendees' experience but also provide valuable marketing material for future events.

      Reach out to local event organizers and showcase how NowCandid can add fun and excitement to their events, delivering high-quality, shareable images that attendees will cherish. Let’s make this summer season unforgettable with photography that captures the essence of every celebration.

      Ready to Capture the Good Times?

      If you have any questions or need further assistance in pitching your services, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you succeed and make every event a picture-perfect success!

      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
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      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!

      Let’s get in touch

      If you’re a photographer looking to add NowCandid™ services to your wheelhouse, set up a call with us!

      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