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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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      Transforming Event Photography: How Rachel Sherman Elevated Her Business with NowCandid’s FreePics
      Success Stories
      May 1, 2024

      Transforming Event Photography: How Rachel Sherman Elevated Her Business with NowCandid’s FreePics

      5
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      Rachel Sherman, owner of TSS Photography of South Florida, discovered the game-changing benefits of NowCandid's FreePics program through a networking opportunity that not only enhanced her business but also solidified new partnerships.

      A Chance Meeting Leads to Opportunity

      It all began at a Network Lead Exchange (NLX) meeting where Rachel met Mia, a member of NLX. A friendship quickly formed, catalyzed by shared professional values and a mutual dedication to community service. Rachel knew she could lean on NowCandid when she received a last-minute request to cover a “Galantine’s Day Lunch Celebration” through Mia’s referral.

      Despite the tight schedule, Rachel rearranged her commitments to cover the event, leveraging the FreePics program to deliver high-quality, timely photos.

      Instant Gratification and Enhanced Visibility

      The event was a win-win for all involved. Rachel provided timely and professional photography services, greatly enhancing the experience for attendees who were thrilled to receive instant access to their images. This instant delivery allowed them to share their photos on social media right away, amplifying the event's reach and engagement online.

      Meanwhile, the host appreciated the immediate availability of high-quality images which could be leveraged for further marketing efforts.

      This efficient service not only helped Rachel cement her reputation as a top-tier photographer but also showcased her ability to add significant value to events by boosting their visibility and attendee satisfaction.

      Seizing the Moment with FreePics

      Seeing the FreePics program in action, Mia was additionally impressed by the custom graphic banners Rachel created for each event, that include the event name and sponsor logos, which prompted her to secure Rachel’s services for the Weston Bar Association's networking luncheon.

      Rachel attended the luncheon as a guest, providing a supportive presence while her team easily managed the Tap-A-Face workflow.

      Exclusive Partnership Announcement

      The collaboration was so successful that at the end of her speech, Mia announced TSS Photography as the Exclusive Photographer for the Weston Bar Association.

      This partnership marked a significant milestone for Rachel, demonstrating the powerful impact of effective networking combined with the right technological tools like NowCandid's FreePics.

      A Model for Success

      Rachel Sherman’s experience illustrates how integrating innovative tools like NowCandid’s FreePics can transform a photography business from simply capturing moments to becoming an integral part of community engagement and business growth.

      Her story is a testament to the potential that professional photographers can unleash when they combine skill with cutting-edge technology.

      For those inspired by Rachel's story and interested in leveraging FreePics for their own events...

      Create your free NowCandid account to learn more about how this tool can elevate your photography business to new heights.

      Learn How NowCandid Can Help You Remarket Your Pre-NowCandid Images🌟
      Success Stories
      April 22, 2024

      Learn How NowCandid Can Help You Remarket Your Pre-NowCandid Images🌟

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       minutes read

      For those who are new to NowCandid, let me tell you that NowCandid does a lot to help you continue to make sales on the images that you put through our system!

      Things such as:

      • Long-Term Hosting: We keep galleries online for at least 15 years.
      • Ongoing Marketing: Annual Event reminders & occasional consolidated Event marketing.
      • Sales Reinforcement: "Order More" QR codes on print products to encourage reorders.

      So, if you're using NowCandid for your current and future Events, those Events are all set to generate plenty of residual sales as the years go by!

      However, did you know that NowCandid can be used to easily remarket images from your past, pre-NowCandid Events?

      As a photographer, you have probably used other software and sales solutions in the past. That's okay! NowCandid is not a jealous business partner, and we are just happy you're here for us to help you now.

      So let's talk about how we can help you get more sales out of those past Events of yours.

      The Power of Remarketing 🔄

      First off, let me say that this will only work in situations where you have:

      • Pictures of Individuals: Such as headshots or portraits.
      • Corresponding Contact Information: You need to know which contact info goes with which image files.

      If you have past Events with those two things readily available, then you can use our oft overlooked FaceMatch Import Workflow to create what we often call a FaceGroup in your NowCandid Dashboard.

      You can then use that FaceGroup (pictures of individuals corresponding to an uploaded set of contact information) in any of your NowCandid Events!

      Meaning... you could create a NowCandid Event, utilize a FaceGroup of some school picture headshots you did, and then upload to that Event that class's graduation pictures, school pictures, dance pictures, or anything else you'd like to remarket!

      Once the "reference images" from your FaceGroup are in the Event as well as your past images of that same group of people - the images will match up using our Face Matching processes and begin a marketing campaign and sales effort that will help you generate some sales on those old images right now, as well as occasional residual sales over the years and years to come.

      Your Portfolio, Forever Profitable 💼

      As an example, a new NowCandid user performed the exact processes we described above to "remarket" graduation pictures from 4 of the graduations they photographed last year.

      Within a month of remarketing those 2023 images, this user generated about $1300 in sales and shipping!

      That $1300 will be in addition to the sales they will be able to make as the years go by, thanks to the residual sales tactics we mentioned earlier.

      Unlocking New Sales with Old Memories 🔑

      So, if you dear reader are in a position to utilize some of the portraits and contact info you've collected in the past, consider using NowCandid to remarket them! Doesn't matter if they're 1, 3, 5, or even 10+ years old.

      NowCandid does not charge you any subscription or hosting fees, so even if you were to make $0 in sales, it won't cost you a thing.

      We only make money when you do, and we only want to help you earn more and work less!

      Get Started Now 🚀

      Ready to give your vintage images a new lease on life? Schedule a walkthrough with our specialist, Darwin, and let's get those images working for you once more. Click here to book your session: NowCandid Training

      NowCandid is committed to helping you earn more with less effort. Let’s turn those archived galleries into a flourishing sales channel, starting now!
      Graduation Success: Candid Color Photography's Triumph at an Oklahoma Advancement Ceremony
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      Graduation Success: Candid Color Photography's Triumph at an Oklahoma Advancement Ceremony

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      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.

      Let’s get in touch

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

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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

      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.

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