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Weekly Recap: Faster Virtual Group Creation, New Candy Image Studio Tools & Capture App 5.7 Updates ✨📸

Weekly Recap: Faster Virtual Group Creation, New Candy Image Studio Tools & Capture App 5.7 Updates ✨📸
Hey photo friends! 👋

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Candy here with another weekly recap! This week brings some great upgrades to Virtual Group Builder, new Candy Image Studio tools, better Docs search, and a solid Capture App update with helpful color profile and PhotoTag improvements.

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Let’s take a look!

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Virtual Group Builder Improvements

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Virtual Group Builder got a nice set of workflow upgrades this week:

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🏷️ Create Virtual Groups directly from PhotoTags‍

  • On the PhotoTags page, click Create under the VGroup column to automatically start a new Virtual Group using participants from that PhotoTag. You’ll also get a popup asking whether to use each participant’s first or last cutout.

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🚀 Save works-in-progress with placeholders‍

  • You can now save changes to a Virtual Group even if some subjects still have spaceman placeholders.
  • All subjects still need a selected photo before uploading the finished Virtual Group to the Event.

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🖼️ Overlay uploads can now be named‍

  • When uploading overlays, you can name them so they’re easier to search and find later.

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🔤 More control over subject name styling‍

  • Title Case is now only applied on import, meaning you can use the subject inspector to customize name casing afterward.

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📐 New text display option‍

  • There’s a new Display setting to disable justified text.

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🌫️ Bottom Vignette improvements‍

  • Bottom Vignette rendering has been reworked for better results.

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🔎 More flexible scaling‍

  • Max global scale is now 200%.

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🎨 Candy Image Studio: New Editing Nodes

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Candy Image Studio has two new tools to help clean up common image issues:

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👔 Dewrinkle Clothes‍

  • Helps smooth distracting clothing wrinkles while keeping the image natural.

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🖼️ Restore Old Photo‍

  • A new restoration-style node for improving older or damaged images.

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📱 Capture App 5.7 Updates

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App Store update released Monday, June 22

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Capture App 5.7 includes some meaningful workflow and compatibility improvements:

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🎨 Automatic sRGB conversion‍

  • If an image is detected as non-sRGB, the app will now try to automatically convert it to sRGB. If it can’t, you’ll still get the existing invalid color profile warning.
  • This can be especially useful for black-and-white shooting modes that output a different color profile. That said, we still recommend shooting in sRGB whenever possible, since conversion can cause some color loss and may use extra battery during long sessions.

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🧾 User Comment shown in EXIF details‍

  • The image gallery details popup now shows EXIF User Comment data, including whether an image was auto-converted to sRGB.

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✂️ BGR visibility sync‍

  • Visibility changes in BGR folders now affect the cutout too. Mark the original hidden, and the cutout will hide; mark it visible again, and the cutout becomes visible as well.

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🏢 Business logo support‍

  • Your business/profile logo now appears in the Capture App header when available, and can replace Candy in Photo Booth.

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⚙️ Contact collection settings moved‍

  • Number, email, and name collection settings now live on the Event Overview instead of the Event login sheet, so you don’t need to re-log to change them.

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🏷️ Event picker shows PhotoTag attribute‍

  • If an Event has PhotoTags, the Event picker now makes that easier to spot.

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📱 Android UI fixes‍

  • Fixed several label cutoff issues for Android users with Bold Text enabled.

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🔁 Restore Session fix‍

  • PhotoTags now load properly when an Event is opened through Restore Session.

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🎨 Adobe RGB handling fixed on Android‍

  • Android devices will no longer incorrectly accept Adobe RGB images from cameras.

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🍎 iOS 27 support tested‍

  • iOS 27 has been tested, and no issues were found. The app also respects the latest Liquid Glass device settings.
  • If you update your device to a beta version of iOS 27, let us know if you experience issues!

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🏷️ Collect PhotoTags during check-in‍

  • Participants can now select their own PhotoTag, such as team name, before entering contact information. This option appears when the Event has PhotoTags.
  • We added this primarily to assist photographers in easily tagging late additions not on a roster that show up to a photoshoot, but there will be additional features for action photography in next week's update!

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📱 Capture App 5.7.1

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OTA update released Friday, June 26

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🛠️ Miscellaneous UI fixes‍

  • A small OTA update with additional interface polish and cleanup.

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🖥️ Dashboard Improvements

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🔎 Docs Search is here‍

  • Click Search on the Docs page to search NowCandid documentation, with Candy navigation agent support.

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📂 PhotoRoster image name cleanup‍

  • PhotoRoster data file uploads and image uploads now automatically remove spaces and certain special characters from image names.

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🖼️ Full-frame overlay previews are downloadable‍

  • In the Image Overlay Editor, full-frame example render previews can now be downloaded just like banner previews.

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🛍️ Retail Update

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🪟 Better desktop popup behavior‍

  • On desktop, retail popups now automatically become scrollable if the popup is taller than the viewport height, matching Dashboard behavior.

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📣 Marketing Fix

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✉️ Email campaigns fixed for email-only PhotoRoster participants‍

  • Fixed an edge case where email-only PhotoRoster participants were not having their email campaigns start.

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That’s the week!

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From faster Virtual Group setup to better PhotoTag collection in the Capture App, these changes should help make your Event workflows more flexible and easier to manage.

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Keep creating magic,

Candy 🍬

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Capturing the Moment: How Instant Image Access Drives Photography Sales
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Capturing the Moment: How Instant Image Access Drives Photography Sales

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The digital age has brought about a sea change in consumer behavior and expectations.

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People have grown accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it, with minimal waiting time. In the context of professional photography, this means that providing clients with instant access to their images can lead to increased sales as opposed to the traditional practice of retouching and delaying the release of images.

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1. Instant Gratification and the Modern Consumer

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A key aspect of consumer psychology in today's world is the desire for instant gratification. Whether it is streaming movies on demand or receiving an online purchase within hours, consumers want their needs met immediately. This same expectation applies to photography. By allowing clients to view and purchase their images without delay, photographers can tap into this demand for instant gratification and increase sales by catering to the modern consumer's preferences.

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2. Harnessing the Power of Impulse Buying

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When clients are given the opportunity to view and purchase images immediately after a shoot, they are more likely to make an impulsive decision to buy. This is because the excitement and emotions associated with the experience are still fresh in their minds. Conversely, when photographers take the time to retouch images before sharing them, clients are given the chance to think over their decision, which may lead to a decline in sales due to hesitancy or forgetfulness.

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3. Embracing Authenticity in Photography

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In a world where edited and filtered images are prevalent, there is an increasing desire for authenticity. When photographers present clients with raw, unedited images, it demonstrates a confidence in their work and the ability to capture genuine moments. This authenticity can make the images more appealing and valuable to clients, resulting in higher sales.

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4. Time Savings and Efficiency

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By providing clients with immediate access to their images, photographers can significantly reduce the time spent on post-processing and retouching. This frees up more time for booking additional shoots and focusing on growing their business. Furthermore, it streamlines the sales process, resulting in quicker turnaround times and increased client satisfaction.

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5. Technological Advancements

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Technology has made it easier than ever for photographers to offer clients instant access to their images. Platforms like NowCandid allow photographers to quickly upload and share images with clients, facilitating immediate sales and simplifying the overall process. These tools enable photographers to meet the growing demand for instant gratification in the photography industry.

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6. Strengthening Client Relationships and Generating Referrals

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Satisfied clients are more likely to return for future shoots and recommend a photographer to friends and family. By offering instant image access and the opportunity to purchase prints and digital files right away, photographers can create memorable experiences that foster long-term relationships and generate valuable word-of-mouth marketing.

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Providing clients with instant access to their images can lead to increased sales and business growth for photographers.

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This approach not only caters to the modern consumer's desire for instant gratification but also allows photographers to focus on capturing beautiful images and building lasting relationships with their clients. By understanding and adapting to the changing landscape of consumer behavior, photographers can position themselves for success in the competitive world of professional photography.

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App Version 2.0: A Fresh Look with Enhanced Performance
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May 31, 2023

App Version 2.0: A Fresh Look with Enhanced Performance

5
 minutes read

Hello, my fellow shutterbugs! 📸✨

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It's your friendly AI, Candy, from NowCandid! I'm thrilled to announce the release of NowCandid 2.0 for Microsoft tablets! This upgrade brings with it a beautiful overhaul of the user interface, faster performance, increased stability, and a host of other amazing features to make your NowCandid experience even more delightful.

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1. A Fresh Look:

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We've listened to your feedback and have given NowCandid a makeover. The new dark theme, now set as the default, lends a modern, professional vibe to your photography toolset. But if you're a fan of our classic look, don't worry! You can still switch back to light mode using the Theme settings.

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In addition, we've refined every part of the interface – fixing typos, enhancing buttons, and tweaking labels – to make things sleeker and easier to use.

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2. Performance Improvements:

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Under the hood, NowCandid 2.0 is all about speed and stability. With our Canon performance improvements, Canon users should see a more stable connection to the app. For Nikon users, we've significantly reduced capture latency, making your experience even smoother.

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We've also addressed those occasional image visibility issues, making sure your perfect shots are always accessible and ready to impress. And, to top it off, we've made the entire process of handling, sending, and marking images faster than ever!

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3. Reliability Enhancements:

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We've put a lot of work into enhancing the reliability of NowCandid. We've resolved the crash issue that could occur when uploading images with poor LTE/internet connections. We've also fixed some other miscellaneous crashes and made several performance improvements and optimizations. So, no matter where you are, NowCandid 2.0 will be ready to deliver.

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4. User Experience Upgrades:

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Finally, we've made several adjustments to further enhance your user experience. For example, phone number input is no longer subject to potential lagging, and we've updated our "Take Photo" button labels for greater clarity. Additionally, if you close a session with unsent images, the app now prompts a restore session popup. This feature was previously only seen after crashes, but we've extended it to make sure your work is never lost.

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We are so excited to share NowCandid 2.0 with you!

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We hope you enjoy these updates as much as we loved making them. Remember, at NowCandid, we are always striving to improve your experience and empower your photography business. 🚀

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Stay tuned for more updates, and let's make some magic together!

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Candy 💖🍭📸

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Check out our Software Download page: https://www.nowcandid.com/software-download

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Here's a quick summary of the primary updates included in Version 2.0:

  • User interface overhaul
  • Nikon capture latency reduced significantly
  • Visibility issue for Nikon images resolved
  • Canon has better connection stability
  • Phone number input latency eliminated
  • "Take Photo" button labels updated
  • Crash fix for crashes caused by image uploading with poor LTE/internet connection
  • Restore session popup now prompts when reopening the app after a session with unsent images
  • Faster handling and sending of images
  • Miscellaneous performance improvements and optimizations
  • Fixed other miscellaneous crashes
  • Added "update available" popup at app startup
  • "Camera name" changed to Folder name
Expand Your Photography Empire: Hiring and Delegating to Grow Your Business
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Expand Your Photography Empire: Hiring and Delegating to Grow Your Business

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 minutes read
As a photography business owner, it's essential to recognize that growing your business often means hiring more photographers and delegating tasks.

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In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of expanding your team and offer tips on how to effectively hire and delegate, with a little help from NowCandid.

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1. Recognize the Limits of DIY:
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While it's tempting to try to handle every aspect of your business yourself, doing so can limit your growth potential. Embrace the idea that you can't do it all, and focus on building a strong team to support your business.

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2. Hire for Skill and Personality:

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When hiring new photographers, you can look for both technical skill and personality. But it can be hard to find someone with both! When you can't find both, hire for personality, and try them to be a photographer. Remember that your photographers will be interacting with clients and representing your brand, so it's essential to find individuals who are personable, professional, and fun!

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3. Invest in Training and Development:

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Once you've hired new team members, invest in their training and development. Especially when you are hiring for personality and not photography experience. This investment will not only improve the quality of your team's work but also show them that you're committed to their growth and success. In return, this will result in photographers that are more engaged, more communicative, and more invested in you and your photo company.

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4. Delegate with Confidence:

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Delegating tasks can be challenging, but it's essential for the growth of your business. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities and give them the autonomy they need to succeed. Choose especially competent individuals amongst your photographers to be the "lead" photographer for each job you take on that involves multiple photographers. Consider giving the lead photographer a small commission on the event as well, to ensure they're invested in the success of the event.

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5. Streamline Your Workflow with NowCandid:

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NowCandid's innovative platform can help you manage your growing team and streamline your workflow. With features like automatic face matching, easy online ordering, and a user-friendly interface, NowCandid enables you to focus on growing your business while ensuring a seamless experience for your clients.

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6. Foster a Collaborative Environment:

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Encourage collaboration and communication among your team members. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, you can create a positive work environment that leads to higher job satisfaction and better results for your business. Our in-house photography company has even organized pool parties for their photographers in the past, get creative! Having engaged and happy photographers on hand ready to handle any event you book is invaluable.

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7. Evaluate and Adjust:

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As your business grows and evolves, it's important to regularly evaluate your team's performance and make adjustments as necessary. This ongoing evaluation will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your business continues to thrive. Schedule chats with us here at NowCandid to discuss your business, photographer training, sales, and more as you grow to ensure you continue on a profitable path!

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Expanding your photography business requires recognizing the importance of hiring and delegating.

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By investing in a strong team and fostering a collaborative environment, you can take your business to new heights. NowCandid's powerful platform can help you streamline your workflows, making it easier than ever to focus on what truly matters: capturing beautiful images and creating lasting memories for your clients. So, take the leap, hire new photographers, and watch your photography empire soar.

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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

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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

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