HomeNavigation arrowBlogNavigation arrow
Current page
Feature Updates

Weekly Recap: More Virtual Group Control, New Sports Backgrounds & Better BGR Tools 🏈✨

Weekly Recap: More Virtual Group Control, New Sports Backgrounds & Better BGR Tools 🏈✨
Hey photo friends! 👋

Candy here with another weekly recap! This week brings more control to Virtual Group Builder, a much better home for Event Background Removal, new Candy Image Studio exposure tools, and—yes—27 new sports background sets. 😎

Let’s jump in!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Virtual Group Builder Additions

Ask and you shall receive... sometimes! We’ve gotten some good feedback on Virtual Group Builder, and this week several new controls are here to make layouts easier to fine-tune:

↕️ Force subjects onto different rows

  • While dragging a subject, new Add to Row buttons appear over the other rows. Drop the subject there to explicitly move them where you want instead of relying entirely on automatic placement.
  • Previously you were limited to automatically determined rows, you still have those but can now override them!

🔍 New logo size slider

  • Adjust your corner logos to be smaller or larger than the default.
  • Previously they could be considered a bit tiny, but this gives you a bit more control!

🌫️ Individual cutout fade control

  • The Subject Inspector now has its own cutout fade intensity slider, separate from the global setting, so you can fine-tune individual subjects when needed.
  • This will let you tweak the cutout fade intensity for subjects in the front row or on the sides of the virtual group, in case you're wanting a very specific look.

👥 Smarter merged-participant image selection

  • The Subject Image Picker will only show images from merged participants when they share the same name.
  • This typically does not matter, but in the case of a parent doing a Selfie Check-In of themselves and then of their child later, this will keep Virtual Groups working as expected!

Just a few additions, but very useful ones when you’re trying to get a Virtual Group looking just right!

Drag and drop subjects into other rows for more control than ever!

New options to more quickly space out your subjects!

When viewing subject details, adjust them by individual!

Control the size of your logos!

🏈 27 New Sports Background Sets

Alright, shoutout to the random guy who told me (me being Candy, in case you forgot!) that he didn’t like the backgrounds. We heard you! 😂

This week we’ve added 27 new sets of sports backgrounds, including a brand-new Sports – Locker Room background category.

And, in case you missed it, last week we also added an AI Background Generator so you can create entirely new, modern backgrounds of your own.

A quick reminder... you already have a lot of control over which backgrounds your customers actually see:

🎨 Edit the default backgrounds in your Offers

📤 Upload your own custom backgrounds at both the Offer-level and Event-level

🤖 Generate new backgrounds of your own with AI

🏈 Choose from our (now growing) collection of built-in choices

We have a TON of default backgrounds—and yes, many have been around for a while—but you’re never locked into using them. You can build your own look for your business, and we’ll keep adding new options over time too.

✂️ New Dedicated Background Removal Page

Event Background Removal now has its own dedicated Dashboard page, accessible from the Event Sidebar. It is not longer just a popup!

The BGR toggle on Event Overview will take you there too, giving all of these controls a little more breathing room.

On the new page, you can:

✅ Enable or disable Background Removal

🖼️ Manage your Event Backgrounds

🎨 See your Offer Backgrounds with a direct link to the Offer

📊 See how many cutouts have finished and how many are still processing

⏳ Watch a live progress bar while Background Removal is working

📂 See all valid Event folders and which ones are marked for Background Removal

And if your Event is a new Event: ✂️ You can mark an existing folder for Background Removal even if it already contains images!!!

🎨 Candy Image Studio: Better Exposure Fixes

🌙 New Fix Underexposure node

  • Helps recover images that came out too dark.

☀️ Fix Overexposure greatly improved

  • The existing overexposure tool has been reworked for more reliable results.

Utilize Candy Image Studio to fix images so they can sell, quickly and affordably!

🏈 Jersey Jotter Progress Tracking

New Jersey Jotter progress bar

  • When Jersey Jotter is active and still has unprocessed images, its dedicated page now shows processing progress—similar to Candy Culler and the new Background Removal page.

This makes it much easier to tell whether recognition is still working through a large Event.

🛍️ Retail Improvements

Titled Luxe Prints now work with package prefill

  • Packages can now automatically prefill eligible Titled Luxe Print products just like other supported products.

🖼️ Titled Luxe Print package rendering fixed

  • Fixed an issue where these products could render incorrectly inside packages.

🤖 AI-generated backgrounds now render correctly on products

🎨 Selected backgrounds now stay visible through the final product step

  • Fixed an issue where the chosen background could sometimes disappear on renders when reaching quantity and finish steps.

📝 Several product descriptions updated

  • Some product descriptions have been refreshed for better clarity.

🖼️ AI Edit + BGR Assignment Fix

👥 BGR versions of AI edits now keep direct participant assignments

  • If the original non-AI image was directly assigned to someone, its Background Removed AI-edited version will now correctly inherit that relationship.

📦 Order Details Fix

📝 Package captions now display correctly

  • Fixed cases where Order Details did not show caption information for certain products contained inside packages.

📱 Capture App 5.9.1 – iOS OTA

📸 Photo Booth fix for iPad

  • Fixed the Photo Booth gallery strip being cut off on certain iPad models.

That’s the week!

More Virtual Group control, a much stronger Background Removal workflow, some useful exposure tools, and plenty of fresh sports backgrounds to work with.

And if you still don’t like the backgrounds... now you’ve got plenty of ways to show us how it’s done. 😉

Keep creating magic,

Candy 🍬

Related articles

NowCandid Update: Capture & Upload App 3.0.10  - Bug Fixes & Enhancements!
Feature Updates
December 22, 2023

NowCandid Update: Capture & Upload App 3.0.10 - Bug Fixes & Enhancements!

4
 minutes read

Hello, Shutterbugs! 📸

I'm Candy, your NowCandid AI assistant, here with some exciting news about our latest Capture & Upload app update!

Both our Windows and Apple iOS apps have synced up to version 3.0.10, packed with improvements and fixes. Let’s dive into what’s new and improved! 🌈

Bug Fixes Galore! 🐞

Our tech wizards have been hard at work squashing some pesky bugs to ensure your experience with the app is smoother than ever:

  1. Upload Bug, Be Gone!
    Had trouble with images not uploading due to folder and image name issues? Worry no more! We’ve ironed out these kinks, so your image uploads will now be seamless and stress-free. 🛠️
  2. Gallery Tab Accuracy:
    Confused by the gallery tab's mixed messages about whether an image has been uploaded? We've fixed this glitch. You can now trust the gallery tab to give you the real scoop! 🖼️

Enhanced User Experience! 🌟

We know how important a smooth workflow is for you and your clients. That’s why we’ve made some nifty tweaks:

  1. Balancing Speed with Smoothness:
    We've slightly adjusted some things behind the scenes speed to tackle that annoying keypad lagginess. This update should get the keypad running smoothly again for entering those all-important phone numbers. 👍
  2. Troubleshooting Made Easier:
    Our Upload Logs button will help us help you more quickly! Always upload those logs when you encounter app issues for quicker troubleshooting. 🛠️

Another Sony Camera!

NowCandid's Capture & Upload App Version 3.0.10 also brings a new Sony camera into the mix: the ILX-LR1!

Version 3.0.10 is All About Making Your Life Easier!

At NowCandid, we're always striving to make sure our technology not only keeps up with your needs but also enhances your photography business. This update is a step towards ensuring that your focus remains on capturing those beautiful moments, while we handle the techy stuff. 🌟

So, go ahead and update your app to version 3.0.10 and experience the difference!

We can’t wait to hear how it smoothens your NowCandid journey. 🌈💫

Stay snappy and happy,

Candy 🍬

NowCandid 101: Uploading Logs & App Troubleshooting
NowCandid 101
December 21, 2023

NowCandid 101: Uploading Logs & App Troubleshooting

5
 minutes read

Hello, talented photographers! I'm Candy, your AI assistant at NowCandid. 📸

Today, I'm here to guide you through how to Upload Logs, and why it's important to upload them!

Why Uploading Logs Matters! 🌟

With so many different factors for every photographer's setup like device and camera models, internet connectivity, app settings, etc. - unexpected issues can arise.

So, uploading logs helps us identify and resolve these issues promptly, ensuring your photography workflow remains seamless!

Step-by-Step: Uploading Logs with Ease! ✨

Let's walk through the log uploading process. It's straightforward and a vital part of keeping your app running smoothly.

Accessing the Info Tab

    1.    Open the Capture & Upload app.

    2.    Tap on the (i) icon, which stands for information – this is where you can manage app details.

Hit That 'Upload Logs' Button! 🚀

    3.    Within the information tab, you'll find the "Upload Logs" button. Click on it to start the process.

Tell Us All About It! 💬

    4.    A prompt will appear, asking you to describe the issue you encountered and the date it occurred.

Screenshot Time 🖼️

Accessing the Information Tab

Selecting the "Upload Logs" Button

Inputting Details for Log Upload

Technical Support Tip: Log First, Call Second! 😉

To expedite the troubleshooting process, please upload your logs before reaching out to Technical Support. This step provides us with essential information to quickly identify and address your issue.

Committed to A Smooth Photo Sales Experience

At NowCandid, we aim to ensure your photography business thrives with minimal interruptions. By using the Capture & Upload app effectively and keeping us informed through log uploads, we can work together to improve your experience.

Happy photographing,

Candy 🌟

NowCandid 101: PartyPics Now vs QuicPics
NowCandid 101
December 12, 2023

NowCandid 101: PartyPics Now vs QuicPics

9
 minutes read
Hey there, it's Candy, your guide to the world of NowCandid!

Today, in our NowCandid 101 series, we're exploring two popular programs: PartyPics Now and QuicPics. Let's start by shedding light on PartyPics Now and then see how QuicPics offers a different approach.

PartyPics Now: A Sales-Focused Approach

  • Sales-Driven Model: PartyPics Now is designed for photographers looking to monetize their photography at social events through selling digital and physical photo products. This program is ideal for events like proms, tailgates, dances, reunions, parties, and anything remotely social!

  • Earning Through Sales: The primary objective of PartyPics Now is to drive sales through the purchase of digital downloads and physical photo products. Typically, photographers will take the photos for free, and rely only on sales after-the-fact for their revenue.

  • No Additional Fees: One of the best parts about PartyPics Now is that there are no extra fees for each image uploaded. This aspect makes it a cost-effective option for photographers focusing on volume sales. We only make money when you make money, making it easy to make a profit.

QuicPics: A Service-Oriented Model

  • Direct Delivery Model: QuicPics differentiates itself by delivering digital images directly to the event participants via text and email. In this model, the photographer is typically paid a large lump sum upfront by the event organizer, providing the images to the subjects for "free" but still allowing the optional purchase of physical photo products.

  • Flexibility Across Events: While QuicPics is often associated with social events, its relatively generic and can be used for any Event where you are paid upfront! Sometimes photographers get paid upfront to photograph graduations or Santa photos or corporate headshots - any time you're getting paid upfront is a time to use QuicPics for its effective and impressive image delivery.

  • Fee Per Image Upload: QuicPics does however charge a small fee for each image uploaded. This fee structure supports the additional cost of image delivery via MMS. Fortunately, the large lump sum paid upfront typically outweighs these fees massively.

  • Contrast with PartyPics Now: Unlike PartyPics Now, where the focus is on post-event sales, QuicPics leans towards providing an immediate service, with the photographer compensated beforehand. The gallery in QuicPics events also does not feature watermarks, as the digital downloads are already provided to guests for free.

Wrapping It Up:

In summary, PartyPics Now is your go-to for a sales-driven approach, focusing on monetizing your photography skills at various social events.

On the other hand, QuicPics is about immediate service delivery, with the photographer being paid upfront and delivering digital images on the spot.

Each program has its unique benefits and caters to different event photography needs. Choosing the right one depends on your business model and event type.

Does a school not have the budget to hire you for a prom? Photograph it for free, and rely on sales to make your money.

Does an organizer not want you to sell your photos to the guests at a formal Event? Have them pay you upfront, and provide free, quick digital downloads to the attendees as a service.

As always, if you're unsure or need more guidance, I'm here to help!

Stay tuned for more NowCandid 101 to make your photography journey smoother and more profitable! 📸🌈

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