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Weekly Recap: Faster Payouts, New PhotoTag Details & Redesigned Marketing Emails ๐Ÿ’ธโœจ

Weekly Recap: Faster Payouts, New PhotoTag Details & Redesigned Marketing Emails ๐Ÿ’ธโœจ
Hey photo friends! ๐Ÿ‘‹

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Candy here with another weekly recap! This week brings faster, more frequent payouts, a much more informative home for PhotoTags, redesigned marketing emails, and another round of Background Removal quality improvements.

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Letโ€™s jump in!

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๐Ÿท๏ธ NEW: PhotoTag Details Pages

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PhotoTags now have their own dedicated details pages.

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Click any PhotoTag from the PhotoTag List page to open a much more complete view of everything connected to it.

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From there, you can:

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  • โœ๏ธ Edit the PhotoTag
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  • ๐Ÿ‘ค View tagged Participants and Contacts
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  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ View tagged Group Photos
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  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ View tagged Standard Photos

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This is a pretty big improvement for anyone learning or managing PhotoTags!

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PhotoTags can affect several different parts of an Event, and these pages make those relationships much easier to see in one place. They should also be especially helpful when training employees or helping someone understand exactly how a PhotoTag is being used.

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๐Ÿ’ธ Faster, More Frequent Remittance Payments

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Weโ€™ve sped up our remittance schedule and are adding a second payment cycle each week, helping completed-order funds reach your bank account sooner.

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Previously, we sent your remittance statement on Wednesday, with the corresponding payment typically arriving in your bank account on Friday morning.

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Going forward:

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๐Ÿ’ฐ Orders completed Friday through Tuesday will be included on your Wednesday remittance statement, with payment typically arriving Thursday

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๐Ÿ’ฐ Orders completed Wednesday and Thursday will be included on a new Friday remittance statement, with payment typically arriving Monday

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That means the existing Wednesday payment cycle should now reach you about one day faster, while the new Friday cycle reduces the wait for orders completed later in the week.

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โœ‰๏ธ Marketing Emails Get a New Look

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Marketing emails have been redesigned with a cleaner, more modern layout.

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Thereโ€™s also a bigger change to the way images are protected:

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  • ๐ŸŒซ๏ธ Email image previews are now blurred
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  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ This replaces the previous scrolling copyright treatment

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Blurring provides more consistent protection in situations where an email client might not properly render the scrolling copyright, or where the preview image is displayed outside an environment where GalleryGuard can protect it.

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Real email, but with business &ย event name replaced for privacy!

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Also: Minor Marketing Fix!

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We also fixed an edge case that could prevent a marketing campaign from starting when two different Participants shared only part of their contact information.

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For example, if two Participants had the same email address but different phone numbers, one Participant starting marketing should no longer incorrectly prevent the other from starting theirs.

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โœ‚๏ธ Better Background Removal

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Background Removal got another quality pass this week:

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  • ๐Ÿ’‡ Improved hair cutouts
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  • โšฝ Better handling of certain sports portrait props, particularly soccer balls sitting on the ground

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These changes continue our work to improve cutout quality across the kinds of images photographers are actually shooting.

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๐Ÿ†• "Quic" Is Now "Free"

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The Quic programs have been rebranded to Free.

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Nothing about the pricing or functionality has changed โ€” just the names:

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  • QuicPics โ†’ FreePics
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  • QuicPortraits โ†’ FreePortraits
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  • QuicPics GO! โ†’ FreePics GO!

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Same programs, same functionality, same pricing. Just a (hopefully) clearer name moving forward.

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๐Ÿ›๏ธ Retail Improvements

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โœจ โ€œDiamond Glossโ€ is now โ€œGlossy Finishโ€

  • โ€Weโ€™ve renamed "Diamond Gloss" to Glossy Finish on the retail site to make the option clearer and easier for customers to understand.

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๐Ÿ“ฑ More reliable iOS sharing

  • The native iOS share sheet used by the press-and-hold download feature should now open more reliably.

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๐Ÿ‘ฅ Group Digital Downloads now behave like regular Digital Downloads

  • When no overlay is selected โ€” or the Event doesnโ€™t have one โ€” Group Digital Downloads can now provide the full-resolution, uncropped original.
  • That means the image can be available immediately from the email receipt and avoids problematic cropping steps on Group Photos that arenโ€™t a standard 2:3 aspect ratio.

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๐Ÿ“ฆ More accurate package previews

  • Fixed cases where Group and non-Group images could appear as previews for the wrong type of package product.

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๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Dashboard Improvements

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๐Ÿ“ด New offline screen

  • If your device is completely offline, the Dashboard now tells you instead of leaving you wondering whether the site is simply loading slowly.

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๐Ÿ“… Event Calendar color coding fixed

  • Events once again display the correct colors based on their Event Program.

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๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Better Virtual Group Foreground management

  • The Foreground Picker now shows the names of your saved foregrounds. Click one to preview it, and you can also rename foregrounds for easier reuse later.

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โœ‚๏ธ Overwritten BGR images can reprocess

  • If you overwrite an image inside a folder marked for Background Removal, it can now be reprocessed as long as the replacement has the exact same dimensions as the original.
  • If the dimensions differ at all, the existing PNG will not be replaced.

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๐Ÿ“‹ Roster upload error fix

  • Fixed an edge case where a malformed email containing a # instead of an @ could stop the roster upload process and leave only the rows before that error imported.

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๐Ÿ‘ค Participant names on QR downloads

  • โ€QR download pages now display participant names in bold, making them easier to spot at a glance.

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๐Ÿ“Š Clearer Sales & Shipping chart details

  • โ€Tooltips on the Event Details Sales & Shipping chart now break out Sales and Shipping separately on hover, adding some clarity.

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Capture App 5.10.1 (OTA)๐Ÿ“ฑ

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๐Ÿ“ฑSelfie Check-In Station Mode fix

  • โ€The Continue button text has been shortened, and the Close button now stays accessible when PhotoTag Check-In is enabled.
  • Previously, the extra PhotoTag selection row could push the Close button off the bottom of the screen.

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Thatโ€™s the week!

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The FreePics name change is the most visible update, but the new PhotoTag Details pages may be one of the most useful additions for teams working with PhotoTags regularly.

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Keep creating magic,

Candy ๐Ÿฌ

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Capture & Upload App Update: Version 3.22
Feature Updates
May 10, 2024

Capture & Upload App Update: Version 3.22

3
ย minutes read
๐ŸŒŸ Candy here with a new Capture &ย Upload app update overview! ๐ŸŒŸ

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Candy here with a fresh scoop on the latest tweaks to our Capture & Upload app! ๐Ÿ“ฒ While this update might seem light on the surface, it's packed with all sorts of behind-the-scenes magic to boost performance and stability. โœจ

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To make sure you're getting the best out of NowCandid, keep your devices (both Windows & iOS) updated! ๐Ÿ”„

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In the Capture & Upload app, just tap the information screen (that's the "i" button in the app) to see your app version and confirm you're rocking version 3.22. ๐ŸŽ‰

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iOS &ย Windows App Updates: ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

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  • Misc improvements & fixes to keep things running smoothly.
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  • Now see the number of logs for each date when using the log uploader โ€“ super handy! ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ
    โ€
  • New "Having trouble?" popup if 30 seconds pass on the take photo screen without any action. It's got helpful reminders in case something's amiss! ๐Ÿ•’
    โ€
  • Say goodbye to the "Service Lost" popup on the shooting screenโ€”it won't bug you anymore! ๐Ÿšซ
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  • Introduced a dedicated "Name Lookup" button for Positive ID Events, making things more obvious than ever. ๐Ÿ”
    โ€
  • Misc UI tweaks & improvements to spruce things up!
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  • Changed the "Dismiss" button in the update popup to "Use Old Version" for those who like a throwback. โช
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  • Updated the "Add Participant" keypad to match the chic look of our newer Tap-A-Face keypad. ๐Ÿ‘ฏ

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iOS-App-Only Updates: ๐Ÿ

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  • Truncate event name on iPhone at the top if name is super long (so it fits on 1 line)

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Thanks for tuning in, and for being such amazing users of NowCandid! ๐ŸŒˆ

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See you again soon! And remember, if you've got questions or need a little help, just reach out. We're here for you! ๐Ÿ’Œ

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Cheers and sparkles,

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Candy ๐Ÿฌ

Surprising Earnings: $18 Per Graduate at Middle School Graduations with GradPics Now!
GradPics
May 9, 2024

Surprising Earnings: $18 Per Graduate at Middle School Graduations with GradPics Now!

8
ย minutes read

Breaking New Ground at Middle School Graduations ๐ŸŽ“

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Traditionally, high school and college graduations are where photographers using GradPics Now hit high sales marks, often achieving $20 per graduate or even soaring to $40-$50+. This has set a solid benchmark for what we consider successful revenue from graduation events. However, middle school graduations, also known as moving up ceremonies, have typically seen much lower sales figuresโ€”until now.

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A Surprising Success Story ๐ŸŒŸ

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A GradPics Now user recently shattered our modest expectations by earning over $18 per graduate at a middle school graduation ceremony. Covering this event with the same vigor and strategy as higher education graduations, including the use of our Selfie Check-In feature, this photographer managed to turn what is often considered a less lucrative opportunity into a significant success. With more than 400 graduates participating, the total sales exceeded $7,200 for just this one middle school event. Impressive, right?

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The Power of Immediate Engagement ๐Ÿ“ธ

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This remarkable achievement highlights an important lesson: the potential of middle school graduations as viable and profitable photography events. The success at this particular ceremony suggests that GradPics Now, especially with the implementation of Selfie Check-In, is exceptionally effective at capturing the moment and leveraging the emotions of proud parents. This immediate engagement allows photographers to capitalize on the celebratory atmosphere right then and there, boosting sales significantly.

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Expanding Your Horizons ๐ŸŒ

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This case study serves as a powerful testament to the capabilities of GradPics Now across different educational levels. If you've primarily focused on high school or college graduations, it might be time to consider the untapped potential of middle school ceremonies. The combination of efficient technology and emotional moments can clearly yield fantastic results.

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Get Prepared with Pre-Grad Chats ๐Ÿ’ฌ

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Interested in exploring how you can maximize your success with middle school graduations? Schedule a pre-grad chat with Jack (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training) to refine your strategy and ensure you're fully equipped to make the most of every graduation ceremony this season. We salute all graduation photographers making memorable moments last. Good luck this grad season, and here's to raising the bar even higher!

Grad Season Preparation: Schedule a Pre-Grad Chat with Jack!
GradPics
May 7, 2024

Grad Season Preparation: Schedule a Pre-Grad Chat with Jack!

7
ย minutes read
As graduation season approaches, ensuring your photography services are streamlined and optimized can significantly impact your sales and client satisfaction.

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At NowCandid, we're dedicated to helping you maximize your graduation ceremony photography with efficient tools and strategies. Let's dive into how you can enhance your approach this grad season.

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Schedule Your Pre-Grad Strategy Session ๐Ÿ“…

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Kick off the season right by booking a pre-grad chat with Jack (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training). In this meeting, we'll cover:

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  • Event Setup: Make sure you setup your GradPics Now Event correctly, and know what to expect.
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  • Equipment Review: Ensure you have all the necessary gear for what you want to accomplish.
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  • Best Practices: Tips and tricks to boost your confidence and readiness.

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This session is crucial for tackling your events with the expertise needed to capture every memorable moment.

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Jack has even doubled his usual Calendly availability for grad season! Take advantage!

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Mastering Selfie Check-In ๐Ÿคณ

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Selfie Check-In revolutionizes how you capture and associate images with graduates:

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  • Ensure Participation: Encourage every graduate to use the Selfie Check-In upon arrival. Consider assigning assistants to facilitate this process.
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  • Visibility: Utilize multiple QR code placementsโ€”signs, lanyards, and handheld QR code signs (https://www.teamphotonetwork.com/QP...) to ensure no one misses out.
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  • Extended Reach: Gather information not just from graduates, but also their families, expanding your marketing reach.

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Benefits of Live-Uploading ๐ŸŒ

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Connect your camera to an iPhone, iPad, or Windows device for real-time image uploading and instant gallery updates:

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  • Immediate Availability: Images are uploaded during the ceremony, speeding up delivery and increasing sales potential.
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  • Seamless Integration: Use either direct camera tethering or post-event uploading through the NowCandid Web Dashboard for continuous marketing and matching.
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  • Less Work: Once you and your photographers leave a ceremony, you're done! Walk away and watch the sales roll in.

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Comprehensive Photo Coverage ๐Ÿ“ธ

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Go beyond the traditional shots to truly capture the spirit of graduation. More photos mean higher chances of sales. Capture a broad range of moments to provide ample choices for your clients.

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  • Processionals
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  • Buddy Shots
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  • Pre-Stage Portraits
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  • Post-Stage Portraits
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  • Handshake Shots
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  • Recessionals
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  • Friends &ย Family Shots

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Why Choose NowCandid for Graduations? ๐ŸŽ“

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GradPics Now isn't just about taking photos; it's about enhancing the entire experience:

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  • Background Removal: Currently free! Background removal can add a professional touch, allowing subjects to choose from selectable, default backgrounds.
    โ€
  • Full Support: Our support team handles customer inquiries related to orders and ordering, so you can focus on shooting.
    โ€
  • Cost-Effective: No subscriptions; we only profit when you do, only taking a small commission on orders, ensuring our goals align with your success.
    โ€
  • User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use, robust against mistakes, and backed by reliable recovery options.
    โ€
  • Residual Sales: We keep images hosted and online for at least 15 years, helping you get residual sales as the years go by.
    โ€
  • Successful: Graduation photographers find it incredibly easy compared to their past workflows, and find themselves earning 20%+ more (or in some cases, much more than that!) than what they previously made in sales, with a fraction of the effort.

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Ready to take your graduation photography to the next level?

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Don't waitโ€”schedule your session with Jack today (https://calendly.com/nowcandid-training) and ensure you're fully prepared to make this grad season your most successful yet!

Letโ€™s get in touch

If youโ€™re a photographer looking to add NowCandidโ„ข 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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Whatโ€™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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  • โ€

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