How to Run a Flawless Media Day Without the Stress!

Ray’s photography business was always fast paced, with busy photo days and endless post-shoot work. From managing envelopes to editing and entering order numbers by hand, it felt like there were never enough hours in the day. That was before he discovered PhotoMatch™ & ViewFirst™, a system that turned his business around. Now, Ray runs a more efficient operation, impresses clients, and has less stress in his day-to-day life.

Here is how he did it.

“No envelopes, no stress, and parents love it!”

When Ray implemented PhotoMatch™ & ViewFirst™, his workflow became significantly more efficient. Tasks that once consumed his time, such as managing envelopes, editing photos, and tracking orders, were eliminated. Instead, parents now handle everything themselves through an easy-to-use online system. After their child’s photo is taken, parents receive a personalized link where they can view and select their favorite images in as little as 10 minutes.

This rapid turnaround has proven to be more than just a convenience — it is a key selling point. Previously, leagues were burdened with the responsibility of managing paper envelopes for orders and payments, which was both time-consuming and prone to errors. Now, that hassle has been completely removed. “Leagues love that they do not have to deal with envelopes anymore,” Ray explains. “Once they see how seamless and efficient the process is, they are immediately convinced of its value.” The photography industry is special because it preserves fleeting moments in an individual’s life, increasing in value over time. Creating a memorable, seamless, and efficient experience for athletes, parents, guardians, and leagues fosters both comfort and excitement as they receive their photos instantly.

A Game-Changer for Productivity

Ray says the system has been “monumental” for reducing labor and improving efficiency. It’s so seamless that even busy photo days feel manageable. “I can handle shoots just 10 minutes apart without breaking a sweat,” Ray explains. “The system has completely taken the pressure off and once photo day ends, my work is done. It is like magic!” Ray exclaims.

While transitioning to the ViewFirst™ model initially caused some anxiety, Ray’s confidence in the system grew quickly. “It is different from the pre-pay model because you do not receive large upfront payments. Instead, sales accumulate steadily overtime. It is a slow burn, but it works!” He also highlighted one of the biggest advantages of PhotoMatch™ and ViewFirst™ which is the power is in the parents’ hands. “They get to pick and choose their favorite photos, styles, and poses. That flexibility not only enhances their experience but also leads to more sales year after year.” Ray adds.

“Candid Marketing Has Changed Everything”

One of Ray’s favorite features is the automated marketing that sends emails and texts to remind parents to order photos. “It is like having a sales assistant working in the background. Parents keep getting reminders, and it has boosted our sales more than I expected.” This is an incredible feature that Candid provides which allows photographers to put more time and energy into ensuring photo days run smoothly while having help with their marketing to increase profit. It is a win-win situation. Ray encourages other photographers to embrace the automated marketing provided. “A lot of photographers want to keep control, but honestly, it is better to let the system do its thing. Sit back and enjoy the results.”

“Parents Can’t Stop Talking About It”

The feedback Ray has received from leagues has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the transformative impact of the PhotoMatch™ & ViewFirst™ system. Parents have consistently praised the speed and convenience of the process, which allows them to receive their photos quickly while also providing the flexibility to choose exactly what they want. The ability to customize their orders, such as selecting specific poses or adding additional prints, has been a major appeal, making the entire experience feel more personal and tailored to their needs.

One unexpected yet highly rewarding outcome has been the significant increase in reorders. “We never anticipated this level of demand, but the combination of convenience and quality has been a game-changer,” Ray shares. “Parents love that they can access their gallery anytime and effortlessly order more photos. It’s been a pleasant surprise and a fantastic boost for the business.”

Initially, Ray didn’t expect such ongoing interest, but the system’s user-friendly experience and high-quality results have kept parents coming back. Whether ordering extra copies for family members, purchasing additional prints as gifts, or simply recognizing the lasting value of their photos, parents appreciate the ease of placing reorders.

“The photo lab at Candid Color is incredibly efficient and easy to work with,” Ray adds. “They make my job simple by consistently delivering high-quality products with fast fulfillment and seamless ship-to-home or ship-to-studio delivery.”

Ray’s Takeaway: Let the System Do the Work

For Ray, PhotoMatch™ & ViewFirst™ has been a life saver.  “It has taken so much off my plate and made everything more efficient. I have received great customer service at my fingertips, happy clients, and a smoother workflow. If you are a photographer feeling bogged down by the day-to-day grind, Ray has one piece of advice: “Stop doing everything yourself. Let PhotoMatch & ViewFirst handle it. You will be amazed at how much easier your life gets.”

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