From the LiveWall Blog

How to do high volume photo shoots with LiveWall and QR-Codes

If you're taking photos at a big event, red carpet, corporate portraits or school photography - LiveWall can optimize your workflow and delivery of photos to your clients

High Volume Photo Shoots with LiveWall and QR Codes

If you're a photographer handling large events like galas, corporate functions, school photography, or red carpet events, delivering photos efficiently to your clients can be challenging. LiveWall's "Red Carpet" QR code system offers a streamlined solution that makes the entire process smoother for both photographers and guests.

This guide will walk you through setting up and executing a high-volume photo shoot using LiveWall's QR code system, from preparation to final delivery.

What You'll Need

  • A LiveWall Premium for your event
  • A printer
  • Avery business card templates
  • Camera(s) with accurate date/time settings
  • Camera(s) with FTP transmission for immediate delivery

This feature is in private beta. You must contact us to have this feature enabled for your wall (see bottom of page).

Step 1: Creating Your QR Codes

Each QR code will serve as a unique identifier for a guest or group of guests. When scanned, it will direct them to their photos on LiveWall.

Using LiveWall's Built-in QR Generator

  1. Log in to your LiveWall settings page
  2. Enable QR Shoot
  3. Click Create Codes
  4. Choose how many unique codes you need
  5. Click "Generate Codes"
  6. Download the PDF file containing your QR codes

Step 2: Printing QR Codes on Avery Business Cards

Avery business card templates provide a convenient, professional format for your QR codes:

  1. Purchase Avery 5371 business card templates
  2. Print the cards on your printer
  3. Carefully separate the cards along the perforations

Step 3: Preparing Your Camera

Camera date and time accuracy is crucial for LiveWall's processing system:

  1. Before the event, set your camera's date and time accurately
  2. Verify the settings are correct by taking a test photo and checking the metadata
  3. If you use multiple cameras, sync them to the second
  4. Important: Do not change the date/time during the session, as LiveWall uses the camera date to organize and process photos

Step 4: The Photography Workflow

Follow this workflow for each guest or group:

  1. Photograph the QR code first: Take a clear, well-lit photo of the guest's QR code card
  2. Photograph the guest(s): Take as many photos as needed of the guest(s)
  3. Give the QR code card to the guest and inform them they will be able to download their photos soon
  4. The guests can register their email address to be notified as soon as the photos arrive
  5. Repeat this process for each new guest or group

Important Notes: - The QR code photo must be the first image for each guest/group - After the last group, take a photo of the STOP card. You can use the STOP card as many times as you want to have multiple sessions at one event. - Any photos taken after the STOP card and before the next QR code will not be distributed to guests and only be visible to you on your wall (unless you choose to share everything)

Step 5: Uploading Photos to LiveWall

With FTP support in your camera

If your camera supports FTP (read more in this blog post), you can upload straight to LiveWall from your camera. The photos will be avilable to your guests almost immediately.

With tethering

If you tether your camera to your Mac or PC, you can easily transfer the photos to LiveWall fro the computer. Use an FTP Client to transfer the photos or drag'n'drop them onto the LiveWall Upload page.

With any kind of transfer

After the event (or during, if you have time):

  1. Transfer all photos from your camera to your computer
  2. Log in to your LiveWall and go to the Upload page
  3. Upload all photos, including the QR codes and STOP cards
  4. LiveWall will automatically process the images, grouping them by QR code
  5. LiveWall make all photos available to each QR-code holder, and notify those who have registered with email

Tip: You can upload to LiveWall with FTP, using e.g. FileZilla. It is often better than using the browser if you have very many files. Learn more here.

Step 6: Guest Experience

Guests can access their photos in two ways:

  • Guests keep their QR code card
  • After you've uploaded all photos to LiveWall, guests can scan their QR code
  • They'll be directed to a personalized gallery containing only their photos
  • From there, they can download photos or share them online

Tips for Success

  • Test your workflow before the event with a few practice runs
  • Print extra QR codes in case of loss or damage
  • Consider laminating your STOP card for durability
  • Bring backup batteries and memory cards for your camera
  • Explain the process to guests so they understand how to access their photos
  • Hire an assistant to handle the practical details so you can focus on the art of photography
  • Set expectations about when photos will be available (immediately or within X hours/days)
  • Discard used cards Do not reuse cards. Tear them in two and have a separate pocket or trashbin for discarded cards.

Troubleshooting

  • QR code not scanning: Ensure adequate lighting when photographing QR codes. Test with our tool to check codes are read correctly.
  • Photos not grouping correctly: Check that your camera's date/time settings remained consistent. Check that your camera maintains correct time through battery changes.
  • Missing photos: Verify that each session started with a QR code, and you shot a STOP card at the very end. If you don't use a STOP card a session length will default to 5 minutes.
  • Something off?* Use LiveWall's management interface to correct any mistakes, remove bad shots, etc. (It doesn't exist yet but is coming.)

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit photos before I upload them to LiveWall? Yes, absolutely. The only requirement is that you do not remove metadata, LiveWall uses the EXIF Camera Date/Time field to sort and group the photos correctly.

What if a guest loses their QR card? We haven't quite figured this one out yet, but we're working on a solution for this.

Can I charge guests for downloading photos? We need to talk. We're not quite sure how to do this yet to make sure our photographer friends both make money and are happy with us. See below on how to contact us if you have thoughts.

Do I need an assistant? AFAIK yes, you do. It's a great way to help a freelancer too. It helps you focus on the photography, and they handle the logistics and help people understand the details. If all of you have assistants, that affects how we build the What if a guest loses their QR card feature.

What if I make mistakes and forget to shoot the QR code? That will currently create some hickups and group the wrong photos together. We're working on a solution for this that will help you clean up and make corrections in post-production, but it's not there yet. Practice and consistency is key here for now.

I'm a street photographer, is this useful for me? Absolutely. I print some QR codes before I go out. If I approach people and ask to take their photo I shoot a QR and give it to the subject(s) afterwards so they get a copy (and a business card with my name and phone number on it). If I do candid shots I shoot a card, and have it ready so I can give it to people that become aware of me.

Could you implement face recognition to help guests identify themselves? I've worked quite a bit with face recognition in past projects, and the technology can be incredibly precise, but also makes errors, especially with changing poses and angles and under difficult lighting conditions. Plus it has a tendency to freak people out, and in some legislations it is hard to use legally or outright problematic. We've therefore chosen a "mechanical" solution to this.

Private Beta

This feature is in Private Beta. Contact us on hello@livewall.no or on the WhatsApp number you find on your Settings page to get access to this feature.

Conclusion

Using LiveWall's QR code system for high-volume photo shoots dramatically improves efficiency and guest satisfaction. Guests receive only their photos without having to search through hundreds of images, and photographers save countless hours on manual sorting and distribution.

With some preparation and adherence to the workflow, you'll be able to handle even the largest events with ease, delivering a premium experience to your clients and their guests.

For any questions, contact us on hello@livewall.no