The first Connect framework client to be released will be a native iPhone application. Studio’s subscribing to the Studio Client Connect service can promote and distribute a “branded” native iPhone application to their clients and give themselves a competitive edge in their respective marketplaces.

What is it?

The 2 main components of the solution are a dynamic backend system that houses the Studio specific application data and a client application that refreshes itself dynamically based on the end user’s Photography Studio selection. The client application provides many features that allow a unique and innovative end user experience and provides a platform for “connecting” the end user to their selected Photography Studio.

Release 1.0 Features

One of the main tenants of the solution is to provide a more rich way for clients to connect to their photography studio. The solution was developed to serve both existing and prospective clients. The Studio Client Connect Framework is a general framework that provides a base application framework and functionality common among subscribing Photography Studio’s.

• Customizable “About” screen, custom text, custom Photography Studio logo.
• Customizable “Style” screen, custom text.
• Customizable “Bio” screen, custom text, header, Photographer headshot.
• Customizable “Connect” screen. Available options: Click to Call, Click to Email, Mobile Facebook Browser, Twitter Feed, Click to Map Directions.
• Dynamic Photo Galleries. For Release 1.0, we support direct integration with Flickr. Flickr photosets will be presented in an intuitive photo viewing interface (swipe to browse).
• Customizable Video Viewing. With native support for Youtube, you can easily integrate existing Youtube promotional videos and slideshows to be loaded and presented from within the application. There is also support for direct play of .mp4 files hosted on a public web server.
• Direct Date Inquiry: From within the application, a user can inquire about your Photography Studio’s availability. Your Studio will be immediately notified by email with the Inquiry details and with optional direct integration with ShootQ – a new lead will be created in your backend Photography Studio Management Software.
• Customizable Links: Add as many links as you would like to your Link area. The links are opened in an integrated web browser so the end user will not leave the app.
• Push Notifications: Push messages directly to the user’s of your Photography Studio’s Connect Client. Send General Studio Notifications or Sales Notifications that will alert your clients.
• Client Area: Define your own links available only to your booked clients. When an end user enters a valid Client Security Code (that you define) in the Settings tab – they will get access to private client only links for your Photography Studio.
• Settings: Generic settings section that allows an end user to enter their email address, sign up for an email newsletter – with optional MadMimi direct integration. The user can also specify the types of Push Notifications that they would like to receive from your Photography Studio. This is also where they would enter their Client Security Code.

We are still putting the finishing touches on the framework and will be soon entering a limited Beta release with select Photography Studios. If you are interested in possibly taking part in the Beta, or want to be notified when we are ready for our 1.0 release, please subscribe to the mailing list below or follow us on Twitter!

If you are interested to see a version of the application, check out John Andrews Client Connect in the App Store. The initial functionality of the Studio Client Connect will be the basic featureset of our own Studio’s Client Connect app… So check it out!

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Screen Shots from the John Andrews Client Connect App