Overview
Entagged is a revolutionary camera attachment that cuts down on your admin time by eliminating the need for QR cards. Entagged links your photos to your subjects' data by inserting a unique barcode into each photo's metadata, making the sorting process a breeze. There are multiple options for running your shoot using an Entagged device. In this article, we'll review the process for running a photo shoot using the Entagged device together with a barcode scanner or the Entagged app.
- If you do not already own an Entagged device, you can order the right model for your camera here.
- Follow the instructions linked here for connecting your Entagged device to your camera and pairing your Entagged device with your phone.
- Decide whether you would like to scan your barcodes using the Entagged app on your phone, or with a Bluetooth scanner (Click here to see which Bluetooth scanners are supported). The Bluetooth scanner will likely be more convenient, but it is an additional expense. The choice is yours!
- If you do opt for a Bluetooth scanner, make sure to pair your scanner with your Entagged device and app.
- You can also always revert to the app during Picture Day, even if you've started with a scanner. This is great for having a backup option, just in case.
- Within your GotPhoto account, create a new job and set the tagging method to QR Tagging with List of Names.
- Create your names list CSV file:
- For a school job: Enter the grade information in the group column, and the teacher or homeroom information in the teacher column.
- For a sports job: Enter the team name in the group column, and add the Coach name as well in cases of multiple teams within a division (e.g., U12-14 Fernandez or Wildcats).
- If you are using batch shipping, we recommend adding both the grade and teacher/team and coach information into the group column. Only the information that is listed in the group column will be transferred to your lab, so this will facilitate the distribution of the orders later.
- Upload and import the name list into your GotPhoto Job.
- Export the name list as a PDF with barcodes by clicking on the Export dropdown, and then selecting PDF with barcodes.
This will create a condensed list of subject names and their corresponding barcodes for scanning.
- Print off or transfer your barcode list to a tablet to take with you on the shoot.Some photographers prefer scanning barcodes from QR cards, as the limited space on a barcode list can make it challenging to scan the correct code. As an added bonus, QR cards can be sent home with your subjects, providing a convenient reminder to get their orders in. If you do not wish to create QR cards, skip ahead to the Picture Day phase.
- Create the QR cards and tick the box next to show barcode (Under Advanced Settings).
- Generate the cards. If you plan to hand them out to your subjects, make sure to print them out to take with you on the shoot.
- Before photographing a subject, scan their barcode from either your barcode list or their QR card.
Click the tab of your chosen scanning method:- With the Entagged device plugged in, turn on your camera.
- Turn on your scanner by pressing and holding its button for five seconds. The scanner will now automatically reconnect to the Entagged and emit a single high-pitched beep when connected.
- Scan the subject's code by pressing the scanner’s main button. Aim the scanner, so the red laser line spans over the entire barcode.
- The scanner will emit a high-pitched duotone beep, and the laser will dim when scanning is successful.
If scanning is unsuccessful, the scanner will emit a single low-pitched beep. This means the previously-scanned code is still saved; please scan again. If the Error persists, open the Entagged app, as it will show an error message with a suggested solution to the issue. Once resolved, please scan the code again.
- Once the barcode is transmitted to the Entagged device and saved successfully to the camera, the scanner will emit a higher-pitched duotone beep.
- You are now ready to take the subject's photos. Every subsequent photo taken will have the subject's barcode saved in its metadata until you scan the next barcode.
- With the Entagged device plugged in, turn on your camera.
- Open the Entagged app. Your phone will automatically reconnect to your paired Entagged, indicated by a small turquoise dot in the top left corner of the app.
- In the app menu, tap Barcode scan.
- Hold your phone over a barcode or QR code to scan it.
- When a code is identified and successfully scanned, the frame of the scanning area will turn yellow, and the code will appear at the top of the screen.
- When the code is successfully saved to the camera, the frame of the scanning area will turn turquoise as a confirmation. The currently saved code is always shown at the top above the scanning area. You can clear the code by tapping the (x) next to the code.If an error occurs, a red frame will appear, and an error message will indicate the issue. The previous code will remain saved and displayed at the top. Follow the instructions in the error message to resolve the issue, and scan again.
- You are now ready to take the subject's photos. Every subsequent photo taken will have the subject's barcode saved in its metadata until you scan the next barcode.
- It's time to take some pictures! All photos taken at this point will have the subject's unique barcode saved in their metadata.Canon: Info is stored in the Copyright field
Nikon & Fuji: Info is stored in the User Comment field
Sony: Info is stored in the Image ID field (ExifTag 0x2043, ExifTool calls it Sony_0x2043)Sony users: If you plan to edit your images via an editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.), the software will most likely not recognize this field, and the metadata won't be saved.
We have created a Windows script that will copy the metadata from the Sony field into the User Comment and Copyright field, which will ensure the metadata is stored being edited, and the GotPhoto system will still be able to detect the codes after you export the images from your editing software. You can download the script here. - Photograph the subject.
- If applicable, give the subject their QR card for easy photo access and ordering.
- Repeat steps 1-4 with the rest of your subjects.
- Clear the code that is currently saved in your camera by tapping the (x) next to the code in your Entagged app, or manually deleting the barcode from the appropriate field in your camera settings.
- Upload your photos using the method of your choice. If you are using the Web Upload, create a new album first.
- All of your images will be uploaded to a single album. The system will automatically activate the access codes and sort them by filename in each subject's gallery. A note will indicate the activation process and let you know that it will take a moment.
- Open the album, click Resort photos to albums under Individuals Actions, and select your preferred scheme (teacher or group).
The system will then sort the images based on your name list: Folders for each teacher or group will be created so that each gallery goes into the correct folder. New albums will be created for each group or teacher from the name list.
Note: Group photos must be manually moved into the correct albums afterward. - You may now delete the empty folder.
Please note: The "Resort photos to all albums" option will not work if the access codes have been activated in earlier albums or jobs. We are working on an improvement for this. - If you have accidentally used both barcode tagging and QR tagging in your account:
Entagged changes the copyright information in the camera you use, and the camera will store the last scanned code in all following photos, even if you don't use the Entagged system for your next shoot. Therefore, at the end of a barcode shoot, remove the barcode from your camera's metadata by either scanning an empty QR code (or one you've created with your standard copyright info if you prefer), or by directly removing the metadata manually from within your camera's settings. - Your job is ready to go! You can now upload any group photos, check out GotPhoto's options for easy, streamlined photo editing, and get ready to set your job to Selling!
Q: When I shoot group images, or some event photos, in between photographing the individual galleries, is there an option to take a picture without adding metadata to the photos when I use the Name List feature?
A: Yes, simply delete the last name that was saved in the app by tapping the "x" next to the name at the top of the screen; this way, all following images won't be tagged.
Q: Can I scan multiple barcodes for sibling/buddy photos?
A: Yes, you can tag multiple subjects in a photo. However, because the character limit varies for different camera types, the maximum number of barcodes you can fit will depend on your camera model. See the below table for more information:
Camera Brand | Field Used | Character Limit | Max Subjects per Photo |
Nikon | User Comment | 36 | 2 |
Canon | Copyright | 63 | 4 |
Sony | ImageID (EXIF Tag 0x2043) | 64 | 4 |
Fujifilm | User Comment | 255 | 17 |
This option is disabled by default to make sure you do not accidentally tap it. You can enable it in the app Settings: Menu → Entagged with Gear icon → Your Entagged → Settings then toggle Disable append code button to off.
Q: How can I verify that the barcode is stored in a photo's metadata?
A: Access the image's properties in your photo editing app. Under the User Comment field (Nikon cameras) or Copyright field (Canon cameras), you can find the stored barcode.
If you don't delete or overwrite the last scanned barcode (Step 1 of the Review Phase), you will notice the following in your next QR tagging job: Though all access codes are captured, not all the images of QR cards will be automatically tagged. You can fix this by removing the access codes under the Individuals Actions dropdown in the respective album. This will bring you back to the page where you will see the three steps to activate the access codes. Once you've activated the access codes, the pictures will be tagged correctly.
Q: My scanner has a blue blinking light and/or is making a low-pitched beeping sound when I try to scan a barcode.
Your scanner has lost its connection to your Entagged device. Make sure your camera is turned on and within range, and then reconnect. Please note that your scanner will turn off if it is not reconnected to your Entagged device.
The Takeaway
The Entagged device simplifies your workflow by linking photos to your subjects' data using unique barcodes in the metadata, eliminating the need for QR cards. Whether using a barcode scanner or the Entagged app, this guide walks you through every step to streamline your photography sessions, saving time and reducing administrative tasks.