Step-by-Step Guide to Setup Tablets and Cameras for PhotoMatch

Before installing and using PhotoMatch you must prepare your tablet(s) and camera(s). Follow the steps below to get started.

Tablet/Laptop Preparations

Camera Preparations

PREPARING YOUR TABLET FOR PHOTOMATCH

Step 1:  Prepare your tablets for the PhotoMatch installation

1. We suggest setting up your tablet with NO USER log in.  This makes it easier for photographers and you don't have to remember user names and passwords.
   1. If you do create a login user name and password, we suggest writing the login and password on the back of the tablet so photographers will know how to log in.
   2. If you have more than one tablet and choose to setup a user, we suggest you use the same user and login on all tablets.  
2. Take your tablet out of S mode (click for instructions)
3. Run Windows updates (click for instructions)
   1. When you think you are finished with Windows updates, search for updates one more time (especially if you were more than a month behind on updates)
4. Once your tablet is up to date you'll need to set your "Active Hours".  This prevents windows updates from automatically running during your "Active Hours".
   1. Click on the windows icon and type "Active Hours" in the search, then select open
   2. Locate "Active Hours" and set to 6:00am to 12:00am
5. When finished with updates and setting your active hours, restart your tablet

Step 2:  Download and Install PhotoMatch

1. Click here to locate the PhotoMatch install file and click to download
2. Once the file downloads, click on it to open and install PhotoMatch by following on screen prompts.
3. Once installed locate the program and set to run as an administrator
   1. Find PhotoMatch. (either via the Start menu bar or in a folder).
   2. Right click and open the properties menu. ...
   3. Click "Compatibility" ...
   4. Under Settings check "Run this program as an administrator"
   5. Click Change settings for all users.
   6. If running Windows 11, click Change High DRI Settings
      1. Under High DRI Scaling Override, check "Override high DPI scaling behavior" and select "System (Enhanced)" from the dropdown
      2. Click Apply
      3. Click OK

1. Go to the desktop on your tablet and right click to create a new folder
   1. Create a folder named HOT
   2. Create a folder named PHOTOMATCH
2. Open the PhotoMatch program and click on the Settings button
   1. Enter your account number and account password
   2. Click on the folder icon to the right of the Hot Folder and locate the HOT folder on your desktop
   3. Check Auto Rotate
   4. Check Send Full Size
   5. Click on the folder icon to the right of the Destination and locate the PHOTOMATCH folder on your desktop
   6. Check Any of the features you plan to use with PhotoMatch (we recommend you don't check options your photographers are not going to use)
   7. Save
      

PREPARING YOUR CAMERAS

Step 1: Change the prefix name on all your cameras to be unique 

How to change the file name on a Canon

How to change the file name on a Nikon

How to change the file name on a Sony

Step 2:  Set cameras to continuous numbering

How to set continuous numbering on a Canon

How to set continuous numbering on a Nikon

How to set continuous numbering on a Sony

Step 3:  Set Canon cameras to not go to sleep, standby or auto power off

How to disable auto power off on a Canon

FOLDER NAMES IN PHOTOMATCH

When do you need to log into a new folder in PhotoMatch?

• Each photographer needs to log into unique folders
• Each new log in to the event and/or each day of the shoot you should log into a new folder
• If you have to change batteries in the camera during the shoot, log out and log into a new folder
• If you have to change the memory card during the shoot, log out and log into a new folder
• If you have to change cameras during the shoot, log out and log into a new folder
• If you have to change PhotoMatch tablets/computers, log out and log into a new folder