Let's take a look at the main features you'll use when scheduling in Spectra/Stratus Desktop - Calendar, Sessions, Appointments, and the Scheduling Wizard.

Main Scheduling Features

Calendar 

The Calendar is the main way to view the individual schedules of your staff and resources. Each user and resource can have their own schedule in the software. Then, each appointment or session is booked on one or more of these individual schedules, depending which user(s) and/or resource(s) will be directly involved. The Calendar is also the home base for booking sessions and appointments with the Scheduling Wizard. See also: The Calendar

Individual schedules can be created for:

• John Doe (photographer)
• Mary Smith (assistant)
• Amanda Anderson (makeup artist)
• Jane Peterson (videographer)
• Camera room
• Presentation room 1
• Presentation room 2

Sessions 

Sessions are special in Spectra/Stratus! Sessions are scheduled events that involve actually taking pictures. They are always linked to a specific client, can contain images, and are the starting point for most orders. To take full advantage of the client tracking and reporting features in the software, we recommend using sessions whenever possible! See also: Sessions

Sessions include:

• School team photos
• Family portrait sessions
• Weddings

Appointments 

Appointments are used to schedule other types of events that may or may not involve a client. An appointment that involves a client is called a "linked appointment," and one that doesn't is considered "unlinked." See also: Appointments

Linked appointments may be:

• Consultations
• Sales presentations
• Delivery appointments

Unlinked appointments include:

• Staff meetings
• Personal appointments

Scheduling Wizard

The Scheduling Wizard is a tool built right into the software and is designed to walk you through the booking process -- from finding or creating a client, to scheduling the session or appointment, to creating an invoice and accepting a payment. Any time you book something on the Calendar, you will use the Scheduling Wizard. See also: Using the Scheduling Wizard

Optional Scheduling Features

Google Syncing

NOTE: This feature is available in the Essential, Professional, and Enterprise versions of both Spectra and Stratus Desktop.

Use the Google Sync feature to sync your Spectra/Stratus schedule with your Google Calendar. Most mobile devices can sync with Google Calendar, making it easy for you to access your schedule from your mobile device. See Google Syncing for a video tutorial, detailed setup instructions, and troubleshooting tips.

Mobile Apps (Stratus ONLY)

You can use the free Stratus Mobile app to access much of your Stratus data from your mobile device, including your schedule. See the Stratus Mobile App section for more information.

Online Booking (Stratus ONLY)

NOTE: This feature is available in the Essential, Professional, and Enterprise versions of Stratus Desktop. Spectra does not include this feature.

Give your clients the option to book sessions online with Stratus Online Booking! See the Online Booking section for more information.