Jill Ward Photography Blog: houston newborn photographer

Portrait parties are an excellent way for friends and family to receive affordable professional portraits in a casual environment without the big investment of a full session. They are great for people on a budget who still want professional portraits or those who need just a few updated portraits.

What is a Portrait Party?
A portrait party is hosted by one lucky guy or gal who invites friends &/or family members to their home, or another outdoor location, for a 20 minute professional portrait session. The host coordinates the guest list, schedules the sessions consecutively, and collects the session fees.
Hosts receive a free 20 minute session before the party begins and a CD with 20 images + a print release for hosting the party. (Please note, you are recieving a full 20 images on CD as a bonus for hosting the party.) In addition, hosts receive a $10 cash for every guest who commits to the party!

Each guest pays a reduced-rate session fee of $85 which includes the following:
* One 20 minute custom photo session
* 10 digitally enhanced photos on CD + print release

How Does it Work?
The host selects an available party date and invites 5 - 10 guests to her home, or other outdoor area such as a farm, park, playground, or other scenic location. A minimum of five guests is required for each party. You may put together your invitations any way you like; however, Evites work great and are free!

When guests RSVP, the host schedules their session time and collects the $85 session fee (cash or checks made out to Jill Ward). Sessions should be scheduled consecutively and 30 minutes apart.

Guests should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their scheduled session and are not required to stay for the duration of the party.

The host is responsible for collecting the session fees and paying those to photographer no later than seven days before the party. Nothing will be sold on the day of the portrait party - the business end will be taken care of and your guests will be able to relax and enjoy their fun portrait session!

When will guests receive their CD and print release?
All CD's and print releases will be mailed directly to guests no later than ten days after the party.

What are the responsibilities of the hostess?
Before the party: Create and send invitations, schedule a minimum of 5 portrait sessions, and collect the $85 session fee from each guest in advance. Once all sessions are scheduled, mail a check for the total ammount collected to Jill Ward Photography.
During the party: Provide the outdoor location for the shoot and light refreshments for your guests.

What are the benefits of being a hostess?
As a hostess, you work hard to ensure a smooth flowing party and then help your guests get their orders in on time. For all of your hard work, you will earn big rewards!
* A 20 minute pre-party portrait session with NO SESSION FEE
* A CD with 20 images + print release
* $10 cash for each guest who commits to the party!

Host Tips for a great party
Portrait parties should be relaxed, stress-free, FUN events. It is a win-win situation for you, your guests, and your photographer and your guests will thank you for providing them with this opportunity to have portraits they will treasure for a lifetime.

Encourage your guests to bring along any props or keepsakes they want in the photos (special toys or blankets, tricycles, fairy wings, tutus, hats, tiaras, etc...

For added fun, suggest a theme for your party: tea party, super hero, dress up, father's day or mother's day, holidays, etc... If you have a theme, be sure to have your guests arrive in themed attire and think about how you can decorate the shooting space. For fab themed party ideas, check out the super sweet website! I could seriously get lost in this little corner of the web!
Example - if you want Christmas themed portraits, consider decorating an outdoor tree with large, colorful ornaments.
If you choose a tea party theme, set up the shooting space with appropriate props (tables, blankets, tea cups, etc...)

Remember all sessions are shot OUTSIDE in natural light so be sure your chosen space provides a little privacy for the guests - away from the party action.

EXCEPTION - If you are hosting a newborn portrait party and are inviting guests with babies under four weeks of age, I can bring newborn props and backdrops to complete the sessions indoors. There must be a room with LOTS of natural light for these sessions. Newborn sessions can be done outside - just let me know ahead of time and I will bring some of my favorite props for the wee ones!

Lets get started!
If you are interested in hosting a Jill Ward Photography Portrait Party, give me a call at 281.902.7394 or send me an email through the CONTACT link above! We will discuss available dates and I will answer any other questions you have - as well as make suggestions for possible party locations if you don't think your backyard will do the trick. I look forward to speaking with you and working together to pull off the best party of the year!

Delila. Such a pretty name. Such a beautiful baby.
Baby Delila was six days old when her mom brought her to my home for her first photo shoot! I have an enormous window in my den which allowed sunlight to pour onto our setup. I also pulled out the trusty space heater to keep Delila nice and warm. Mom fed her right before the shoot in the warm sunlight - and the end result was a little one who slept like a baby! From the moment her mother handed her to me until the moment the session ended, Delila remained peacefully and soundly asleep! Amazing!
Mom & Dad, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you in Delila's first week of life! I hope you love her sneak peeks! I will be posting Mom's maternity peeks later on next week! I'm going about it backwards!!!