Houston Child Photographer - Cameron

It's hard to believe our little one recently celebrated her fifth birthday. Seems like only yesterday we were reading board books, encouraging her first steps, and enjoying Mommy & Me classes! These days, Cameron is off and running - and usually too fast for my camera! She is a joy to parent and her brother, Mom & Dad are looking forward to celebrating a new set of milestones with her this year! Happy 5th Birthday, Cam!

Portrait Party Dates Available - Contact Me If You Are Interested In Hosting

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!

Houston Maternity and Family Photographer - Lidia + Alberto

This family of three is about to welcome another little girl! I loved spending the evening with Lidia, Alberto, and their beautiful little girl, Sabina! Sabina's smile could light up all of Houston and the love her mom and dad share was so evident and sweet! Enjoy your sneak peeks!!!!!

Houston Family Photographer - {Terry + Marin}

I worked with the sweetest family this weekend.  We planned to meet at a great park with a fountain and a man made river - surprisingly, it was drained on the day of our shoot!  We decided to meet at a nature center instead.  It was a beautiful location; HOWEVER,  it was hot (yes, in December), there were tons of mosquitos literally swarming us, and the tree pollen got to all of the adults within minutes!  You would never know anyone was uncomfortable by looking at these photos - they remained poised and beautiful!  A huge thanks to each of you for allowing me to spend the day with you - capturing a fleeting moment in time!  I hope you enjoy your sneak peeks! 

Houston Family Photographer - {Meli + Laila}

Have you ever heard a photographer say, "My camera just loved her!" and wonder what they meant? Well, take a look! I had an amazing time working with a beautiful momma and her sweet daughter tonight! My camera L O V E D both of them!!! Enjoy your sneak peek, Melissa! More will follow in the coming days!

Houston Baby Photographer - {James: 6 Months Old}

It's been a few months since I've seen this sweet little boy! He has grown so much since my last session when he was ten weeks old! Baby James is just getting cuter with age (if that is even possible) and he is FULL of personality! Thanks to Elizabeth & Jim for the chance to share in your joy for the day!!! Here is a sneak peek at his photos!

Houston Child Photographer {Micayla's Third Birthday}

Sweet little Micayla was so much fun to work with! She completely relished the role of "model for the day!" She had so many fun expressions and her laughter was completely contageous! A huge thanks to Jennifer for allowing me to share the day with you and your precious daughter! I hope you love her photos!

Houston Child Photographer - {Layla: 3 Years Old}

Girls just wanna have fun!
And Layla was no exception!
This sweet little munchkin grabbed my heart the second I saw her climb out of her mom's car! Look at how adorable she is!
This was my FOURTH scheduled shoot with Layla.
The three previous shoots were rained out.
Yes.
All three!
Shoot four was, sadly, no different! As soon as Layla's mom pulled up to meet me - rain began pouring all around!
We all decided to be brave and I shot a handful of photos under an awning in about three feet of space!
I know moms love to see their kiddos smiling in pictures - but sometimes, my favorite photos are the pouty shots. Little Layla has the pout perfected... and it is just too cute. (You'd pout too if you were all dressed up for your third birthday shoot and it started pouring!)
Layla soon warmed up - with water splashing all around her - and enjoyed her birthday cake and photo shoot!
Looks like we will be meeting again for a fifth try at this shoot in September! Can't wait to see you guys again!
{Tutu & headband by BuggyBooCreations
Birthday Shirt by Zingo Tots
Delicious Cake from The Cake Fairy}

Houston Baby Photographer - {James: Ten Weeks Old}

A friend of mine recently had the most adorable baby boy.
Little James has the sweetest disposition. He was ten weeks old at the time of this session - extremely alert and laid back.
A huge thanks to Mom & Dad for allowing me to share time with your growing family! I am looking forward to working with you all again when James is older!!!