JWP 2012 Senior Model Program - {Houston High School Senior Photography}

***Thank you for your interest in this program; however, all 2012 Reps have been chosen and have already begun working with JWP. We are no longer accepting applications for 2012 Reps. We will begin accepting applications for 2013 Reps in April 2012. For a discounted rate on your senior portraits, locate a 2012 Rep and request a referral card!***

Who is eligible to participate in the program?
I am looking for a group of well-rounded, social, and friendly seniors to represent Jill Ward Photography! Houston area students graduating from high school in 2012 who are interested in unique senior portraits & the opportunity to earn free prints and products are eligible to apply.
If you would like to be considered, simply fill out the application below today! You will need permission from your parent/guardian to participate in the JWP 2012 Senior Model Program, so be sure to check with them first! They will also be required to sign a model release form, allowing us to use your images for advertising purposes. If you are selected as a model, you must commit to working exclusively with JWP - in other words, you cannot represent more than one photography studio!

What will a JWP 2012 Senior Model receive?
•Senior Portrait Session - This session must be completed by August 20, 2011!!! We will meet in an agreed upon location depending on the look you want for your senior portraits. Downtown urban areas, grassy fields, parks, and nature centers are just some of the options available. Your parent/guardian is welcome to attend the session with you. You will be allowed up to three outfit changes during this session and 1 - 2 locations. You should plan to wear one casual outfit which captures your personality and one dressier outfit! The third outfit is totally up to you!
•10 low resolution, watermarked images from your photo session for use on Facebook, MySpace, etc...
•3 Mini accordian books from your session
•A spiral bound proof book of all your edited images from the photo session - please plan on showing this to your friends & family!
•50 Senior Model Represenative cards for passing out to your friends - these are basically like business cards that tell your friends to call me for their photo sessions!
•A feature blog post all about you on my website.
•The opportunity to earn rewards by referring others to Jill Ward Photography!

What are the rewards?
You will receive $15 cash or $20 product/print credit for every referral who books and pays for a session between Sept 1, 2011 and May 1, 2012. For every 15 seniors you refer, you will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card! Be sure the referred clients present one of your senior rep cards at the time of their session to ensure you get the credit!
There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make! Credits will only be issued when a referred senior’s session is complete and all fees are paid by the referred client.

What do I do after my portrait session?
Your portrait session will need to be completed by August 20, 2011. I will then send you a package with your rep cards, mini accordian albums, and proof book. When you return to school in the fall, simply show all of your friends your images from JWP! Pass out your rep cards and encourage your friends to book their senior session with me. Explain that they will receive a 15% discount on their session just for telling me they were referred by you! All referrals must book and pay for a session between Sept 1, 2011 and May 1, 2012.
I will keep track of all your referrals and will send you a monthly update detailing your rewards! All cash rewards will be paid out on a monthly basis on the 30th of each month. If you choose printing credits, you must redeem all credits no later than May 15, 2012. Your referrals do not have to be high school seniors. You may also refer clients for newborn, maternity, family sessions, etc...
For more referrals, be sure to post your watermarked images on Facebook and you can also post a link to the blog post written about you!

How do I sign up?
Simply complete the online appication AFTER YOU OBTAIN PARENT/GUARDIAN APPROVAL! I will choose 2 - 3 models from several schools no later than July 20, 2012!

Houston Newborn Photographer - {Andres + Pablo - 7 Day Old Twins}

I had the privilege of working with another set of newborn twin boys last week! And just like last time, it was amazing! Andres & Pablo were perfectly content posing for the camera and slept through the majority of the session. We took several breaks for nursing and changing - and their grandmother even made lunch for me! Mom & Dad, I hope you love your photos! I am looking forward to coming back in a few weeks to photograph the boys with their sweet sister, Camila!

Houston Baby Photographer - {First Birthday Cake Smash Session - James}

I had so much fun working with little James! Here are a few of my favorite shots from his cake smash session! The adorable little lion cake was created by Suzanne Faubert, aka The Cake Fairy! Mom & Dad, I hope you enjoy these images of your sweet little guy!!

That last shot is a pull back from the set up - I just want you guys to see how far that cake was flung around the room!!! James had a great time smashing his cake...almost as much fun as I had photographing him!

Houston Baby Photographer - {James' First Birthday Photo Session Part 1}

I was thrilled to work with James last week to photograph his first birthday session! James recently received a few original Tonka trucks from a family friend and mom brought them along for our shoot! They were an awesome touch and they allowed me to capture James doing what he does best - exploring and learning through play! I am posting our outdoor shots today - check back later this week for a look at his cake smash session!

Houston Newborn Photographer - {Laila: 9 Days Old}

Laila was a photographer's dream baby! She was super sweet, very relaxed, and slept...like a baby! Here are some sneak peeks for Mom & Dad! I hope you guys love them!!! Thanks so much for allowing me to capture your baby in her first days of life!!!

Houston Newborn Photographer - {Parker + Peyton: 3 Week Old Twins}

I've been busy editing photos from my session with Parker & Peyton. These little guys were so sweet and patient! Every time I open a new photo, I find myself smiling! I really enjoyed working with your boys, Mom & Dad! Here are a few more sneak peeks!

Houston Area Photographer - {Let's Talk Editing}

What is your favorite part about Jill Ward Photography?
What is the most difficult aspect of your business?

These are questions I am asked time and again.
I love meeting new people, usually at very special times in their lives.
The special looks that are exchanged between a couple expecting a child.
The sparkle in the eye of a little birthday boy or girl.
The drooly laughter of a baby who has just reached a fabulous milestone.
Brand new babies, days after entering the world.

I love it.

The most difficult part of my job is editing the photos.
What you see in your online gallery, your proofs, my blog - these images are generally not exactly what I capture on the camera. Depending on the type of session I am shooting, I take approximately 300 - 500 photos! I have to whittle than number down to 20 - 30 for editing and presenting to clients. Once I've picked the best of the best, I start editing.

What does that mean?

Sometimes it is simply brightening a photo - bringing out the midtones, darkening blown out areas, lightening shadows. The basics. Other times, more work is needed.
I usually spend about 15 - 20 minutes on each picture - playing with different editing tools until I get the look I want to achieve.

Here is an example of an SOOC (straight out of camera - no editing) and a final product! As you can see, a lot of the background "noise" was deleted, tones were adjusted, and a few more tweaks to make the image come alive. All in all, I spend anywhere from 5 - 7 hours just editing a single session!
I hope that helps answer a few questions about what goes on behind the scenes at JWP! Have a great Easter weekend!

Houston Family Photographer - {Yogi's Sneak Peek}

This sneak peek goes out to my new friend, Yogi!
He is the furry little guy in the back with the sweet smile and bright eyes! Yogi recently had two new members join his family and he couldn't be more proud! Congrats, Yogi!!! Let Mom & Dad know more sneak peeks of those precious boys will follow soon!!

Houston Maternity Photographer - {Michelle + Lamar}

I had a great time photographing this awesome couple tonight! They are obviously in love and anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little girl!! Enjoy your sneak peeks, your online gallery will be available soon with more images!

Houston Area Product Photography - {Pinkie Twink}

I was honored to photograph this gorgeous dress made by Sharon Hollingsworth, owner of PinkieTwink on Etsy. Sharon has been making dresses, skirts, and ruffle pants for my little Cammie for a couple of years now. I tell you from experience, all of her items are made with the utmost care and precise attention to detail. We love our PinkieTwink items!!! I believe this dress is a must have for hot Houston summers!!! Thanks for sharing your newest creaion with us, Sharon! I hope you love your photos!