Host Information.

The party Host earns a percentage of the party’s print orders to be used as credit towards his/her own print order, in addition to a free portrait. Sound good? Here’s what you have to do:

In-Home Portrait Party

All you need is a medium-sized room in your house, ideally in a part of the house away from the rest of the party so as not to distract the children who are being photographed. You will be required to invite a minimum of 4 guest families to participate in the event, with a maximum of 15 guests. I would recommend providing a few light snacks for your guests.

On-Location Portrait Party

Choose a local park or any outdoor setting that has pretty setting that would look good as a background in photos. It can be a grassy area with trees and rocks, or a wooded area next to a lake or stream, or just a green or flowery area in your own backyard. Much of the background will not be seen in the closer, "tighter" shots, but will be seen in farther, "looser" shots.

If you’re interested in hosting a party, email me. Be sure to let me know how you plan to promote your party and about how many guests you think you might have. You should try to schedule your guest's photo sessions 20 minutes apart. Try to eliminate gaps in the session schedule (sessions should run consecutively).

Before the Party

If hosting an in-home party I will arrive 1-2 hours before the event to set up my equipment. One background will be available. As the Host you have your choice of a white, black, or “storm cloud” gray background… or if you have a nice outdoor area at your home that area could be used as a background as well. Remember that the entire party will use just one background. Be sure to let your guests know which background you will be using so they can dress appropriately. Color or black & white prints are available from any image. It is best for the session area to be located in a room away from the rest of the party to prevent the children from being distracted.

During the Party

You will need to make sure the each family completes an Information Form before their session (provided by me). You will need to keep a list of all guests photographed at the party so I can keep track of who it is I’m photographing. The Host must remain at the party the entire time for in-home parties. Please plan on visiting with any guests who’d like to stay and chat AFTER their session. Guests should plan on arriving no more than five minutes prior to their session time, if possible. If the childtren start playing before the session it will be harder to settle them down for their portraits!

After the Party

The guests can view their proofs online approximately 1-2 weeks after the event. All the photos from the party will be in a password-protected gallery. The link and password to the party’s proofs will be emailed to all guests, provided that they gave an email address on their Information Form. If an email address was not provided, the party host will notify those guests that the prints are ready to view online.

Guests will have up to 30 days to place their orders. Orders can be made and paid for online with a major credit card. I will also accept checks. Orders are processed once payment has been received.

The Host will receive 15% of the total party sales as a portrait credit. The amount of the credit will be determined once the 30-day order period is completed and all orders have been submitted.

Guest Information

Before you arrive consider your clothing choices according to the background your host has chosen for the party. Keep the crazy prints or wild patterns at home (you don’t want the clothes to compete with your child’s beautiful eyes and smile, right?).

When you arrive, fill out the guest Information Form and we can get started. Try not to arrive too early, as children will want to play. During your 15-20 minute session, images of individual or groups are possible. You may want to consider including yourself in some of the photographs. When your reserved time arrives, please bring only the children being photographed into the session area.

The proofs will be online in about 1-2 weeks after the session. I will notify guests via email that their session is ready to view online, while your party host will notify anyone who didn’t provide (or don’t have) an email address. Once online, the proofs will be available for viewing and ordering for 30 days. Ordering is done online where credit cards are accepted through PayPal (though you don't have to have a PayPal account to use your credit card). All payments made online are through a secure and trusted server.

Party Checklist

Prior to the event:
1. Fill out and mail/email invitations. Please allow 2-4 weeks notice.
2. Prepare guest list with the date and time slots.
3. After guest time slot schedule is complete, email to me.
4. Remind guests of their start time.

Day of event:
1. Prepare photography area (move furniture if necessary) (In-home parties only)
2. Prepare guest area. (In-home parties only)
3. Prepare light snaks & drinks. (In-home parties only)
4. Dress child(ren) for portrait session.

During the event:
1. Ensure that children are ready for their session 5 minutes prior to time slot. Don't let them wander too far away or get too involved with toys/games.
2. See that each guest receives and completes an information sheet.
3. Remind guests that prints need to be ordered within 30 days.

After the event:
1. I will contact you (Host) when everyone’s orders have been submitted and inform you of your portrait credit.
2. Place your order, then enjoy your treasured family portraits!

Book your Portrait Party today! Email Me or call 314-443-8803.