			portrait party online
	What is a Portrait Party?
	How do Portrait Parties work?
	How do I schedule a Portrait Party?		Portrait Party Host Checklist
	If I host a Portrait Party what are my responsibilities?		Portrait Party Host Forms
	Do I receive free portraits if I host a Portrait Party?		Portrait Party Guest Forms
	What types of Portrait Party themes do you suggest?
	I'm attending my first Portrait Party, what should I do?

	natalie blake wedding photographer
	dripping springs, texas

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Portrait Parties are an exciting opportunity for you and your friends to have professional portraits made in a fun and affordable way. Portrait Parties take place in your home (if you are the host) or any other suitable location. The host invites between 8 and 12 families to the party and for the hosts hard work enjoys credits toward portraits for hosting. It is a low stress fun opportunity to have beautiful portraits made of yourself or your children in a low pressure, relaxed atmosphere.

Hosts also receive special gifts of one of a kind handmade photo jewelry for each party attendee that host their own parties. These necklaces are not available for sale and may be the biggest attraction to hosting a party. Everyone will know if you have hosted a portrait party with Natalie when they see your necklace and just wait until you break it to them that they can't buy a necklace like this anywhere!

Through my experience there are two different routes you can take in putting your portrait party together:

High Efficiency or Big Fun. Each has it's own rewards.

High Efficiency: The highly efficient party has attendees coming and going all the time and when the last pictures are taken only the host and photographer remain. These parties average about $250 per attendee in orders. If the host had 10 attendees that equates to $2,500 in total orders and out of that she would receive her 20% print credit of $500. Hosts also receive special gifts of one of a kind handmade photo jewelry for each party attendee that host their own parties. Typically, one attendee in ten will host a party from a high efficiency party. Certainly not a bad deal, and let's face it, not all of us can pull off a high efficiency portrait party, (you might as well ask me to take care of the national debt along with it!)

Big Fun: The big fun party works a little differently. The host supplies food, drinks, sometimes wine and the idea is that the portraits are a sideline to the actual party. Attendees are encouraged to linger and have a good time. The average order at these parties is closer to $500. If the host had 10 attendees that equates to $5,000 in total orders and out of that she would receive her 20% print credit of $1,000. In 2007 several of Natalie's parties grossed double this amount including one Christmas Portrait Party that was the highlight of the year! (Talk about some happy hosts!) Hosts also receive special gifts of photo jewelry for each party attendee that host their own parties. Typically three attendees in ten will host a party from a "big fun" party. These parties are easier to pull off and I have several groups that rotate who will host the portrait party this season so that everyone gets the opportunity to order the big items (canvas or large prints) that they can never talk their husbands into letting them buy.

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How do Portrait Parties work?

The Portrait Party is organized by the party Host. Hosts provide the location, coordinate the hors'doeuvres, drinks, activities, the guest list and scheduling the 15 minute session times. Guests enjoy a good time, a free portrait session and their children enjoy a short and concise sitting. Everyone involved will have a good time and the children will actually look forward to the next party! After the party, the guests will visit Portrait Party Online to view and order their portraits. After all guests have ordered the host will then be able to place an order based on credits from their guests purchases. Please contact Natalie Blake for more information and visit her website www.hillcountryphoto.com to see some of her portfolio of portraits throughout the Austin, Texas area.

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How do I schedule a Portrait Party?

First download all the forms you will need to familiarize yourself with what you and your guests will need to do to put the party together. Then contact Natalie Blake to ensure availability - you might put together several prospective dates to ensure everyone's schedules match up - and to find out everything you need to know to have a super successful party. Natalie is currently limiting these parties to the Central Texas area immediately surrounding Austin or Dripping Springs. Natalie will help you put together an invitation you can postal or email out and select a good location for her portable studio. After the first party you will be well on your way to becoming a portrait junkie! Just wait!

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If I host a Portrait Party what are my responsibilities?

The Portrait Party is organized by the party Host. The Party Host is the key ingredient to a successful party. Hosts invite guests, coordinate the bringing of snacks and drinks (if not providing themselves) and the scheduling of sessions. Successful hosts follow up with their guests with reminders and to ensure that every session block is filled to get the most portrait credits possible.

After the party, the guests will visit Portrait Party Online to view their portraits. Hosts collect orders from their guests and 4-6 weeks later deliver the final products to their guests delight. After all guests have ordered the host will then be able to place an order based on credits from their guests purchases. Please contact Natalie Blake who is an Austin Portrait Photographer, for more information.

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Do I receive free portraits if I host a Portrait Party?

Absolutely. The primary benefit of hosting a party -aside from having a lot of fun- is to build enough portrait credits to pay for your families pictures. Some Hosts use the credits to buy portraits that they ordinarily wouldn't, like a large canvas print, photo jewelry, etc. While it is a bit of work, after hosting your first party you will quickly find yourself a portrait junkie and be able to look back at the years of hosting parties with a wealth of family portraits covering your walls.

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What types of Portrait Party themes do you suggest?

Themes for Portrait Parties are only limited to your imagination:

Newborn

Teen

Maternity

Wine Tasting

Playgroup

Seniors

Football

Preschool

Babies

Scouts

Soccer

Jazz / Dance

Couples

Holiday

Valentines

Hawaiian Luau

Family

Ballet

Christmas

Mothers Day Out

Tea Party

Baseball

Halloween

Pets

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I'm attending my first Portrait Party, what should I do?

As a guest at a portrait party you get to have the most fun! Your host may ask you to bring a snack or beverage to share and will let you know what color backdrop will be used for the party so you can dress appropriately.

You will need to fill out a Portrait Party Guest Form before arriving at the party.

Approximately two weeks after the party you will receive an email with a link to Portrait Party Online and your portrait website which will be online for seven days. Your Host will accept orders during that time. Please thank your host by placing your order through her as that is how she is reimbursed for hosting the party.

Important Note: Please let your host know if you will not be able to make your scheduled session. Your host has put a lot of effort into your portrait party please be courteous and ensure your invited to the next party!