| In most of the silent auctions my company conducts - | | | | Consider asking your photographer for a photo-party |
| and occasionally a live auction - at least one of the | | | | donation. |
| items will be donated from a photographer. Usually the | | | | If a sitting is usually a 3-hour or 4-hour process in the |
| donation is a free sitting with one 8"X10" print for a | | | | studio, would your photographer be willing to go to a |
| family, a couple, or an individual. | | | | home and take some nice shots in exchange for the |
| Although these items are usually displayed nicely and | | | | opportunity to shoot several families at once? |
| the photographer often has a lovely image of his or | | | | A photographer may prefer studio shooting simply |
| her work available to view, the items rarely sell for top | | | | because the lighting can be set and weather conditions |
| dollar. | | | | are irrelevant. But a good photographer can adapt to |
| I've been thinking of ways to improve this auction item | | | | natural lighting. And also, if the photographer is willing to |
| and recently heard of an idea which might offer a new | | | | shoot on location at someone's large home and yard, |
| twist on this common donation. | | | | he or she might be able to sell more finished prints, |
| Have you heard of a photo party? Photo parties are | | | | which is good for the bottom line of the photographer, |
| usually hosted by a family at their home. They invite 10 | | | | too. |
| to 15 other families over for the day, and a | | | | From your perspective, you'll need to ensure someone |
| photographer spends the day (or half-day) taking | | | | is willing to host the photo party and has an |
| family portraits and candid shots of the families. The | | | | appropriate home for it. |
| subjects themselves may be posed in the backyard | | | | This concept is a good way to put a fresh face on a |
| (such as a family sitting in the grass) or candid shots | | | | traditional donation. Give it a try! |
| (such as two young siblings interacting on a swing set). | | | | |