ASD Focus on Autism Portraits – Planning Info

Planning Info

Get the word out!

  • Use your blog, facebook page, Google +, and email marketing to let your network know about your generous offer.
  • Chances are you know a family that has a child living with ASD.  Contact them and ask them to get you in contact with their ASD support groups.   Have them put your offer in their newsletter, facebook post or email their members with your offer.
  • Contact local ASD providers- use online search or your phone book to seek out Autism providers (DAN doctors, Ocupational Therapist,  Speech Therapist, ABA Therapist, Compounding Pharmacist, etc.)  Let them know your offer, and ask them to pass it on to their clients.
  • You can also give a plug for other photographers that are participating, just in case you reach someone that is not in your area.  The public (read-only) list of all participating photographers can be found here:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Apb-MaPl5VtWdEdDZ1Q3WE5pLXFsQjBvNk5MLU9OaUE&output=html

 

Scheduling

  • We plan 30 minutes for each child living with ASD.  You are welcome to add more time if you are photographing them with siblings or family.  We try to give at least 10-15 great images.
  • If you are a Miller’s client, you can use their online scheduling software for free.  http://www.bookmonline.com/
    • We use this for initial sign up and scheduling- it does a great job and allows clients to add people (and time to the session).  It will also send a text or email reminding the client of their session.   (Click here to see our sign up site.)
  • You could also just have the families call you to schedule.
  • We are using a google document this year for sign ups, then we are calling the family to do a quick phone consult and schedule the time.  We have found that it is VERY helpful to tald to the family before the session- rather than just having them sign up on-line.
  •  We offer a complimentary session for each child living with ASD.
    •  Originally we planned on only offering to take ASD portraits- but had so many request for siblings and family, we added this offering.

 

Pricing

  • At a minimum, we ask each photographer to offer a complimentary session, and some type of print.  We offer a complimentary 11×14.
  • Each family’s situation is different, some may purchase at levels typical of a custom client, but others may not have the resourses to do so!   It is important to not pressure anyone to purchase items.  Offer products,  but remember this is a charity event- and you are volunteering your time and products.
  • You are welcome to price your products as you wish, we offer our pricing at our school photography company pricing (not custom pricing).  8×10 units start at $25.
  • Last year, 75% of our families that participated purchased portraits.
  • We also chose to donate all of the proceeds from the day to our favorite Autism Group, TACA.  For 2013 we are donating our proceeds to a local family with a child living with ASD and cancer.  If you feel so lead, you are welcome to donate to your favorite Autism charity.

Portrait Day Operations

  • Click here to see tips and hints for photographing children living with ASD.
  • We plan our portrait day outside at a local playground that has a lot of shade.
    • Because we usually have one or two that are sensitive to flashing lights, the playground makes a comfortable natural light environment for everyone.
    • We also recommend that your location have a bathroom.
    • You are welcome to plan your session at your studio.   Some kiddos are sensitive to flashing lights, but many are not.  It is best to talk to the family before the session to see if their child has any special considerations that you should be aware of.
  • We absolutly recommend that you have an assistant!
    • Your assistant can hold a reflector or shade where you need it- if you have an overactive client this can make or break you!   They can also keep everyone safe, fix clothing, get expressions, etc.
  • Take an emergency kit with you (especially if photographing on location) – Pack band-aids, antibiotic cream, etc., Our kit also contains clean combs (use one per child- we wash them in the dishwasher after use), hairspray (ask before using and we always spray on our hand then on the child’s hair), bobby pins, safety pins, duct tape, scissors, etc.)

Model Release

We  ask that you have your parents sign a release where you can share their portraits and their stories on our blog.

  • We have them answer when they sign up on our bookm sight:   May we use your images on our website or for other marketing purposes?
  • It can be a simple statement that you have the parents sign when they have their portraits made:
    • MODEL RELEASE -  I hereby grant {photographer name}, the absolute and irrevocable right and unrestricted permission to use, re-use, display, distribute, transmit, publish, re-publish, copy, either in whole or in part, either digitally, in print, or in any other medium now or hereafter known, for any purpose whatsoever and without restriction, photographs taken of my child.