We have used a local coffee store for a Santa Picture day (or it cold be holiday). Instead of printing the pictures they are emailed to those by a PTO member. If the party doesn't have a computer then they are printed and mailed using Snapfish (or similar). This has helped in cost and time plus the parents can do whatever they choose with the photo. The photos are donation only and the coffee store even donates ice cream or cookies for all kids.
I think the Family Portrait Day would be great, but I do have one question for those who have done this. I know the school already has a school photographer they use for the yearbook photos/spring photos/etc. I believe they are on a contract with them. Does this interfere with that?? I know the PTO would be doing this and it would be on a weekend, but wanted to check how that had been handled before I bring this up in one of our meetings.
We went through a local photographer who put together packages at a discounted fee. He made the fliers to be sent home,he booked appts, but also did walk ins. It was so easy because he actually took on most of the legwork. We opened up our gym for a weekend day and he brought all his things there and took the photos right there. He gave us 50% of the proceeds. It was our first time running it and we made about $500 with it out of a school of 650 students. We are looking forward to doing it again this school year.
I am planning another one of these. very successfule if done early fall so people can plan for holiday gifts/cards, etc
we partnered with a local photo studio. They come in on a sat., set up in a room and take portraits in mini-sessions. We charge $25 for an 8 x 10 but the studio provided it for free - so all 8 x 10's sold funds go to the school. The photo studio makes money by upselling additional photos to families. a win-win!
In the past we have had a member volunteer to take photos on Grandparents Day and Holiday Photos. They are both great fundraisers! Make sure you get someone that you can count on to take good photos and do the editing etc. We have used Sam's or Snapfish for printing. Good Luck!
