Hit Me With Your Best (Snap)Shot

Inspired by a post on the Programming Librarian Interest Group on Facebook, I decided to hold my first ever Family Portrait Studio program.  

The premise is simple: families sign up for a 15-minute time slot where we'll take as many pictures as they like and, afterward, we'll compile the best shots and send the digital copies for them to utilize as they like.

To allow for some flexibility, we set up a few different stations - - some with backdrops (purchased off Amazon and/or via Nasco. OR! Make use of backdrops you already have from virtual programming!- - and others utilizing the library furniture and features, including the shelves, the fireplace, and the Christmas tree our Friends group puts up annually.  (While many of the families wanted to use the shots for holiday cards, we had a few who didn't celebrate and/or just wanted the chance for a nice family picture.) 

As for the camera, you could use a DSLR if you have one or, if you and your participants are comfortable with it, you could use your phone! (My library's camera is rather old, so the quality of the photos was much better using my phone, to be honest.  And, once they were sent into Google Drive, I was able to erase everything without having to worry about space issues or limitations.)

The public response was fantastic!  We had initially planned on playing photographer for 2 hours, but--due to demand--had to extend it to 4!  (Note to self and everyone else, make sure to factor in break/snack times!  The hanger was real towards the end of it all. ha) 

I asked a coworker to help out and am so very glad I did.  Not only was she able to greet folks and keep track of attendees, but I was also able to upload each session right away for her to create individualized folders and fill them with the best shots of the group.  She also had a brilliant idea of taking some of the favorites and making a "best of" compilation, using the pre-made photo card templates on Canva. *chef's kiss* 

                                                 

One of my favorite parts about this program--aside from how cost-efficient and easy it was to put together--was the variety of participants!  We had families with kids, couples, folks and their pets, and even some solo portraits!  Many of our participants had never gotten photos done, either due to budget limitations or the worry that their littles wouldn't be able to handle a dedicated session with a professional photographer.

Long story short, this will definitely become a regular offering at our library.  Everyone was so appreciative and it was a fun, pandemic-conscious way to celebrate family togetherness.