Announcing Pop-Up Portrait Events by Megan Hoffer | Mini Sessions Near Lancaster, PA
Summer is in full swing here in Lancaster County, PA. We’re currently experiencing an intense heatwave and are grateful for access to central air and a pool. While I’m usually the last to get in, that water has never felt so good! My heart goes out to all my wedding vendor friends who were sweating it out this past weekend and the upcoming one. I’ve never been so relieved to have taken time off over the summer.
Being a wedding photographer is stressful for many reasons. One often overlooked reason is the need to plan your schedule a year or two in advance. Early in my career, I got so excited whenever someone wanted to book me that I would say yes to any inquiry, no matter when it was scheduled. Fourth of July? Yes! Memorial Day weekend? Count me in! Doubles every weekend in October? Absolutely! After nearly a decade of this, I’ve finally realized I need to be more strategic about the work I accept if I want to have a family life. Two years ago, I decided I wanted to spend more summers with my kids, Finn and Rita. When they started elementary school, I knew I’d miss out on time with them! So, I proactively blocked off much of my schedule for this summer and next summer. And I’m glad I did. We’ve been having fun trying new sports and activities, as well as simply hanging out, getting to know each other better and connecting with our neighbors.
As fun as it has been, I miss holding my camera and connecting with the people I photograph, so I’m going to try to enjoy both worlds! Being a solopreneur is supposed to come with these kinds of benefits. So why not, right?! I am bringing back my Pop-Up Portrait Events this summer, with my family helping out at the events. There will be a strong focus on connecting with and supporting the local community, which we regularly engage with in our everyday lives, so I can teach my kids about the importance of giving back to support the organizations we rely on. Because, just like our small photography business, each of those organizations has people running them behind the scenes, just like us. And, it feels so good to help. These are the kinds of lessons best learned through action. So, we’re doing them!
I started by emailing our local library to inquire about hosting a family Pop-Up Portrait Event on the lawn there, possibly on days when the food trucks are also present. That way, people can browse books or order food and relax while waiting for their turn (if they didn’t sign up beforehand). I haven’t heard back from them yet, so please stay tuned for updates.
Next, I contacted the local Dog Park in Mount Joy about hosting a Pupper Portraits in the Park Pop-Up Event. As a regular newsletter subscriber, I know they need extra funds to keep the park updated. The idea was presented to the committee and was immediately approved with a enthusiastic “yes!" The first event is a “soft launch” with short notice, happening this Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Rain Garden next to Mount Joy Dog Park’s entrance, located at 1499 Fieldstone Drive, Mount Joy, PA 17552. If it goes well, we’ll plan more future events with more preparation time, so please come support us! While I will focus on taking pet portraits at the event, humans without pets are also welcome to sign up!
With that flyer out in the world, I was approached on Tuesday by Lancaster Polo Club to hold a Pupper Portraits in the Park event at their Dog Days of Summer event on Sunday, August 3rd. I’m so excited for that to happen, too. Details coming soon!
The next organization I reached out to was another of our favorite spots: Tröegs Brewery in Hershey, PA, for a Pictures and Pints pop-up portrait event. The idea is to get dads excited about picture day. It's a quick, fun session to focus on capturing “that one family picture,” along with a few more if possible. As a reward, they'll get a token for a beer afterward. Their event coordinator is on vacation this week, so please stay tuned for updates. I know Marc will be most excited to help out if it happens!
I have some more ideas, but I'm also eager to hear feedback from the first couple of events and to get ideas from you. Please share your thoughts and any ideas you have in the comments. If you'd like to host a Pop-Up Portrait Event at your business or event, feel free to contact me at hello@meganhofferphotography.com. We are happy to donate a portion of that day's proceeds to support qualifying causes. So, don't hesitate to reach out!
I'm excited to hear from you and work together on one of these fun community events!
Let’s go, summer!
Hugs,
Megan