Portrait Party | April, 2016

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I’m so excited to share my latest personal project: the Portrait Party. The idea is very simple: I gather a small group of people, we throw ourselves a little party, and I take portraits of everyone. I come across so many people who say they could really use an updated headshot, but instead of just having a huge group of photographers and other people show up to get and take photos, I wanted to keep it very small. We each contribute what we can to the party and get the benefits of networking without the pressures of being in a huge group of strangers. For me, I get to test out different lighting techniques or ideas for portraiture and hone my craft too.

My first Portrait Party was just a couple weeks ago, with a small group of fellow wedding vendors: Amanda of Amanda Vidmar Design (floral design), Brianne of Brown Fox Calligraphy, Praise of ComePlum (photo & design), Rachael of Ruby and Rose (event planning & design), and Farrah of Spirit Makeup. It was such an amazing group of people, a great time, and a lovely setup too!

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography | Brown Fox Calligraphy | Photo by Come Plum

Each attendee also contributed to the party: florals from Amanda; calligraphy name tags and a sign from Bri; photography help from Praise; snacks and bubbly from Rachael; and makeup for four of us from Farrah.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Despite my lack of guidance on the decor, we miraculously showed up with all our different items fitting a perfectly coordinated color palette of bright spring colors.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

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Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

And of course, the portraits of the day. I absolutely love them all. Below, Rachael of Ruby and Rose and Amanda of Amanda Vidmar Design with her honeysuckle swag.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Farrah of Spirit Makeup.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

My portrait! By Praise of ComePlum; and Amanda again.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Rachael and Praise.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Amanda, Brianne.

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Love!

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Portrait Party by Anna Wu Photography

Thanks so much for a wonderful Portrait Party! Can’t wait to do it again. I already have some other ideas up my sleeve for the next few gatherings!

Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco but often jetsetting and eating her way around the world. Follow her @annawuphoto on facebook or instagram for more of her daily adventures.