Live Guest Portrait Calculator
See how many live guest portraits you can expect
and get a clear price estimate
Use this quick calculator to estimate how many guest portraits I can create during your event based on the medium (watercolor, markers, or acrylic on canvas), your booking length (3, 4, or 5 hours), and optional add-ons like a photobooth or an assistant. You can also enter your expected guest count to see how many additional portraits may be needed before or after the event, with pricing shown per face. If your guest list exceeds 50, I recommend adding hours or including an assistant so more guests receive a portrait and the experience stays smooth.
I paint guests in real time on premium watercolor paper using a tropical, romantic palette. Each portrait is signed, placed in a protective sleeve, and ready to take home as a heartfelt favor.
Super Model portraits in minutes. I use clean black lines with soft gray shading to flatter and elongate features, capturing outfits, sunglasses, and lei details with an editorial vibe. Finished on thick 5x7 cards, sleeved, and personalized with your names and date for a stylish keepsake guests love.
I create small acrylic canvases of guests or Hawaiian landscapes with vibrant color and bold, lively brushwork. These mini keepsakes look great on frames, tiny easels, or shelves, and make an eye-catching live art station.
Lighthearted, personality-forward drawings that get everyone smiling while keeping it flattering. Finished on sturdy cardstock and easy for guests to frame or share.
FAQ
How does the Guest Portrait Calculator work?
I estimate portraits hour-by-hour using your selected medium and booking length. The pace is based on my average speed during a 3-hour service, and it increases on longer bookings because artist momentum improves efficiency and consistency on the 4th and 5th hours.
What counts as “one portrait”?
One portrait equals one face. If a couple wants to be drawn together, that is typically two faces.
What’s the difference between watercolor, markers, and acrylic on canvas?
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Watercolor feels soft, elegant, and timeless - a favorite for weddings and refined events.
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Markers are crisp and fast with a clean, modern look - great for high volume.
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Acrylic on canvas has a bolder, painterly feel with stronger color presence - ideal if you want a more “art piece” style.
Why does the estimate show a range?
Because guest flow is never perfectly predictable. The range accounts for real-world factors like lighting, how quickly guests line up, kids vs adults, how many couples want portraits together, and short, friendly interactions that make the experience fun.
How do add-ons affect speed and quality?
Add-ons help the experience run more smoothly and keep the quality high.
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Photobooth helps capture clear references fast and reduces bottlenecks.
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Assistant keeps the line moving, organizes photos and names, and helps with the overall pace and presentation.
What’s included with the Assistant add-on?
The assistant includes the photobooth, and for watercolor or markers, it also includes mat frames + bags. For acrylic on canvas, framing is a separate add-on.
What are Mat Frames + Bags, and when do I need them?
Mat frames + bags are a clean, elegant way for guests to take their portraits home safely. They’re available for watercolor or markers and are great for weddings where you want the portraits to feel like a polished favor.
What are Frames, and when do I need them?
Frames are available for acrylic on canvas portraits. If you want the acrylic pieces to feel fully finished and ready to display, adding frames is the best upgrade.
How are “Additional Portraits Before or After the Event” priced?
If your guest count is higher than what can be completed live, I can create the remaining portraits before or after the event from photos.
Pricing is per face:
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Markers: $25
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Watercolor: $30
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Acrylic: $40
If my guest list is over 50, what do you recommend?
If your guest list exceeds 50, I recommend booking additional hours or including an assistant so more guests receive a portrait and the experience stays smooth, not rushed.
Does everyone need to line up to get a portrait?
Usually, yes - a simple line works best. If you include an assistant, it becomes much smoother because they guide guests, manage names, and keep everything organized.
Can I prioritize certain guests (VIPs)?
Absolutely. If you have VIPs (family, wedding party, special friends), I can start with them first so they don’t miss out.
How do guests receive their portraits during the event?
Most guests receive their portraits during the event as they’re completed. If you add mat frames + bags, they also get a nicer presentation and protection for travel home.
What do you need from me to make this go smoothly on the day?
A small table and a well-lit spot near guest flow works best. If you’re using additional portraits before/after the event, I’ll also request clear photo references (or photobooth captures) and names if you want labeling.