Easy Tips for Photographing Your Child's Birthday Party

Photos Can Be the Party Decorations Using a variety of photos of your child can be a simple way to decorate the room.  Pull out old birthday pictures or use photos of your favorite memories from the past year.  You can hole punch them, attach with ribbon from balloons, and hang them around the room. Capture the Party Details You have worked hard to make this day special.  Before the guests arrive you will want to capture all the details.  Take close-ups of the decorations, the carnival games, the food, the cake, the presents, and don’t forget the invitations.  These shots will tell the story of the party. Make a list of Key Moments Plan ahead and think about what memories you don’t want to miss; the birthday child, blowing out the candles, opening the presents, the games, etc.  Where do you want these to take place?  Where will the guests be sitting, where will you be taking the pictures?  Thinking about these questions ahead of time will keep the party running smoothly. Know Your Lighting Before the party make sure there is plenty of light, preferably natural light.  Make sure to turn on lights or add additional lamps if needed.   Use your flash if necessary. Make Your Guests Feel Comfortable Some kids are camera shy.  Be sure to put them at ease by meeting all the children when they arrive.  Carry on a conversation, play a game, maybe show them your camera or let them take a picture or two, and they’ll be smiling in no time. Move around/ Mix up Various Angles Capture your shots from all around the room.  Create a mix of various angles in your photos by using your wide angle to capture a whole scene and then contrast those moments with close-ups of the kids smiling faces.  Try some shots standing on a chair for a different perspective. Look for the Little Moments You know you want to capture all the milestone events that you planned for, but don’t let the best moments escape.  Get involved with the party and snap all those candid shots of the kids playing with each other, eating the cake, laughing, and don’t forget to include the other adults that are there.  Be discreet, try to catch them when they are not looking. Get Down to the Kids' Level Most all pictures are taken by adults standing up.  Get down and capture the memories from a child’s perspective.  This also makes you less scary, and the kids feel more comfortable to be themselves. Use Continuous Shooting Mode or “Burst” Mode To capture a sequence of events like blowing out the candles or jumping in the bounce house, use the continuous shooting mode or “burst mode”.  This insures you won’t miss that perfect shot. Designate a Party Photographer You have a lot to do at your child’s party from preparing the food, to organizing games it can be tough to be the one to also take all the pictures.   If possible give someone else this job.  That way it is their only duty to capture all the fun filled memories.  Just don’t forget to share this helpful list of tips. Photo Booth Another fun idea is to have a photo booth with lots of props to engage your guests.  These are a great way for the kids and adults to let loose and express themselves.