Taking Good Pictures at Birthday Parties
Anyone can snap a few pictures, but to be good at it requires a little forethought and planning. The following tips will help you to take great pics!
Designate A Photographer - Designate someone to take photos at the party so you don't have to worry about missing out on a shot because you were busy entertaining, setting up a game, serving, etc.
Sunlight Guidelines - Don't pose people in front of windows as the outside sunlight will cause their faces to be too dark. This holds true even if you use a flash.
Work At Their Level - When taking photos of children, they will turn out better if you get down to their eye level. By doing this, your photo will be level with them, as opposed to slanting downward.
Candid Shots - Try to take as many candid shots as possible without the kids knowing that you are taking the pictures. This helps to avoid the "stretch-mouth" fake-looking smile.
Backgrounds - Before taking a photo, be aware of the backgrounds. Make sure there isn't anything that will detract from your photo or look out of place. For example, something hanging on a wall could look like it is protruding from someone's head if they stand in just the right place.
Sequence Of Photos - Take a sequence of photos to tell your party story from beginning to end. Mix it up by taking both posed and candid shots. Also, don't forget to take a few group photos.
Pre-Party Photos - Be sure to take some photos of the party room decorations, birthday cake, and gift table before anyone arrives and things start to get invaded and destroyed.
Photos Of Guest Arrivals - Take pictures of your guests as they arrive, especially if it is a costume party. Time and heat have a way of causing people to begin to strip off their masks, remove wigs hats, and vests, along with causing make-up to run. So, if you want to capture your guests in their full garb, take those pics early on.
Party Activities - Take pictures of your guests playing various party games and activities, along with doing any crafts.
Double Shots - As we all know, one false move can cause an out-of-focus picture. Take double pictures of each shot in case someone blinked or the first one turned out blurry. To help alleviate this problem, use a tripod, or steady your arm by resting your elbow on your leg while squatting down.
Disposable Cameras - Consider making disposable cameras available for older guests. You will get an entirely different perspective of the party from those who are of the same generation, thus a way different point of view than your own.
Polaroid Cameras - Although Polaroid cameras have basically been replaced by digital cameras, they are still fun to have at a party. Kids love to watch the photos develop right before their very eyes and they make great party favors when framed.
BOTTOM LINE: Be prepared for taking good pictures. A few days before the party make sure your cameras are in working order, that you have all of their necessary components, charged batteries, and sufficient camera cards.
