Ella's Surprise Party - 10 Tips for Shooting your Child’s Birthday Party

August 28, 2016  •  Leave a Comment
 
I had SOOO much fun shooting this surprise birthday party for sweet six year old Ella.  The look on her face when she walked through the door and saw all of her friends and family was priceless.  Children's birthday parties are definitely one of my favorite things to shoot because they are so colorful, and full of joy and candid moments.  Ariel did a fantastic job keeping the children entertained.  If you are interested in hiring her (or other princesses), you can find her on her website at Runaway Royals and on Facebook and Instagram
 
I thought that while I show you Ella's lovely birthday, that I would also give some tips for shooting your own child's birthday party.  Here are 10 things to keep in mind at your next event. 
 
  1.  Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the event.  This will allow you to enjoy the party without having to worry about capturing pictures.  Plus an experienced photographer will be able to capture moments that you will treasure for a lifetime. If you don’t have the budget for a professional, consider designating a close friend or family member as the event photographer so you can focus on your guests.  For Ella’s party, Erin decided to hire me so that she could enjoy the party with her guests. 

    Child looking in Mirror wearing Birthday CrownCutest Ariel Birthday Party
  2. If it’s a surprise party, be sure to have guests in location ahead of time so that you can capture some photos of them waiting on the guest of honor.  Make sure you know when and where the birthday child will enter the party location so you can capture that first moment of surprise. For Ella’s party, I snapped photos of the guests hiding in the corner ready to shout surprise just before Ella arrived.  This allowed me to focus all my attention on Ella when she walked through the door.  If there is a performer or entertainer, be sure to be in a position to capture the children’s reactions when they arrive, or perform.

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  3. Remember to capture little details of the party decor and food.  It’s likely you spent lots of time and Pinterest research on all of these little detail so don’t forget to capture them. Some of this can be done before the party begins.  Ella’s party was mermaid themed, with tons of fun tropical inspired food and decor…perfect for colorful birthday party pics.

    Birthday Party Photography, Spring Hill, TNPrincess Ariel Mermaid Birthday Party Birthday Party Photography, Spring Hill, TNPrincess Ariel Mermaid Birthday Party Birthday Party Photography, Spring Hill, TNPrincess Ariel Mermaid Birthday Party
  4. Don’t photograph little kids from your grown up height…get down to their eye level for better images. This isn't too hard when you are short like me.  

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  5. But also, think of unique perspectives that will allow for interesting ways to photograph the party. Getting up high or down low can make some fun images.

    Tips for photographing your child's birthdayElla's Surprise Birthday Party Tips for photographing your child's birthdayElla's Surprise Birthday Party Tips for photographing your child's birthdayElla's Surprise Birthday Party
  6. Make a rule that no one gets cupcakes or cake until you get a group photograph. This is a great way to encourage everyone’s prompt participation.  You will love having a picture of all your child’s guests in one shot. Runaway Royals brought this fun frame to use for some posed shots. 

    How to photograph your child's birthday partyAriel Birthday Party in Spring Hill TN How to photograph your child's birthday partyAriel Birthday Party in Spring Hill TN How to photograph your child's birthday partyAriel Birthday Party in Spring Hill TN
  7. Put some thought into where the birthday child will sit for special moments like blowing out the candles.  Think about which seat has the best lighting (light coming in through a window is beautiful).  Also think about where the person taking the pictures will sit or stand so as to be able to get pictures of the birthday girl without being blocked by other photo guests.

    Spring Hill TN Children's PhotographerHiring a photographer for child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Children's PhotographerHiring a photographer for child's birthday party
  8. If you have a numbered candle, make sure it is facing the photographer, and not the child.  This may seem picky, but it’s great to have the number readable in the image - especially years from now when the grown child may not remember how old he/she was in the photographs.

    Ella's sixth birthday surprise partyCapturing photos of your child's birthday Ella's sixth birthday surprise partyCapturing photos of your child's birthday Ella's sixth birthday surprise partyCapturing photos of your child's birthday
  9. Be sure to get a few family pictures.  Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the party and forget, but you will appreciate having these milestone pictures of your family each year. If the party is not a surprise, its a good idea to get these family pictures a few minutes before guests start to arrive.

    Middle Tennessee Birthday Party PhotographerGetting family photos at your child's birthday party Middle Tennessee Birthday Party PhotographerGetting family photos at your child's birthday party Middle Tennessee Birthday Party PhotographerGetting family photos at your child's birthday party
  10. Get into the middle of the action and keep your eyes open for authentic moments.  The focus is obviously the guest of honor, but don’t forget to capture reactions from party guests and family members as well.

    Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party Spring Hill TN Ariel PartyTaking pictures at your child's birthday party

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Crystal Freemon Photography, Spring Hill TN Family Portrait PhotographerCrystal Freemon Photography, Spring Hill TN Family Portrait Photographer


Hi, friends!  Welcome to my blog! I’m an engineer turned family photographer, obsessed with chasing light and capturing real moments. I believe family portrait sessions should be fun! I’m a hockey mom, Predators fan & retired PTO president.  I picked up the camera when my youngest was a baby and fell in love with documenting our life as a family. Don't wait to book a session to capture your family's special memories today! 

 

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