Shalonda from Chubby Cheek Photography is back with another insightful contribution. Her previous article on Photographing Your Own Children is one of the most popular with our readers, and I’m sure you’ll find this one on photographing kids birthday parties equally helpful and inspirational.
Shooting Some Sugar – Photographing Kids Birthday Parties
From Chubby Cheek Photography:If you have visited my blog before you know that i have a love for all things frosted and glittery…basically I LOVE KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!!! I have recently had an explosion of inquiries for birthday party shoots, and have come to the conclusion that the rest of the world must share this affection for children’s parties! While i am no wedding or event photographer, I AM a child photographer who loves capturing kids being kids and what better place to do that, than at a kids birthday party!? Birthday parties are truly fun for all and believe it or not, are a child photographer’s dream come true, I promise! Why you ask? Well it’s essentially the easiest form of lifestyle photography combined with fun because no one really notices you they are all too busy enjoying the party, so capturing real life is a piece of cake (hahaha pun intended). It’s also a great way to gain an even bigger following of possible new clients. ding ding ding!!!! Most of the people attending the party have a child near the age of the birthday boy/girl and usually at least half live nearby that child as well, isn’t that the type of client we all want?!?!
Tips for Shooting the party:
1. Capture the “before”
Make sure you arrive at least 30 min early to the party. If a client is hiring you to photograph the party then there is no doubt they have invested blood sweat and tears into making it perfect (or at least hired a party planner to do so). Therefore it is vital that you capture ALL of the little details before the guests with teeny tiny messy hands arrive. Plus you can use this opportunity to get creative with your shots, candy jars from above, bundles of balloons, etc.
2. Move toward the light
Don’t be afraid to ask the client to open blinds and curtains for indoor parties or even move “main events” such as the cake eating to the shade for outdoor parties. This is another reason to arrive early to the party, you can scope out the best light, make a plan and ask to move things around if need be. Clients hired you to capture the crucial moments of this important day, therefore they will trust you, just ask!
3. Follow the fun
Follow the party girl/boy! See and capture the day as they are experiencing it. Sure its necessary to get the shots with grandma and birthday party girl/boy, etc but the ones my clients always love the most are the ones that capture the moments they didn’t even see. If he/she is sneaking cookies or a lick of icing, capture it!
4. Get the guests
This is where that whole “possible new clients” thing comes in to play. You don’t need to say a word to the parents they will probably ask; but, if they dont no worries…just interact, have fun and capture the children, just do your normal child photographer thang! I personally include digital files in my birthday party package and by capturing the child guests this allows for the mom of the party girl/boy to print off a pic and toss it in the thank you card for the guests. One thing leads to another and bam possible new clients’ interests have been peaked and maybe just maybe they will call you when they need a photographer next!
Remember to cover your basics, such as pricing yourself right and setting up a time limit upfront…photographing child birthday parties can be a fabulously fun and heartfelt option to offer your clients that they will be happy they had!!!!
// By Chubby Cheek Photography // Follow on Facebook //
