Stop Missing the Moments. Why You Need a Photographer for your child’s birthday party
When I first got into photography, I was doing a lot of events. I started to get hired for birthday parties. I was booked every weekend and it was mostly for kid parties. One person told someone else then told someone else then I started really moving into that direction. It was fun, but I was booked every weekend and I didn’t want that anymore for myself. I do think it’s a great niche to get into, almost like how they have wedding photographers; you can specifically be a birthday party photographer. It’s important to hire someone so that you stop missing the moments. Here is why you need a photographer for your kids’ birthday party.
The biggest thing is you want to be present. I know I hired one for my daughter’s 16th birthday because even I as a photographer, knew that I didn’t want to miss being present and interacting with my daughter and her friends. If I am thinking about picking up a camera every 5 min to capture something, I could miss my daughter’s laugh, hug, or her receiving her presents. I also miss the chance to greet others and thank them for coming to the party if I am trying to be the photographer too. Hire someone so that you can also be in the pictures and not always behind the camera.
Tip: If the party is 4 hours, hire someone to come in for at least two of those hours. Shop around, there are people like myself and others who won’t charge you a mortgage to take photos of your party. Please keep in mind that I don’t do events for anyone that I haven’t done a photoshoot with before (talking about the parents who hire me), so that may count me out of the equation.
Sure you can take the photos on your phone but what if you want to blow them up later or use them to create a billboard or something for school. You want someone to take those pictures on a camera. Plus who wants all those photos clogging up their phone.
A photographer captures reactions you can’t. The look on your child’s face when they see the cake, guests laughing in the background. Those emotions are a one-time thing you can’t get back. This is another great reason to hire a photographer.
Group and Family Photos Are Actually Taken Without a dedicated photographer, family shots never happen. When was the last time you took some family photos? This is a greay way to sneak some in without doing anything additional, especially if it’s a theme party and you are already dressed in coordinating outfits.
Here are some more pointers…
Make sure you see their portfolio or you know them (the photographer)
Make sure they are good with kids you don’t want someone who isn’t nice to kids taking their photo
What style do they do? Documentary photos (this is the type I truly want nothing posed just real photos in real time) are what I truly love and would hire for.
Do you or they have a shot list of what you want to capture? Someone who does events or do them regularly (like myself) knows what shots to get but we also discuss before. Go over key people you definitely want to include, like a long distant cousin or a surprise guest.
Are you feeding them at the event? You don’t have to worry about me but that may need to be discussed.
Is the party indoor or out? Let your photographer know that so they can be prepared with the best equipment.
Overall hire someone else to take the photos. I am so glad I did that for my daughters birthday because I was able to enjoy her, her friends, their parents, and the party. If you are in the Conyers or Mcdonough Georgia area let me know. If I can’t take the photo, I can find someone else who can.
