I think one of the best things about capturing a sweet 16 is seeing how the kids interact with their friends in such a wholesome way. Seeing them just be kids is a beautiful thing. It’s also a hard thing because they are growing up. 16 is such a big milestone year. It’s the year of getting the driver’s license, noticing the cute boys, shopping, keeping up with the latest TikTok trends. When I was 16, I just wanted to drive; that’s it lol. Since I never had a sweet 16, it’s always a pleasure to capture one. Here is a breakdown of how I captured a sweet 16th birthday bash in Stone Mountain, GA.
First things first….
I only do events if I know you personally or if I have shot you before. The reason is that an event is a one-time thing. There are no do-overs. I need to know how you are first to make sure we are compatible because when I come in to do an event, I need to be able to do my thing and I need to know if your thing and my thing are on one accord. I need to know your personality and you need to know mine before we do an event. It helps keep foolishness down and it helps me capture that special day for you without any hiccups. More about my event photography can be found here.
Now, with that being said. I like to know where the shoot will take place so I can either see it online or scope it out and do my detective work before the event. I also like to know how many people will be there to see if I need to bring an extra assistant with me. Once we narrow that down and the date, we are good to go. I will always arrive early to get the decor pics, then I’m in position to get the birthday girl and her friends/family for the rest of the night. This event was held at 5380 Event Studios in Stone Mountain, GA. Parking wasn’t bad, and I love that it was easy to find, with other spots around to take pics if you wanted to take some photos outside.
Some key things you want to capture at a sweet 16 party
- the venue before guests arrive
- make sure you take pics of guests as they arrive; you can’t fake that genuine surprised look after they walk in
- Same with the birthday girl get in position to capture her walking in and her pay attention to her facial expression. Great if you can get this on video and pic at the same time
- Grab a picture of the parents. Most people don’t get their facial expressions of seeing their baby walk in. Don’t forget to capture them in the moment also
- grab a quiet moment of the 16 yr old if she steps away from the crowd; those candids are priceless*
- make sure you capture others taking a photo too. This is one of my signature moves…capturing you taking a photo of someone else
- don’t forget to take a picture of the DJ or anyone else working that night. It could help with their portfolio also
- If there is a guestbook, grab a photo of that
- A wide shot of the whole room during a big moment, showing scale and atmosphere, not just the subject
If you are taking photos with no assistant, try to do a few videos from the camera you are taking photos on and mix and match. Share that video and compile it all into one to give the client as a special surprise gift.
*note: I captured a quiet moment of a mom-to-be at a recent baby shower, and when I went ot the home to do some documentary photos, that quiet alone picture of mom was printed in the baby’s room on the wall. It’s the little moments that count also.
What are some things you would want captured at a sweet 16 birthday party? Pics below from this one
Make sure you capture something fun with dad.
Most 16-year-olds will always have their first crush or love there. Grab that pic.
Don’t forget the friends.
