As a professional photographer, I love taking pictures at children’s birthday parties & events where the energy and excitement is contagious! Pictures from these events are cherished by families for years to come. Parents are often so caught up in planning and running the event, that they forget to pick up their camera, or they might not trust their own photography skills to capture the fun of the day. If you’re interested in taking event photography into your own hands, read below for some quick tips on how to perfect your party pictures.

• Photography tips

Great photography starts with nice, even lighting. Pick an event location that gets soft natural light, and you’re one step in the right direction! Take numerous shots, and edit them down later. If you take a ton, you’re bound to find a gem! Remember to take plenty of candid shots, in addition to the standard group ‘staged’ pictures. Have your camera ready at all times – often the best shots are unplanned. Most of all, be silly and have fun with the kids…it is a party, after all!

Sometimes, it’s okay to play with your food!

• Fun theme & prop ideas that photograph well

For older kids, consider a DIY photo booth with fun silly props, and a background made out of colorful fabric. This is a great way for boys & girls to act silly, and ham it up for the camera.  You’ll be able to capture a shot of everyone who attends the event.  As an added bonus, you can send the pictures out with thank you cards after the party.

How about a dessert-station at your event? Colored candy varieties displayed in vases, bowls, and cake plates are as fun to look at, and photograph, as they are to devour.  Any time you have cupcakes and lollipops, you’re bound to get some sweet shots of the kiddos. What child’s eyes don’t light up when they see a delicious treat coming their way?  Get the camera ready for some frosting covered fingers and smiles.

No one can resist smiling with a cupcake in hand!

Be mindful of what will be in the background of during major party photo ops like cake cutting and present opening. A bunch of balloons of one color tied together acts as a lovely and portable backdrop. Use the balloon backdrop to block messy areas so that your photos focus on the children, and not the (unfortunate, but realistic) party clutter in the background. Remember to photograph detailed shots of the decorations and food presentation before the guests arrive.

• Getting the kids to smile

Sometimes the best shots are when a child isn’t looking at the camera. Perhaps they are blowing bubbles, or concentrating on opening a present. When photography isn’t forced, the end result is unique and beautiful. Often times, using the words ‘say cheese’ will backfire by causing a child to shy away from the camera, or by producing a face scrunched toothy grin (which is super adorable, but we do want to see their faces!). For posed shots, ask children to look for the ‘bug’ or ‘fairy’ inside your lens. This creates a fun game that will get little ones to look toward the camera.

Saying “cheese” isn’t always the most effective way to get a lil’ one to smile

Hopefully these tips help you at your child’s next birthday party or event!  If you decide that you’d like to hire a photographer for the occasion, remember this advice – the photographer is there to get the feel of the event and to capture moments as they unfold. Let them focus on their job, so you can enjoy the event with your children. Have a list of ‘must have shots’ for your photographer, and discuss with them at the initial consultation. Do your research to find a well reviewed photographer in your area and then trust them to do a great job. You have better things to think about, like celebrating your little one’s big day!

 -Bethany Kruska is a Brooklyn based natural light photographer and owner of Shutter Happy NYC. Bethany is available for portraits, engagement sessions, weddings, birthday parties, personalized NYC photo tours, and any other fun event you have in mind!