Using a Professional Photographer to Capture Your Child's Party

Let's face it: planning and executing a child's birthday party takes a great deal of work and energy. By the time the party arrives, most parents are so exhausted, the last thing they want to do is remember to take hundreds of digital photos. A children's party photographer is a present for the parents, who will be able to relax and enjoy the party without the pressure of capturing every moment.

What to Look for in Your Photographer

Comfortable with Kids
When interviewing a children's party photographer, it's important to introduce him or her to your child. Watch their interactions to see if your child feels comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. In the end, your photos will be better if your child feels at home with the person behind the camera.

Understands Emotional Shifts
Every good children's party photographer understands that large groups of young people bring with them multiple mood shifts. Make sure you find someone who is patient and at ease with the age range of the guests who will be attending your party.

Offers Fair Pricing
While dealing with young children is definitely not easy, shooting a birthday party does not come with the same complexities as photographing a wedding or a bar mitzvah. Ask your children's party photographer for an hourly rate with an option to purchase high-resolution digital negatives.

Signs on the Dotted Line
Once you feel comfortable with your top candidate, sign a contract to seal the deal. Make sure there are line items written into the contract that lay out specific terms to protect you in the case of a cancelled event, illness, or equipment failure.

Before the Chaos

Prepare a Shot List
To help your children's party photographer get the best possible photos of your event, create a shot list. Include a loose itinerary that helps define when and where things are supposed to happen (ie: clown in the kitchen at two, magician in the foyer at four).

Request an Early Arrival
Have your photographer show up prior to the party to take "before" pictures. Snap shots of the decorations, the cake, and the food. Make sure to grab a few candids of the birthday girl or boy getting ready for the big moment.

During the Party

Get Comfortable
Make sure to introduce your photographer to all of the children as they enter the party, as kids are more comfortable having their picture taken when they know the person behind the camera.

Get Dirty
A children's party photographer is used to getting dirty, so don't be surprised to see her climbing into the sandbox to snag a few shots from a low angle. Don't be afraid to ask for some variety, like suggesting a few shots from your child's perspective or a few photos with the family pet.

Get the Presents
Get a few shots of the gifts, both as they are being opened as well as when the kids are playing with the new toys. These photos make for great thank you cards after the party.

Get the Parents
Make sure to include photos of the adult guests with their kids in your shot list, as they also would love to enjoy the party without having to watch it through a viewfinder.

After the Party
After the last child has taken his favor and walked down the front steps, ask your photographer to sneak in a few shots of your house post-chaos. If your child has passed out from all of the excitement, make sure to capture her sugar-induced coma on film.