First Birthday Party

[MrGibbage]

My daughter's first birthday is in about a month. Because we have time to plan, I was wonder if anyone had any ideas to make the party come off better photographically. In other words, what can I do to make the most of this and get the best pictures? Perhaps you have some first birthday party photos that you could share and say what you liked about them or didn't like about them. Short of doing the party in a studio, I could probably implement just about anything.

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[tim]

I'd just have fun, use a fast lens, and shoot with natural light. Make sure there's not too much clutter in the background. Not much else I can think of.

[Nidz]

pick a fun location for the party.. maybe in a park or something? Just an idea. Although I guess a 1 year old dosen't realy walk or anything much.

[solinger]

If you want good pictures talk with your spouse before hand and make a list of the moments you want to be sure to capture. One of you take the picture and try to have someone assist you in keeping others out of the way to preserve the memory you had in mind.

Know your equipment and think through the "big" moments before you go into the party. Think about lighting, shutter speed and the other various camera settings.

If you are going to have a lot of children at the party I have found that a nice time to take pictures during a birthday party is when the kids are around the table eating. They are all in one place and semi still. I have gotten some nice candid shots around the table when I have taken pictures at friends kids parties.

Having two kids myself I would rather set my camera on auto and keep it handy. Take snapshots and enjoy the party. You child only has a first birthday once. Memories are nice but I wouldn't want mine to all be through the viewfinder...

[PhotosGuy]

I don't trust "auto". Inside I'd set a flash on "M" & adjust the aperature for a 8' shot. Then try shoot at the 8' distance & use a zoom to frame the shot. Shots from between 5.6' to 11' should be within 1 stop of the right exposure & easily fixed in RAW. Try to use a lower shutter speed ( 1/30 - 1/60 sec ) to allow some "fill" from the room lights if you can. It wouldn't hurt to turn them all on, either. ;)

Outside, in sunlight, you'll have to boost these settings. I'd guess about 1/200 sec; f/11; ISO 100 with the flash set to f/8 to start for a 1-stop fill.
You have time, so run a few tests & see what works best for you. Have fun with it, & you won't have to worry when the day comes to "get it right"!