Birthday parties are times of great fun for kids (and adults!) but can be a source of stress for the photographer. Luckily they are informal occasions which can help you to relax a bit with the camera, but it is always nice to receive – and intend to keep – images that are of good quality.

Many images are given away or shown to others and what better outcome than having images worth showing and which have that “wow!” factor.

The key is in preparation. What shots do you wish to take and when?

- the arrival of guests and the “special” person
- opening of gifts
- blowing candles out on the cake
- group photos with friends and relatives
- informal shots
- activity time
- partying!

Try and visit the place where you will be taking the photographs. What is the lighting and space like? Where would you be best placed to take photos? Check out backgrounds, colours and clutter.

Are you going to use flash or natural light? This will depend on the circumstances of course but remember that flash will give a flatter, often harsher, image. Consider using natural light and increase the ISO on your camera to minimise camera blur. If you do use flash, bounce it off a ceiling to reduce the intensity and diffuse the light. Don’t stand people too near to backgrounds when using flash.

You may wish to bracket your exposures and take several shots of the same scene (to reduce the chances of a poor image, for example having someone with their eyes closed or looking away)

Don’t forget to make sure batteries are charged and that you have a spare one handy. Similarly, ensure you have enough memory cards available for your images.

Ask the special person if there are any particular pictures he or she would like. If the birthday person is a child, ask the parents their views. Consider taking candids as well as the usual formal shots.

Children love to smile, giggle and pose. Give them props and you will get a great picture. Capture them when they are active as well – children have few inhibitions and will gladly do as you ask of them.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com

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