It’s no surprise that every parent wants their kid’s first birthday to be remarkable. That’s why they go all out, creating a memorable day for their friends and family. However, since their bundle of joy won’t remember anything about the day, it’s the photographer’s job to create beautiful memories. Since first birthdays are such important events, here are some tips and tricks to help your first birthday photo shoot go smoothly.
Before the Shoot
As a first-birthday photographer, you have plenty of responsibilities to make this day a memorable one. But before you start shooting, make sure you get a photography contract template, fill it out according to your standards, and present it to the parents. Ensure they know their responsibilities, as you know yours. When that’s all taken care of, you can present your photoshoot ideas.
The More the Merrier
Although this is an important day for the birthday girl or boy, the photos will look better with more people. So gather all the kids at the party, friends, brothers, sisters, cousins, and take turns shooting group photographs.
Note that arranged photos will not look as good as spontaneous ones. Let them roam free, play, laugh, and you’ll surely create photographs to remember. Also, it’s an excellent opportunity to capture family love.
Let Them Get Messy
Take the beautiful pictures of the baby next to the cake, all smiles with their parents and other family members that they’ll frame and keep on the mantelpiece. After, it’s your and the baby’s time to shine. Let the birthday girl or boy get messy with the cake. Sit them down, give them a piece of the cake, and take photos of them eating or smashing it.
Allow them to be as messy as they want and create magic. Those are the photos people will love to see and will surely bring smiles to their faces.
Balloons and Bubbles
Kids love props, but some might be too challenging to work with when you throw a baby into the mix. However, there’s nothing scary about balloons or bubbles. Simply take a bunch of colorful balloons, put them all in one place, and let the baby go wild. You’ll get some great pictures of the baby, amazed by all of the colors.
You can also take advantage of a bubble gun. Get the parents to squirt bubbles from a bubble gun while also entertaining the kid. The baby will feel safe and secure with their parents around, and the bubbles will surely bring out the wonderment in their eyes.
If the parents don’t want random balloons at the party, you can get the help of Zing events to create something spectacular.
Use Props
Don’t shy away from using props for your birthday photoshoots. Kids love toys, and props are equally fun and engaging. You can even use real toys to keep them entertained. However, since it’s a first birthday party, opt for props that represent the big day, like a huge number one sign.
You can even use the birthday presents to your advantage, if the parents allow it. Take photographs of the kid surrounded by all of their presents, even let him rip one open. It will make for great photos that the kid will laugh at one day.
Candid Family Photos
Naturally, a first birthday party wouldn’t be complete without candid family photos. A good idea is to take turns photographing the baby with their mom, then their dad, and finally everyone together. Capture some sweet moments between the baby and the mom, even think of a theme you can incorporate.
Do the same with the father. For example, if dad is a sports fan, suggest getting matching jerseys or take photos of them playing their favorite sport. Such photographs can truly capture the bond between the parents and the kid.
Lastly, make sure you get the three together and create some beautiful and moving family photos. You can also create some funny or witty scenarios to make them all laugh. Consult with the parents and learn their preferences.
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