T-H-E Adult Birthday Party Idea
to GUARANTEE the Best Photos

However, wouldn't it be wonderful to also know how to insure retaining those memories with the best possible pictures?

Although there are many similarities between children's birthday parties and parties for adults, there are subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) differences. For example, at an adult birthday party, you don't have to worry about crying, tantrums, and food fights... or -- err, on second thought, maybe you do.

For the milestone birthday parties (21, 30, 39, 40, 50, etc.) people often spend considerable money, time, and energy planning and celebrating them. Rather than rely on snapshots taken by a slightly tipsy co-worker, doesn't it make sense to preserve the moment with some professional advice?

For capturing the best photographs during that adult birthday party idea you developed, just follow some Do's and Don'ts. Let's begin with what you should be doing...

Photography Things TO DO

• For adult birthday parties held at special locations, try to test out its "photographic blueprint" beforehand.

• Take pictures of the decorations, theme items, games, etc...

• If it’s a SURPRISE adult birthday party idea, make sure you’re properly positioned and photographically prepared for the entrance of the guest of honor

• Make sure you get the embarrassing gift shots (if shirts, hats, etc; it's highly preferred to talk the guest of honor into wearing the item rather than simply holding it up).

  Prepare beforehand, by putting together a list of desired shots, equipment to bring, and additional accessories you may want to purchase (see "multiple-image" shot below).

  Consider these to include in your list:

  • Posed family pictures

  • Groups of close friends

  • The guest of honor's children

  • All the children at the party

  • Candids

  • If alcohol is supplied, keep your eyes open for potential classic "lampshade" pictures

• After going over everything on this page, if you don't feel ready to shoot the event yourself, contact a professional and we'll be glad to help you out.

We've all been there... Frustration! You take your digital camera to an important event, notice a terrific photo opportunity, and then:

• Focus the camera
• Have the subject(s) get into a "cute" pose
• Click the shutter, knowing you've just captured a great photograph

Then you get home, download your masterpieces, and disappointment sets in.

What happened!? This doesn't look like the scene that I photographed! Well, that is about to stop.

We've created 2 QuickTips® eBooks that provide step-by-step guidance for capturing the best pictures possible:

• A one-page "What to Do" Summary Sheet (to take with)
• A 22 page Reference Guide that provides details and sample pictures

Wouldn't it be nice to look forward to downloading your pictures, rather than holding your breath as you hope they come out like you want?

More details...

Photography Things Not to DO

• Don’t set off the flash before the surprise party guest of honor enters. If you want to capture shots as the guest of honor arrives, boost up the ISO and maximize the aperture size. Do test shots first though, the result may be too under-exposed or grainy for your taste.

• Don’t forget the maximum coverage for your flash. If it’s a built-in flash, it probably has a maximum range of about 10-12 feet. Refer to your camera manual for specifics.

  To extend the range, experiment with using flash exposure compensation (if available) and increasing the ISO setting. The only alternative to a built-in flash is to purchase an external flash unit (if your camera has a hot shoe).

Sample Adult Birthday Party Idea Pictures

Imagine how different the impact would be between this photograph of the guest of honor wearing his gift and one where they are simply holding their gift.

Also, don't forget about using an interesting perspective, when possible. This particular shot was taken with a telephoto lens from the top of a long staircase.



Accessories

There are many photographic accessories available that will yield unique kinds of pictures.

This photograph was obtained with a multiple image filter that attaches to your lens. Accessories like this are available from numerous sources on the internet...

Since this adult birthday party idea had a tropical theme, finding lots of color was simple. However, even when it's not obvious, it's still a good idea and try to find a subject where the colors will pop off the page.



Candids

After all, if this guest was a relative or close friend, don't you think they would love to get this photo in the mail with a "thank you" note for their gift (or simply attending the birthday party)?

And, of course, any great candids of the guest of honor are special bonuses.

In fact, this particular picture of the "birthday boy" holding his youngest child was presented as a bonus post-birthday present.

His wife had the photo made into a shirt and now he won't take it off. Special photos also make terrific gifts for father's day, mother's day, anniversaries, etc.

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