Kids birthday party photography tips?

[wyx087]

Just want some pointers for photographing kids birthday parties.

I've been asked by a friend to take photos of their kid's 5th birthday party.
I've been to a few with my son, but none had any photographer, just friends with phones and share the photo within the group.

Honestly, I'm the worst person at capturing the moment, I enjoy landscape before having a child. Haven't done much photography recently and always misses the moment. My wife says I always capture the worst in-between facial expressions . So I've told them to not expect much, but agreed I'll bring my camera.

Any tips are appreciated.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Get on their level.
Don’t be afraid to get close.
Bursts shots to give yourself the best chance.
Keep everything at least 1/125th as a rule, might be higher depending If they are running.
Don’t be afraid to ask them to pose or make funny faces. (Parents love that).
Get on their level…wear knee pads lol

 

[Gazamonk]

Get on their level.
Don’t be afraid to get close.
Bursts shots to give yourself the best chance.
Keep everything at least 1/125th as a rule, might be higher depending If they are running.
Don’t be afraid to ask them to pose or make funny faces. (Parents love that).
Get on their level…wear knee pads lol

All of the above, but especially the 'Get on their level' bit.
Parents' phones are generally full of kids and pets photos all taken looking down from a lofty height which is unflattering and doesn't capture the vibe of the moment.
Oh and have painkillers to hand, the noise can be deafening!

 

[wyx087]

Thanks, both. Done the photos last Saturday, some of it came out great, after filter away unusable blurry ones.

I gave the x100 classic to my wife for more general shots as I focused on the kids. The x100 is hopeless in autofocusing but some shots it also came out great. Photos from that camera always comes out perfect to my eyes..... if it focuses.

I did get on their level as much as possible. Used Fuji standard zoom at 18mm f2.8 most of the time to let in more light in the poorly lit softplay, I don't have any fast AF and larger aperture wide lens. Keep shots at 1/125s is excellent advise, I really like the couple action shots I got, shows birthday boy having loads of fun.