Taking pics at my son's 5th birthday on Sunday

[drodd]

Hiya,

As a newbie to photography, I was wondering if TP members could provide tips or advice on how I might be able to get some great shots on Sunday at my son's 5th birthday party.

I have a Canon EOS 1000D kit with 18-55mm lens (non IS).

The party is at a play centre, so there will be loads of action shots and when I can calm the kids down to a mild panic, some profile shots too.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Dawn

 

[jeniveeev]

Hi Dawn, play centres are tricky as the kids will be hyper and on the run the whole time! i would suggest, high ISO if the hall doesnt have much natural light, which will give you a faster shutter speed and choose a reasonably wide aperture, depending on how many kids you want to photograph at once (i.e. groups will need more depth of field). you could also pop up the flash to help out in low light if that makes it easier. Also, you will get some good shots say in a ball pit, where they tend to sit (for a bit). Also, when they have their snack, they are seated. Enjoy the party. Jen

 

[drodd]

Hi Dawn, play centres are tricky as the kids will be hyper and on the run the whole time! i would suggest, high ISO if the hall doesnt have much natural light, which will give you a faster shutter speed and choose a reasonably wide aperture, depending on how many kids you want to photograph at once (i.e. groups will need more depth of field). you could also pop up the flash to help out in low light if that makes it easier. Also, you will get some good shots say in a ball pit, where they tend to sit (for a bit). Also, when they have their snack, they are seated. Enjoy the party. Jen

Hiya Jen,

Thanks for the advice.

As a newbie to photography can I clarify some points:

When you say high ISO are you referring to 800+?

When you say wide aperture, what would you suggest is reasonable one (I am still trying to figure out how to set that on my camera)

I will check out the manual to see how to pop up the flash if I land up having to use it on manual.

I learned tonight that my camera has a DOF button that gives me a view of what it will look like before I take the shot (sounds snazzy, not used yet, but will test it out tomorrow to see how it works before I put to practice on Sunday).

I am so lookin forward to the party. My son is going to be 5 on Sunday and most of his friends are that age too. Loads of energy (don't know who will be more exhausted at the end of it all ).

Question: would you think it may be a good idea for me to use the 'sport' setting on the camera for those action shots?

Thanks for you contribution, I will take everything you have said into my 'photo shoot' on Sunday.

Cheers

Dawn

 

[Defiance]

This may sound crazy, but have you asked the play centre if you can use a camera ?

We live in a mad pc world and I know some that don't !

 

[stokecity_m]

just one tip from me.

try to get down to their level, so you are not looking down on them - gives a nicer shot.

 

[jeniveeev]

Hiya Jen,

Thanks for the advice.

As a newbie to photography can I clarify some points:

When you say high ISO are you referring to 800+?

When you say wide aperture, what would you suggest is reasonable one (I am still trying to figure out how to set that on my camera)

I will check out the manual to see how to pop up the flash if I land up having to use it on manual.

I learned tonight that my camera has a DOF button that gives me a view of what it will look like before I take the shot (sounds snazzy, not used yet, but will test it out tomorrow to see how it works before I put to practice on Sunday).

I am so lookin forward to the party. My son is going to be 5 on Sunday and most of his friends are that age too. Loads of energy (don't know who will be more exhausted at the end of it all ).

Question: would you think it may be a good idea for me to use the 'sport' setting on the camera for those action shots?

Thanks for you contribution, I will take everything you have said into my 'photo shoot' on Sunday.

Cheers

Dawn

Dawn - yes the ISO could be anything say around +800, but try not to change it until you see what s/s you are metering at. I work in manual mode so im not very familiar with auto settings such as sports etc. Maybe someone here can make suggestions. The other mode you may use is Aperture Priority or S/S priority depending on light or speed. Perhaps its safer to set your camera in auto/sports in this instance as you wouldnt want to lose any special moments fiddling around with settings. a wide aperture is the smaller numbers i.e. f2 is wider than f16. hope this makes sense.
I too have wee ones around this age and it is very exciting, and its important you come home with some captures of the party.....go with what you feel comfortable shooting in on the day.

Also, make sure the other mums are happy for you to take pics of their kids, they usually are if they know you.

 

[jeniveeev]

QUOTE=stokecity_m;2304269]just one tip from me.

try to get down to their level, so you are not looking down on them - gives a nicer shot.[/QUOTE]

 

[bomberman]

at iso 800 on that camera things will start to deteriorate noise-wise so if you are struggling for light try it on 400 first and pick your shots when they're relatively still. You can open your aperture to let in more light by setting your camera to Av mode and using the wheel on top turn it to the left. As the number decreases you will notice the shutter speed increase. I think your max aperture on that lens is f/3.5....With a well timed shot and a steady hand you should be able to get sharp shots at around 1/120s shutter speed. If your still getting blurred shots though feel free to up the iso to 800 but i wouldn't advise you go any higher than that because the noise will be bad. As jeniveev already mentioned it's about timing.

And focus on the eyes

 

[drodd]

This may sound crazy, but have you asked the play centre if you can use a camera ?

We live in a mad pc world and I know some that don't !

Hiya,

It is a private party booking so should only be my son and his party there. Obviously I will ask parents if they are ok with me taking pics (many of whom I am sure would love copies of the pics).

But yes I do appreciate that there are restrictions nowadays, and I sometimes ask myself 'what has this world come to'? Is it really any different to how it was years ago..... or are people just overcautious?

Granted I would not like my son being photographed by an absolute stranger without my permission, but then I am not a stranger to the kids who will be in attendance.

So I think it goes without say.

But yes .... we do all have to be vigilant (within extremes)

Dawn

 

[drodd]

just one tip from me.

try to get down to their level, so you are not looking down on them - gives a nicer shot.

Thanks for the tip, don't think that will be a prob as I'm just about 5" myself and some of these 5 year olds are only a head and shoulder lower than me.

I just about pass the height restrictions to have fun on the climbing equipment myself ..... .... that could be fun

Hmmmm, there's an idea, getting into real action with the cam and kids ..... that could be great fun!

Watch this space for the results



Dawn

 

[drodd]

Dawn - yes the ISO could be anything say around +800, but try not to change it until you see what s/s you are metering at. I work in manual mode so im not very familiar with auto settings such as sports etc. Maybe someone here can make suggestions. The other mode you may use is Aperture Priority or S/S priority depending on light or speed. Perhaps its safer to set your camera in auto/sports in this instance as you wouldnt want to lose any special moments fiddling around with settings. a wide aperture is the smaller numbers i.e. f2 is wider than f16. hope this makes sense.
I too have wee ones around this age and it is very exciting, and its important you come home with some captures of the party.....go with what you feel comfortable shooting in on the day.

Also, make sure the other mums are happy for you to take pics of their kids, they usually are if they know you.

Thanks for the explanation..... it makes sense. I will put it into practice on Sunday.

The majority of the peeps invited have been to Roo's last 4 birthdays and they have never had a problem with me taking pics (infact they have requested pics) so I think I am safe there. It is also a closed, private party. But I understand what you mean.

You obviously know my excitement about the party (as you mentioned having wee ones of your own). They are so precious and adorable and Roo has been coming out with the most amazing sayings lately, I have started a book of Reubenisms (who knows it could be a best sell one day .... especially if there is photographic evidence)

Take care and thanks for you input.

Dawn

 

[drodd]

at iso 800 on that camera things will start to deteriorate noise-wise so if you are struggling for light try it on 400 first and pick your shots when they're relatively still. You can open your aperture to let in more light by setting your camera to Av mode and using the wheel on top turn it to the left. As the number decreases you will notice the shutter speed increase. I think your max aperture on that lens is f/3.5....With a well timed shot and a steady hand you should be able to get sharp shots at around 1/120s shutter speed. If your still getting blurred shots though feel free to up the iso to 800 but i wouldn't advise you go any higher than that because the noise will be bad. As jeniveev already mentioned it's about timing.

And focus on the eyes

Thanks bomberman for the advice.

I will take the info into consideration.

I have quite a steady hand, but will also be taking the tripod for the group pics.

Fortunately I am blessed with a steady hand, so hopefully with some of the action shots I should get a good capture.

I am so excited about the shoot at the party on Sunday. If there are any shots of value (or that I need advice/assistance/c&c about) I will post them to TP. So watch this space and perhaps you will be willing to give me feedback.

Thank you

Dawn

 

[jeniveeev]

Im sure you will have much fun as the little ones. I hope to see some piccies on the forum if your able to post them. Have a fab time. J

 

[drodd]

Im sure you will have much fun as the little ones. I hope to see some piccies on the forum if your able to post them. Have a fab time. J

Thanks, I don't know who is more excited

D

 

[mrtoad]

do a 'team' shot with his friends...before or after the havoc
may keep them still for a bit
sit him forward of the group with the rest slightly behind

 

[drodd]

do a 'team' shot with his friends...before or after the havoc
may keep them still for a bit
sit him forward of the group with the rest slightly behind

Thanks mrcrow for the tip.

The big day is here, so at 2pm I will be armed with camera ready to take some hopefully fab shots.

I will check with the parents if they are okay with me posting some of the pics to this site for C&C. Afterall I have to learn some how, so watch this space

Have a great day

Dawn

 

[larry58]

Hope you all enjoyed the party and looking forward to the pictures.

Simon

 

[Lynton]

was going to suggest different angles - get on their level, get down low in the ball pit - so looking up, but has been mentioned above.

Hopefully they will allow.

Enjoy.

D'oh missed post #16........

Was also going to suggest a game of Statues!

 

[drodd]

Hiya,

The 5th birthday party went well, and I took loads of pics (although not a good as I would have like), but with more practice I should improve

Here is one of my son from his party

And then I had a learning experience from the party on Sunday and put that into action at the play date he had with a friend on Tuesday (taking into consideration all the advice I received to this thread, thanks)

I very much like this one and had fantastic fun in the ball pool too: