Open Umbrellas and Puddle Jumping

Find some colorful umbrellas for the kids, stand somewhere dry like a doorway, under an awning or carport, and shoot them playing and dancing in the rain.    Or have them jump into puddles while you shoot with a fast shutter speed/sports mode.  These playful portraits will be so fun to obtain. But mostly for the kids to help create.  Just make sure you have some towels in the doorway, though.

Overcast Isn’t the End of the World

Actually, it’s probably going to make for some great shots.  The clouds will act as a natural diffuser and there won’t be any harsh sunlight to contend with.  Shoot as normal in overcast conditions.   Also, after-rain skies are very dramatic.  Shoot from an angle that will catch some of the sky thus creating a very interesting background.

Let the Melodrama Roll In With the Clouds

Have your child(ren) stand with their faces up to the window, looking out on the rainy day.  Make sure to let their faces fill the frame of the shot.  This type of portrait will evoke much emotion and is great for putting on photocards.

Stop Blaming and Start Shooting

It’s easy to blame it on the rain, but when it all boils down you shouldn’t let weather deter you from taking pictures of your surroundings and your children.   Neither the weather nor your children will be the compliant all the time, but getting out there and trying is all it takes.  You will be surprised with the results you get!

The Guests

Make sure to get pictures of the birthday boy or girl with all the guests.  It will be nice to look back on to remember who was there to celebrate the special day.   A great idea–made popular at wedding receptions–is to buy disposable cameras and place them around the house, so that your guests can become the photographer.   This will provide you with various angles, perspectives and individualistic takes on the day.

The Cake

Don’t forget to get a picture of the cake before the candles are blown out.  Now-a-days cakes are such wonderful pieces of art that not getting a picture of before it is served would be sad.   Maybe you can assign someone to take some pictures of the cake as the traditional Happy Birthday song is sung.  That way you can enjoy the moment, yet it will still be captured on your memory card or film. This also makes for an excellent cover for next years birthday invitation cards!

The Presents

You are sure to get some great, fun-filled shots during the present opening.  It’s especially fun to watch a toddler do everything in his power to get the prize behind the paper.  Snap a lot, in sports mode, to ensure that you get clear shots of the ripping and tearing.    This would also be a good way to document who gave what present for writing out those photo thank you cards.  Or you might even include a print of the birthday girl opening a particular guest’s present.   What a great thank you and sentiment.

The Fun

Whether the fun involves karaoke, dancing, games, or some other kind of activity, it will be totally awesome to capture these moments with your camera.    Don’t forget to get all the interactions of your guests, too, by capturing the laughter, the hugs and kisses, and the playful times.

The Birthday Boy or Girl

More important than all the stuff that makes a birthday party special and beautiful is the birthday boy or girl.  Be sure to get them before the festivities begin,  in their special party outfit, during the party enjoying all the goings on, and at the end when he or she is asleep on the floor or in bed–after the sugar high is crashed!