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One of the most challenging assignments for any photographer is shooting a birthday party for children. Because they are uninhibited, children make for high-energy pictures. But that free spirit also means unpredictability. By their very nature, children are curious and uninhibited (figure A), which presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
Preproduction Questions- Where is the event being held? Will it be indoors or outside?
- What is the schedule of events?
- How many guests are attending?
- Will one of the guests be the birthday child's best friend?
- When will the cake be presented? (This is the most important detail to know.)
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The camera by itself, set to record the festivities.
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The photographer gets in tight for a shot of a child coming down a slide.
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A wide shot of the party.
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A tight shot of the party.
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Note the birthday cake in the camera frame.
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On the Day of the Party- Arrive early and immediately touch base with the parents. Then it's time to get to work.
- Let the children satisfy their curiosity about your presence before shooting them by letting them look at the camera and by talking to them and asking them questions. Be nice, not a disciplinarian, keep your cool and have a little fun with them.
- To help them settle down, tell them you are making a movie and if they don't look at the camera while you are shooting, they can be in the movie. It's a good way to get their cooperation.
- You can also set a camera down, turn it on and leave it to record for a period of time. It will record some candid action, and since you are ignoring the camera, it will help the kids forget about it also.
- Don't try to control the situation. You'll be happier with the results if you go with the energy of the children. This makes the event less stressful for you and the people around you.
- Since this is a birthday party for 7-year-olds, Franklin shoots with a handheld camera. This allows him to follow the action and helps prevent the risk of someone's running into the tripod.
Tip: Remember to store camera equipment safely out of the way of the children. - In the beginning of this party, the kids take over the play area, and the camera movements reflect the kinetic activity. Ask quick questions while you are taping to capture sound that will enhance the home movie.
- Spend quite a bit of time following the children, but in addition to tight shots, also capture wide shots to set the scene.
- In the close-ups, allow the children to move through the picture frame. By allowing them to exit the frame, you can later edit to any other frame of them playing, and it will feel seamless.
10. Be in place for the presentation of the cake (figure B). This is the must-have shot at any birthday party (figure C).11. To help steady the camera for the cake shot, Franklin places it on the table (figure D). This puts it at eye level with the birthday boy, which is much more compelling than shooting from up high. Remember, a face is always more compelling than the top of someone's head.
12. When it's time to sing Happy Birthday, Franklin sets the shot and lets it roll until the candles are blown out (figure E).Tip: Do not readjust the camera during key moments. 13. Continue using the table as a brace to take additional close-up shots of the partygoers. You can use your keys (figure F) or other small objects as props to slightly raise the camera. Remember, anything you can use to steady your shot will improve the final product.
14. Another way to reduce shakiness is to move in tight, since we notice wobbles less when something fills the screen (figure G).15. Videotape the table from a variety of angles. These close-ups can be edited next to any wide shot. 16. Shoot cutaways of the stack of gifts, the balloons and the partygoers (figure H). Remember, cutaways allow you to smoothly condense footage during editing for the actual home movie. 17. And finally, since it's impossible to control a situation when you are shooting children, relax and embrace the spontaneity. It's part of what makes children so much fun in the first place.
RESOURCES :
IMAC Computer
POWERBOOK laptop computer
IMOVIE editing software
Apple Computer Inc.
Website: apple.com
Tripods
3433 Fluid Head
755B MDVE Video Tripod
522A Sony LANC Remote
700RC2,756BK MDVE Tripod w/head
714B Digi Tripod
Bogen Photo Corp.
Website: www.bogenimaging.us
Canon Digital Camcorders
Canon USA Inc.
Website: usa.canon.com
canondv.com
Video cameras
PD-150 camera and accessories
Vaio laptop
Flatscreen TV
Mini DV tapes
Sony Electronics Inc.
Website: www.sony.com
Media 100 editing software
Media 100 Inc.
Website: www.media100.com
Electronic equipment
Precision Camera
Website: precision-camera.com
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