Not every celebration needs a 3-tier cake and matching outfits (although hell yeah, I love that too!) - the little moments still deserve to be remembered.
From 62nd birthdays to engagement parties, baby naming days to family BBQs, those special gatherings are part of your story. And yes, big big yes - they’re 100% worth capturing properly.
So today, I wanted to share a few musings on why any occasion is a good occasion to book an event photographer; even if it doesn’t feel like a big deal.
Why bother hiring a photographer?
I get it - everyone has a smartphone these days, and yes, the camera is pretty good. But there’s a big difference between professional photography and candid iPhone snaps, technical specs aside. The biggest points:
You get to be present: No one’s stuck behind the camera instead of in the moment. You and your whanau can relax, enjoy, spend time together and not stress about making sure you get those key family photos - I’ve got it totally sorted.
Better quality images: Light, composition, focus - handled. Low light venue? Too easy - I bring the kit and make things easy. And professional editing means you get refined photos of beautiful moments.
All your people together: It’s rare to get the whole crew in one place, right? So make the most of it! Get family photos updated, and capture photos of real moments, as they happen (I’m an excellent fly on the wall and love to let things play out, capturing candid moments in a documentary style).
Ideas for milestone sessions:
Thinking of organising an event and wondering what a photographer could capture while they’re there? A few ideas:
A 21st bash: candids, speeches, those proud family hugs, and power through a list of photos with family and friends
A retirement do (especially if it’s the end of a big chapter): updated family snaps, generational photos, all the grandparents together
A small wedding anniversary dinner: sweet couple photos, close family photos, something a little creative and romantic for the celebrating couple
A multigenerational family picnic: alllll the family photos! Extended family, different generations, all the kids together - the opportunities are endless
Top tips for planning an event + capturing the best moments
Let your photographer know the flow of the event so nothing is missed. This is a big one - especially if you’re planning an event with a surprise element (did someone say surprise proposal?). Keep me in the loop and let me know what you’d like photographed, and when it’ll be happening (I love a run sheet!)
Prep a few group photo combos (cousins, parents, old school mates). If you’re ever stuck on ideas for photo combos, I’m always happy to help in advance.
Think about lighting - late arvo sun is always magic! Take lighting and weather into consideration, and have an idea of where you might like any group photos taken.
Milestone moments might seem small at the time, but they’re the ones you’ll look back on the most. Don’t leave them to blurry phone snaps - leave it to me instead!
