Taking Photos at Holiday Parties

The holidays are a great time of year to gather friends and family together to create memories. And inevitably, you’ll want some photos of those gatherings to remember them by once they’re over.

Of course, people at a party are usually interested in conversation, food, drink, and having a good time, not necessarily stopping for a photograph. Likewise, the photographer may feel that they’re taking themselves out of the fun in order to document others.

There are ways that you can capture the party, however, without taking away from the good times. Use these tips to help ensure you have a record of each time your friends and family get together.

Involve Your Guests

One way to avoid needing to the be the only one documenting a party is to involve your guests in the project. Leave out one or two inexpensive cameras and encourage your guests to use them. You’ll get a lot of unique perspectives that you might have otherwise missed, and it gives everyone a chance to capture moments they’d like to share and remember. You can set up a photo share site for party goers after the event has ended, so everyone has a chance to see the pics they took.

Make it Fun

Gather up a few fun props and encourage people to use them. For example, a tiny hat, some foam mallets, themed toys, and other fun items can bring out the playful side of some guests. Wait nearby as the items are discovered and capture the fun. Encourage others to pose with items, and even set up a decorative backdrop they can stand in front of to further the fun.

Keep Your Camera Handy

Another way to ensure you can enjoy the party without missing any opportunities is to make sure your camera is ready and nearby. You don’t need to remove yourself from the fun to document the good times, just wait for the right moment to arise, then take the photo and go back to enjoying yourself. You’ll be surprised how many moments may come up when you’re watching for them, and with your camera at your side, you don’t have to move away from the action to document it.

Get a Group Photo

If you host a party each year, consider making it a tradition to take a group photo at the beginning or end of each event. This gives everyone an opportunity to look back and see how people have changed over the years, and lets you document party goers as they join or leave the group. Consider printing out past years photos to have at each year’s gathering as an incentive for others to want to join in.

Be Sure to Enjoy Yourself

Taking photos at a party doesn’t have to be a chore. Have some fun with the task and get creative in your approach to make sure that you look forward to the task as much as you look forward to spending time with your friends and family each year.