Should I hire a photographer for a birthday party?
You did it! You parented for a full year and that big first birthday is coming up! I'd pass you the tissues if I was there with you and even hug you because oh boy, it's an emotional ride that first year! They grow up way too fast, move way too fast, talk way too fast, do all the things way too fast! Whether you're panning a big soiree or a sweet, small at-home party for your little "one" (sorry, I had to), the day is a day to remember.
I've come up with my top reasons for hiring a photographer for your baby's first birthday.
Take the Stress Off of You
You planned, you DIY-ed, you got amazing expensive cakes and cookies, you got all the decorations in a matching theme, now you need to document it so you don't forget it all. You can use. your camera, sure. Do a quick edit or filter (eeeek), but take the sweat off and allow someone else to do the documenting. Enjoy the glory you created! You'll have photos of you and your partner blowing out that candle with your babe, and it won't be one that Uncle Bob cut your head off in the photo.
Cookies by BZBees Sweet Treats
Photos of Your Family WITH Your Extended Family + Friends
We live in a digital world. There is no denying that. Our phones capture EVERYTHING. I mean, they even listen to us, right? (I know you're there big brother). All too often though, we (Mom, I see you) are the ones taking the photos and are not the ones IN the photo. We will take photos of our family and friends with the baby, but it's hard to get you with them in the photo, or you do that awkward handing the phone over to another friend and get in the photo, but it doesn't feel as natural.
Let your photographer know what shots you do want with certain family and friends, and then simply enjoy all the candid moments! This is your chance to get photos with family you may rarely see or ones you wish were in family photos, but aren't. How often we are at a gathering and forget something even happened. Allow yourself the opportunity to connect with your friends and not take up time photographing it yourself.
A Gift For Yourself
You have raised this little one for a year. You may have struggled with fertility issues, it may have been a surprise, or you may have even gone through the trials and work for an adoption, whatever you did to get where you are... YOU did it! This gift is for you, for all your hardworking as a parent, the work you have done creating this little gathering, you deserve it!
Lastly, the Memories are Priceless.
How about a Bonus..... The Smash Cake Photos!
Whether your baby LOVES to get dirty and stick their hands in the cake or decides, no thank you and makes everyone laugh... The photographer will be there to capture that moment, no matter how long it takes (if you've ever sat there for a baby smash cake, you know it can take a while, lol).
*I tried to use photos where you don't see most guest's faces for their privacy, but party photos will have more faces shown, lol.*
