Sweet 16 Photography Tips
You're a photographer and a relative or friend had asked you to photograph their daughter's sweet 16 party. You've never done this type of photography before and now you're getting nervous; you're scrambling and doing a bunch of Google searches trying to figure out what to do and how to cover this type of event photography.
Well, you're in luck! You just found the ultimate guide for sweet 16 photography! This site is meant to serve as a guide for making your sweet 16 pictures look awesome! I will teach you sweet 16 photography techniques that will make your work stand above the rest!
Sweet 16 photography is about capturing the special day for the birthday celebrant. The photos should tell a story on how the day went - the birthday celebrant looking her best, the guests enjoying themselves, and everyone having a great time! The photos should enable the viewer to share that experience.
Note that the tips for sweet 16 photography also applies to photographing quinceañera (15th birhtday celebration) and Filipino debuts (18th birhtday celebration).
Camera Equipment for Sweet 16 Photography
Remember that good photography doesn't necessarily depend on the best camera gear, but the photographer behind the camera. However, you're going to need more than the basic camera kit in order to fully capture the party.
Digital SLR
You need to have at least an entry level digital SLR. If you have to choose between getting a better DSLR camera body or a better lens, get the entry level DSLR and buy a better lens. Entry level DSLRs are quite affordable and packed with features these days.
Zoom Lenses
Wide Zoom
Regular Zoom
Telephoto Zoom
Prime Lenses
Flash
The built in pop-up flash in your DSLR is not good enough for sweet 16 photography. Avoid using it at all cost! Get an external flash unit where you can tilt and swivel the flash head so that you can can bounce the flash off the ceiling or walls.
Memory Cards
Memory cards are pretty cheap these days too. Make sure you have enough when you're shooting.
Black Rapid Strap
An accessory I highly recommend is the Black Rapid Strap to replace the neck strap that comes with the camera body. This camera strap is so much more comfortable to use when doing event photography. Get one for yourself.