I’m now about to reveal a secret. A photographic secret. A truly fun secret.
A birthday party time secret.

You’ve done the prom parties, the costume parties, the dinner parties, the pile-into-a-limo parties and party.
Been to most of em.
[photopress:bday_party.jpg,full,centered]
Try this on for size: a fashion shoot party.
Give all of your guests the star treatment, and especially the guest of honor.

Here’s how it works:
*Rent a photo studio or big open warehouse type space.
*Hire at least 3 make-up artists (flat rate or 4 hour. min.)
*Place iPod stations through out the studio (make-up area, changing area, shoot area, lounging area)
*Add a great photographer (you?) and some strobe lights, and an on site computer and maybe a printer.
*Have crudite, finger foods, plenty of water, and don’t forget the straws. The women won’t want to mess up the lipstick. The simple food make it easy fro people to cruise on and off the set.

[photopress:IMG_4428.jpg,full,centered]Rental studios usually have make-up areas with mirrors, chairs, and tables.

Schedule the guests to sit in the make-up chair at maybe 15 min. increments.
Hustle em on to set as they are ready, then Shoot Away!
As each guest is photographed, they get to watch the others or hang out and party. Both probably.
Each guest may get a single, or group shot for sure. Make sure everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame. or at least 5.
Have the birthday person pose with each bigger group. Make sure they get their “single” time.They are the star of the show, after all

You now have the makings for a very cool time, the party favors become the photos and perhaps you can either print on site, post, email, or even give a DVD of the shoot to all.

Now the crowd should be at least teens and up. You don’t want to impose on the young ones who don’t EVER want their picture taken.
You can dress this up or dress it down. Proper studio or a dedicated area in your home. Make-up artists or the local hairdresser.
Seamless backdrop or colored wall. Whatever environment you want you create.

I tried this for a sweet sixteen party and it was a huge hit. The parents couldn’t think of a unique theme, and we came up with this.By the way, most of the photo industry parties have been having a studio set-up and there is always a line to get shot.

Engaging, personal, attention to all guests, party favor, different experience, and unforgettable.
I would also recommend hiring the shooter, instead of doing it yourself, so you can enjoy.
It’s a tough job being a working photographer.

Sure you can set it up in your home, but don’t go too DIY on it, though. Keeping it in a real shoot arena will make your friends just dig it more. At the very least, have a seamless and strobes.

So don’t tell too many people, or it’ll be all the rage. And then we’ll have to come up with something else.