As a professional event photographer, every assignment presents a unique opportunity to capture moments of joy, laughter, and celebration. One such memorable occasion was an 18th birthday party held at a luxurious home in Meadfoot, Torquay. Set against the backdrop of a spacious property with its own bar room, a grand piano, and a sprawling kitchen, this event promised to be a feast for the senses.
Equipped with my trusty tools – two Sony A7 IV cameras – and a dual harness allowing for seamless switching between them, I was prepared to document every aspect of this milestone celebration. On one camera, I had the versatile Sony 24-70mm 2.8mm GM2 lens, perfect for capturing wide shots and immersive scenes. On the other, I opted for the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM lens, renowned for its stunning bokeh and ability to capture intimate moments with clarity and depth.
Let’s take a look at some of the photos and I’ll go deeper into the evening below.
Arriving at the venue in early December 2023, I was greeted by a festive atmosphere, with Christmas decorations adorning the house, but also alongside vibrant 18th birthday balloons and flags. The warm glow of LED twinkle lights added a touch of magic to every corner, creating a captivating backdrop for my photographs.
The spacious kitchen, bustling with activity and overflowing with delicious treats, provided ample opportunities for candid shots and culinary delights. With the Sony 24-70mm lens, I captured the hustle and bustle of guests mingling, laughter filling the air as they indulged in gourmet delights and toasted to the birthday girl’s milestone.
In the bar room and other larger rooms, the Sony 85mm lens came into its own, allowing me to focus on capturing intimate moments and heartfelt conversations. The shallow depth of field created by the wide aperture lent a sense of intimacy to the images, drawing the viewer’s gaze to the expressions and emotions of the guests.
Throughout the evening, the low-light conditions posed a challenge, pushing my cameras and lenses to their limits. However, with the help of speedlights mounted on my cameras and a Godox AD200 strobe in a softbox for portrait and family shots, I was able to overcome this obstacle and capture crisp, well-lit images that did justice to the occasion.
My main problem with the family photos was although the house was huge, there wasn’t anywhere I could shoot the family shots without moving a lot of furniture (which I couldn’t do). I explained the issue with the family and we all agreed that in front of the TV was the only location possible. Not ideal, but using my lighting gave the extra magic needed.
As the night wore on and the festivities reached a crescendo, I found myself swept up in the energy and excitement of the celebration. From heartfelt reunions to impromptu dances, every moment was a testament to the bonds of friendship and the spirit of camaraderie that filled the rooms.
As my time to go arrived, and I bid my farewells to the people there, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having been able to capture the essence of the evening through my lens. Each photograph told a story – of laughter and love, of friendship and family – and served as a timeless memento of a milestone celebration.
In conclusion, photographing the 18th birthday party in Meadfoot, Torquay, was an experience I will always treasure. With my Sony A7 IV cameras and a dual harness enabling quick transitions between lenses, I was able to capture the magic of the occasion in all its glory. From the festive decorations to the heartfelt moments shared between loved ones, it was a celebration to remember, and I feel grateful to have been able to play a small part in preserving its memory through my photographs.
Do you need a birthday photographer to capture your celebration? Please get in touch!
