There’s something special about a 50th birthday. It’s the halfway point (if we’re optimistic), the perfect blend of wisdom and energy, and definitely a milestone worth celebrating in style. So when I was booked to photograph a surprise 50th birthday party at the stunning Berry Head Hotel in Brixham, Devon, I knew it was going to be a night to remember – both for the guests, and for my memory cards.
The Setting – Berry Head Hotel
Let’s start with the venue. The Berry Head Hotel is perched right on the cliffs above the sea with panoramic views that make you stop and stare. Even if you’ve been there before, it never gets old. The golden-hour light bouncing off the water outside was an absolute dream for the early evening shots.
Inside, the main function room was dressed to impress. From the elegant table settings to a massive balloon arch that turned into the unofficial photo booth for the night, every detail had been carefully thought out. My job? Capture all of it…
Gearing Up – What’s in My Bag
For this one, I brought my A-game (and my A7IVs).
- Sony A7IV (x2) – My go-to bodies for anything event-related.
- Sony 70-200mm f2.8 V2 – Perfect for candid moments and a bit of compression magic.
- Sony 24-70mm f2.8 V2 – A versatile beast for wider context shots, venue details, and groups.
- Sony 85mm f1.4 & Sony 24mm f1.4 – My dynamic duo once the sun went down and the party lights came on.
Lighting-wise, I had:
- Godox V1 speedlights on both cameras – essential for quick, responsive light.
- Two Godox AD200s strategically placed to gently fill in the venue’s darker corners. That room had character, but some areas needed a bit of soft lift to really shine.
And yes, I run both cameras on a dual harness. Keeps me fast, flexible, and slightly cooler looking.
Details, Details, Details
Before the guests even stepped through the door, I was already working. Detail shots are always how I like to start; they help tell the story from the very beginning. The table décor, the cake, the drinks lined up behind the bar, the beautifully arranged seating, and of course, that balloon arch. It had gold, white, and gold balloons, with flecks of glitter catching the light; a real focal point, and I made the most of it.
The Arrivals – Candid is King
Once the guests started arriving, I switched into stealth mode. I kept back, out of sight, and relied heavily on the 70-200mm to pick people off from a distance (photographically, of course!). Candid photography is always my favourite part of any event, catching those genuine laughs, surprise hugs, and cheeky glances without anyone posing.
There’s something special about that first wave of guests entering a room; the reactions, the recognition, the pure joy on faces as they spot old friends or loved ones. Capturing that without interrupting it is a skill that comes with experience… and good glass.
Balloon Arch Shenanigans
Once people had settled in, the balloon arch became the unofficial photo hotspot. Couples, friends, groups of four or five; everyone wanted a shot with it. I embraced it! Switched over to the 24-70mm for a bit more flexibility and fired away. Having the AD200s gently lighting it really helped get clean, flattering light without any harsh shadows.
And of course, some impromptu posing and laughter made for some brilliant, natural-feeling shots. You’d think they’d rehearsed.
The Feast – Hog Roast Heaven
Let me just say – the hog roast was divine. I usually have a quick bite and keep on moving, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go back for seconds. Crispy crackling, soft rolls, apple sauce, and all the trimmings. It hit the spot.
Photographically, food shots were less of a priority; this was more about people, but I did sneak a few frames of the carving station and guests happily tucking in. Sometimes a plate of food and a smile tells more than a toast ever could.
The Speeches – Heartfelt and Hilarious
After everyone had eaten, we moved into the speeches. The birthday girl’s husband kicked things off with a lovely, funny, and slightly emotional few words (definitely a couple of misty eyes in the room). Then she took the mic and thanked everyone for coming, clearly moved by how many people had turned up to celebrate her big day.
I kept my distance, working with the 85mm f1.4 to grab intimate, flattering shots without being distracting. The background blur from that lens is just stunning, and it helped isolate the speakers beautifully.
Dance Floor Time – Let the Party Begin
Once the formalities were over, the lights dimmed, the DJ turned it up, and the dancing began. This is where I got creative.
Using a mix of:
- On-camera Godox V1
- Dragged shutter technique
- 85mm and 24mm f1.4 lenses
…I started capturing that classic party energy. With the shutter slightly slowed, I could create gorgeous motion blur in the background, streaks of light and limbs, while using the flash to freeze the subject mid-dance. It gives a fantastic sense of movement while keeping the moment anchored.
There were spins, circles, air guitars, and a few suspicious dance moves that will remain off the record (but not off the SD card). It was high-energy, light-hearted, and everything a birthday party should be.
Wrapping Up
By the end of the night, I had a few hundred images to sift through, but it was totally worth it. These kinds of events aren’t just about taking “nice photos”. they’re about telling the story of a night that won’t be repeated. Every guest interaction, every cheer, every giggle under the balloon arch; it all matters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a special birthday (or any celebration), choosing a event photographer who blends in, captures genuine moments, and understands how to work with different lighting conditions is key. Whether it’s the soft glow of sunset, the tricky shadows of an older venue, or the chaotic colour of a dance floor, every lighting scenario is an opportunity if you’ve got the right tools and the right eye.
And for this 50th birthday at the Berry Head Hotel, it all came together beautifully. Happy birthday to the star of the night – and thanks for letting me be part of your story.
