Documenting a party

I enjoy documenting a party.  I am looking for moments to be captured that will bring you back to the emotion of the event.  You are not trying to make people look perfect - though certainly that can be a plus.  It is more about a glimpse.  This was a surprise 50th birthday party thrown by about 70 friends.

the Birthday Gal:

She walks in...

                

This is her family who knew as they watch their Mom/wife being adored.  I love the look on the teenager's face.

and then the moments snapped of people having fun, hamming it up, and some candids.

capturing milestones and moments

shot with my trusty 35 with a green filter on my flash indoors at night.

I also just got a hood for this lens to limit glare.  I probably didn't need it here but it was on.

This was a shoot of a friend who is reaching a milestone in her life getting henna done on her feet.  The feel I was going for here is ritual and slowing down to take note.  Often the instances that mean something to us and can trigger memories are these small uncluttered moments.  Sometimes you have to relax and look quietly to figure out what they are.