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Event Photographer Toledo Ohio

Cynthia is an Event Photographer Toledo Ohio.  She shoots on location lifestyle and storytelling photography and serves the Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Oregon and Northwest Ohio areas. She is available for maternity, newborn, baby, children and family portraits and documentary photo sessions.


There is a big day that comes once a year in your child’s life…their birthday! This is such a magical day for them. If you are planning on hosting a party for special little one, here are my 6 must have birthday party shots so you can always remember the day.

  1. The Birthday Kid {candid or portrait} – The birthday kid is the center of attention at their party so of course images of them are a must! I like to get lots of candids of them with their guests. A few “portraits” of them looking at the camera will help highlight how much they have grown in the coming years.  Event Photographer Toledo Ohio girl in party hat photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography Event Photographer Toledo Ohio boy at party hat photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography
  2. The Whole Family {candid or portrait} – This can be a hard one for those of us that also wear the photographer hat but handing off your camera so you can be in a few photos is so important. For me, each birthday seems to sneak up on me and it will be so important to my children as they get older to see their mom in photos too. So set up your camera on a tripod or hand it over to a trusting family member. You were there too so be sure to show that!Event Photographer Toledo Ohio boy family at birthday party photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography
  3. Guests – Don’t forget to get candids of the guests at your child’s celebration. When they are interacting with your child is a great time to sneak a few images of them.Event Photographer Toledo Ohio boy with grandparents at birthday party photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography Event Photographer Toledo Ohio boy crying at birthday party photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography
  4. Activities – If you have taken the time to plan events for the kids, be sure you can include the fun in the photos from the day. Event Photographer Toledo Ohio kids playing birthday party photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography Event Photographer Toledo Ohio girl in bounce house at birthday party photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography
  5. The Cake – It seems for kids the whole party can revolve around the cake. For moms, it usually involves a lot of planning and time, especially if you are making it yourself. You don’t want to forget the details that will be damaged once “Happy Birthday” is sung. So be sure to take a few photos of that delicious feature of the party. You can do this in two ways, either focus on just the cake or your child eating the cake.   Event Photographer Toledo Ohio boy eating cake photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography Event Photographer Toledo Ohio girl eating cupcake crying photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography
  6. Blowing Out the Candles – This is must have milestone from the party! The excitement on a child’s face as they blow out their birthday candles and make a wish encompasses all the joy they feel on their special day. I love to get a series of shots as they blow out candles. Be sure your shutter speed is high to capture the fast movement that will happen during this time of the party.Event Photographer Toledo Ohio girl blowing out candles photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography Event Photographer Toledo Ohio girl blowing out candles photo by Cynthia Dawson Photography

Birthday parties go by so fast so don’t let the day slip by without pulling out your camera. These tips of must get shots should make it easy for you to capture the big day!

Want to just focus on hosting the party? Cynthia is available for events.  Use the contact tab for more details. 

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