As a parent, you probably bend over backwards to make sure your child has an unforgettable birthday celebration. In fact, many families go to extremes to create the perfect party for their child: one study found that 26 percent of American parents spent more than $500 on their child’s first birthday party, and it’s likely that costs will only increase from there.
In the end, what you spend doesn’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make. In the digital age, however, our memories aren’t always sufficient. Being able to actually look back on those special events is something that many of us cherish, particularly as our children grow up. If you want to better record your child’s birthday to look back upon later, here are three fun ways to do it.
Use a selfie stick
Some people may dismiss the ubiquitous selfie, but the truth is that they actually reveal a lot about your personality and can even improve your self-esteem. And while selfies represent only four percent of all photos taken, Americans do snap a lot of them.
Selfie-taking used to be limited to individuals or small groups, but with the advent of the modern selfie stick, it became possible to take large group shots with ease (not to mention photos at impressive angles and distances). Although iterations of this invention have actually been around since the 1920s, it wasn’t until 2014 that the term “selfie stick” was coined and the device soared to popularity.
They may be banned from Disney parks, but selfie sticks can still make your child’s birthday party more magical. Just mount your camera or smartphone to the selfie stick, set up a remote shutter or timer, and adjust the arm to get everyone in the shot. Parents no longer have to be trapped behind the camera, capturing moments from afar. Instead, they can be in on the action and snap photos at the same time.
Rent a photo booth
Photo booths have also been around since the 1920s, and we’ve loved them from the start. In fact, when the first photo booth was introduced in New York City, it was used by 280,000 people during the first six months of its installation. And while the photo booths at your local mall may not be getting as much attention these days, modern versions definitely are.
You’ve probably seen them at weddings and all over social media. From 2005 to 2012, photo booths search queries were more prevalent than ones for wedding DJs. Sure, your phone can take some great photos, but it can’t offer the whole nostalgic experience that photo booths can. The goofy props and old-timey style juxtaposed with the highly shareable capabilities of Instagram makes for an irresistible combination for both adults and kids.
If you really want to set the tone for your child’s birthday and give guests something to occupy their imaginations for a good portion of the party, you’ll want to seek out a photo booth rental NY families highly recommend. Whether you want an ultra modern setup or one that harkens back to a bygone era, you’ll be able to find a booth that offers an amazing experience for party guests of all ages.
Go for a GoPro
By 2017, the number of digital photos taken by global consumers was predicted to hit the 1.3 trillion mark. But still images can’t capture every single moment. Because they don’t move, aren’t equipped with sound, and have inherent delays, you might miss out on an important memory if you rely only on photographs.
That’s often why people turn to video. Camcorders, though once popular, have fallen out of favor. And while you can certainly take video with your smartphone, you could be restricted by battery power, text communications, or device memory. DSLR video cameras tend to be quite bulky, which isn’t ideal for parents who are trying to entertain, supervise, and serve. You may need something smaller, more mobile, and less conspicuous.
Enter: the action camera. The GoPro is actually just one type of compact video camera, but the brand has become synonymous with the product. It’s a small, lightweight video camera that can withstand just about any conditions. And while there aren’t necessarily a ton of frills with this device, it does come equipped with a wide angle lens that allows you to capture the entire party with barely any effort. They can also work with your smartphone and Bluetooth setup, which means you could even stream the party live for guests who couldn’t make the trip. And because these devices may have up to three microphones, you’ll never miss a memorable moment.
These days, some people may believe we’re spending too much time documenting the moment and not enough time actually experiencing it. But with these methods, you’ll actually be able to do both. That means you’ll be able to have your (birthday) cake and eat it, too.