Capture birthday action without shutter lag

Birthday parties include plenty of action, with piñata whacking, bouncy houses, flickering candles, and more. These are perfect photo opportunities, but all that action can be challenging too. When you snap a picture, there is a delay before your camera actually takes the photo. This is called shutter lag, and it causes lots of missed shots. Here's how to get the action shots you want.

• 1. Press your shutter button halfway down. Then aim your camera at your subject, and wait. When the birthday boy or girl takes a deep breath, press the rest of the way down to capture the candles going out.
  
• 2. Try your camera's Action shooting mode. It automatically adjusts the shutter speed to freeze motion. Use it outdoors in bright light for best results.
  

Tell the story of the party

So much is happening at a birthday party that it's easy to get caught up in the fun, and miss the little details that help tell the story. Try these tips to capture the whole event.

• 1. Shoot from a variety of different angles-horizontal, vertical, above, below, close up, far away. Variety will give you lots to choose from later.
• 2. Take a sequence of photos-Mom or Dad lighting the candles lighted on the cake and presenting it, the birthday boy or girl blowing out the candles (and making a wish), and guests eating the cake.
• 3. Shoot from a variety of different angles-horizontal, vertical, above, below, close up, far away. Variety will give you lots to choose from later.
  

Give the camera to the kids

To get shots you'd never think of, hand the digital camera to the kids. They'll give you a fresh take on the day.

Give them some quick pointers on using the camera safely, and let them snap away. The bonus: you'll see the world through their eyes.

Cake and candle shots

The presentation of the birthday cake is always a party high-point. Try these techniques:

• 1. To capture light from the candles, set your camera to No Flash mode, and if you can, set a longer exposure time-1/4 of a second or more. Use a tripod if you have one to keep the camera steady. Learn more about taking pictures in low-light conditions.
• 2. Take before and after photos of the cake-and don't forget action shots as it's being eaten.

Gift-giving shots

Make the gift-giving part of the party more personal—and practical. Take a photo of each child presenting a gift and a photo of the birthday boy or girl opening it.

You'll create a visual record of who gave what, which is a huge help when it's time to write thank-you notes.