Capturing my daughter's 16th birthday

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 8000, ƒ/4.5, 1/100

My wife and daughter planned a wonderful 16th birthday party. My daughter invited her group of friends. Some couldn't make it, so capturing moments so could feel like they were there was key.

I shared a gallery of images for her to share with her friends and for her proud parents to share with our friends.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/60

I chose to shoot as many of the images with my AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm ƒ/2.8 lens because to fill the frame you must get close. I think this helps pull the audience into the moments a lot more than a longer telephoto lens.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 12800, ƒ/9, 1/100

Occasionally I cranked the aperture up to ƒ/9 to be sure everyone was in focus. Here in this photo of my daughter Chelle on the telephone I wanted to be sure I captured my wife Dorie. Dorie had arranged for some of my daughter's favorite bands to call and wish her happy birthday. Here is Farewell My Love calling Chelle.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 12800, ƒ/9, 1/100

I wanted to capture how much fun all of Chelle's friends were having as well. What was really cool is they were all in on the surprise phone calls. What I was enjoying as much as Chelle's reaction was her friends being excited for Chelle.

Knowing my daughter is loved by more than her family and has great friends really makes you proud.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 6400, ƒ/5.6, 1/250

Chelle also had a phone call from Late Nite Reading early in the evening. However, we had setup in our living room the computer with Skype.  Late Nite Reading Skyped in and played three songs for Chelle and her friends. What is cool is even the band was excited for Chelle.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 7200, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

Here you can see everyone in the living room watching Late Nite Reading. In the years to come we will cherish the memories through the photographs.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 7200, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

I put a lamp just behind the computer to be sure there was enough light on Chelle so that Late Nite Reading could see her and her friends. This is just a tip in case you decide to do this yourself.

I encourage anyone who wants to do storytelling to learn how to capture your family events and capture them so that those who were not there will know the story and capture the emotions of the event.

We also setup a video camera to capture the Skype call. This was for her friends primarily who couldn't be there, but wanted to know what happened. Here is that video in case you want to hear my daughter scream and the excitement of everyone.