As face painters, we attend a lot of Dallas Fort Worth events. Many times, we have people approach us with pictures on their phones and show us face painting memories they carry with them in their photo albums. We LOVE knowing that someone enjoyed their face paint so much that they have kept it on their phone for a few years. We are thrilled to see people pulling up photos from their Facebook accounts and telling us that their child has asked to be painted by "that funny lady" or "the nice woman from the festival" again. It is the best possible compliment we could get. When we see those photos, we know that we have been a part of a great memory, and there's just nothing better than that!

With this in mind, we thought we would take today to highlight a few tips to help preserve that face painting memory. One of the best things you can do is to KNOW the features on your smartphone and use them to your advantage. Here are a few of the things that our clients have done over the years to make that photo a great one:

1. Set Up a Space for an Immediate Photo:
   Next to the face painting station, set up a photo station for parents to take a photo. If you have a relative that is good with phones, you can have them take all of the pictures so that parents can continue to mingle. Capturing the photo right after the painting ensures that you won't have a photo of smearing or sweating later on in the party.
2. Use a Simple Backdrop: 
   A lot of people use a themed backdrop, and that is completely fine, but for quality photos, a simple white or black background keeps the focus of the photo on the child. 
3. Take the Photo Up Close and at a 45 degree angle.
   Taking the photo up close adds intensity to the photo style and brings the subject's eyes to the forefront. We suggest a 45 degree angle with the child's eyes looking at you but their face at about a 1/4 turn in one direction or the other. If you prefer a straight-on photo, we understand! After years of doing this, though, the quarter turn with eyes toward the camera adds a little interest!
4. While You Have Them There - Take Several Shots
   The more shots you take, the better the chance you will end up with a photo that you will love. 

Whatever you do, our top suggestion is to get that immediate face painting photo. When children are first painted, it is a special moment. They look in the mirror to see themselves as something magical, scary, fun or imaginative and they usually have a little sparkle in their eye when they leave our makeup chair. Also, the face paint is still in tact! We find that this is the way that children want to remember it! Finally, be sure to review the features on your smart phone camera and play around with a few photo apps to see how they can improve your shots. Smart phones have given us quick access to quality photos and face painting is a perfect way to utilize such a convenient source for great shots!

Do you have questions about face painting or what entertainment you need to complete your party vision? We would love to talk to you! We always look forward to speaking with clients, and you can reach us at 214-886-4243.