I recently had the pleasure of photographing a 50th birthday party at Cherry Glamping in the Elgin Valley, which was an Africa Burn themed party. The venue was filled with around 80+ people who were all dressed in extravagant costumes, and the vibe was fantastic.
What stood out for me the most was the effort that everyone put into the party. From the different food trucks that offered pizza, ice cream, Asian cuisine, and candy, to the kiosk that had everything from headache tablets to free cigarettes. There was also a face painting station that did some amazing face art on the partygoers' faces.
The partygoers' costumes were the most amazing thing about the entire party. Every single guest put so much effort into their costumes, and it was a photographer's dream to capture all the different looks.
One particular moment that stood out for me was when I saw a lady on 2,5-meter-high stilts wearing an outrageous freaky looking outfit and handing out tequila shots to everyone. It was amazing how she managed to stand on those stilts while handing out shots too.
The venue itself was fantastic, and I loved capturing every moment. There was never a dull moment, from fire breathers to 'happy birthday'-sparklers, and everything in between.
For this event, the client instructed me to be a fly on the wall photographer and just capture people as they were enjoying their evening. I didn't stop anyone to do specific photo shots or group poses. It was all about capturing the natural moments.
What I enjoyed most about the event was the energy and enthusiasm that everyone had. It was such a great atmosphere, and I had a blast. It was the closest I've ever come to actually experiencing Africa Burn.
My iconic photo of the event has to be the entertainer with the angle grinder. She was grinding against a piece of metal that was stuck to her stomach and both legs, creating huge sparks that flew all over the place. It was a pretty cool moment that I was lucky enough to capture.
Overall, it was an amazing event, and I feel grateful to have been a part of it. The effort that everyone put into the party, the costumes, and the entertainment made for an unforgettable experience.
