Your little one’s birthday party will go by very quickly! Since you’ll really want keepsake photos, it helps to plan ahead, just as a photographer would at a wedding. Here are pictures you’ll be so grateful to have.

Birthday outfit. Grab a few pictures before he’s covered with cake. If weather permits, go outside for the best light.

Special guest. If you’re planning to get a shot of Great-Grandma holding the birthday boy, snap the picture early on, before he’s too tired to tolerate a new friend.

Cake smash. Be sure to get a picture of the cake before he smashes it!

Opening presents. Try to get a picture of him interacting with each present. These photos make fun additions to thank-you notes.

Asleep. Toddlers tend to be exhausted by all the fuss. Get a good picture of the birthday boy asleep. It makes the perfect last picture in a photo album!

Photo credit: emeryjl on Flickr.