As a San Francisco event photographer, I get invited into some pretty special moments—but this 80th surprise birthday party for Tom was truly unforgettable. Held in downtown San Francisco, the celebration brought together friends and family from across the country (and even Canada!) to honor this major milestone.

Now, Tom isn’t your average 80-year-old. He showed up with his own espresso machine—yes, seriously—because he wanted to personally make cappuccinos for his guests. It was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming and absolutely perfect for capturing his fun-loving spirit.

Before the big day, I met virtually with Tom’s daughter to go over all the event details—something I do for all my clients. This prep session helps me understand the timeline, location, lighting, key people to photograph, and any unique touches (like coffee bars, signature drinks, or surprise speeches) that matter most. As a rule of thumb, you can expect to receive about one polished image per minute of coverage.

During the party, I focused on candid event photography—capturing the laughter, the storytelling, and the joy that comes from gathering across generations. These are the moments that define my work as a Bay Area event photographer: genuine connection, celebration, and the kind of images that make you feel like you're right back in that moment.

Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, I bring my camera, my eye for detail, and my knack for storytelling. Cheers to you, Tom—and here’s to celebrating every moment that matters.