As soon as the weather becomes warmer in Lithuania, parks become full of people enjoying the sunshine, spending time with their families, and taking part in different outdoor activities. One tradition that I really like is the opening of outdoor library reading spaces in parks in my city, Kaunas. During the summer, libraries set up cozy reading areas where anyone can stop by, borrow a book, relax on bean bags, or join different events like concerts, workshops, or activities for children.
A few days ago I had the chance to photograph the opening event of the reading space in Santarvės Park. It was one of those eventswhere you know there will be a lot happening at the same time, so you have to keep your eyes open all the time because interesting moments appear and disappear within seconds.
The event attracted many visitors, mostly families with children. As soon as I arrived, the park already felt alive. Children were running around everywhere, parents were chatting, people were looking through books, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the warm summer atmosphere. It wasn't one of those quiet events where people mostly sit and listen. This one was full of movement, laughter, music, and little moments happening all around me.
There were so many bubbles floating through the air that at one point my camera became covered with tiny soap bubbles. I don't think my camera has ever been that soapy before!
Of course, the children absolutely loved it. Everywhere I looked, there were kids chasing bubbles, trying to catch them before they disappeared, laughing every time another wave floated across the park. Those moments are wonderful to photograph because children don't think about posing. They simply react naturally, and those genuine expressions always create the best photographs.
Another entertainer was keeping everyone busy with balloons. He had a great sense of humor and constantly found new ways to make children laugh. Sometimes he would balance balloons in funny ways, other times he would put one over his own head just to make silly faces. The kids couldn't stop laughing, and honestly, many of the parents were smiling just as much. It's always nice to photograph someone who brings so much positive energy because the reactions around them become just as interesting as the performance itself.
There was also face painting, which quickly became one of the most popular activities. A long line of excited children patiently waited for their turn, already talking about what they wanted painted on their faces. Butterflies, animals, superheroes—everyone had their own idea. Afterward they proudly walked around showing their new artwork to their parents and friends.
As a photographer, events like this can be a little challenging because there are so many people. Sometimes it feels impossible to find the perfect angle without someone accidentally walking into the frame. Crowded places definitely require a bit more patience, and you often need to move around constantly instead of staying in one spot.
But at the same time, busy events have their own advantages. When there are so many people focused on what's happening around them, they don't pay much attention to the photographer. I actually feel more relaxed in situations like this. Instead of people immediately noticing the camera or changing their expressions, they simply continue enjoying the event naturally. That allows me to capture much more genuine emotions.
I also like that there is never a moment when nothing is happening. If one activity slows down, another one begins somewhere else. One second children are running after bubbles, the next they're dancing near the stage, then they're sitting with books, painting, or watching balloon tricks. There is always another moment waiting to be photographed.
Events with children are especially interesting because they are completely unpredictable. Adults often become aware of the camera and sometimes even pose without realizing it. Children usually don't care at all. They're simply living in the moment, and that makes every photograph feel more authentic. A smile appears unexpectedly, someone starts laughing, another child reaches for a bubble, and before you know it you've captured another memory.
Below I'm sharing some of my photographs from the event. I hope they capture at least a little of the joyful atmosphere that filled Santarvės Park that day!
