5 Birthday Photoshoot Ideas for the Whole Family

Written by Adorama
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Published on July 8, 2022
5 Birthday Photoshoot Ideas for the Whole Family - 42West, Adorama
5 Birthday Photoshoot Ideas for the Whole Family - 42West, Adorama
Adorama
Adorama ALC

Whether you’re turning one or one hundred, birthday shoots are a fun way to celebrate another trip around the sun. If you’re looking for a fun new kind of birthday celebration, consider one of these unique and memorable birthday photoshoot ideas!

cake smash birthday photoshoot idea
Photo by Zoe Graham on Unsplash

1. Cake Smash Photoshoot

There’s no better way to celebrate a little one’s first birthday than a birthday cake smash photoshoot. Set the stage with wrapped birthday gifts, birthday balloons, and dress the birthday girl or boy in a very special birthday outfit for a photoshoot to remember.

Your photographer may have some great recommendations for getting the most adorable shots, but if you’re doing your own cake smash shoot at home, consider picking up a birthday banner and other birthday party decorations to make your backdrop look fun and festive.

Make sure to take plenty of photos before you bring out the cake because as soon as the cake smash happens, things are sure to get messy! It will definitely be a first-birthday photoshoot for the books.

family birthday portrait
Photo by Russell Sutherland on Unsplash

2. Family Outdoor Photoshoot

Maybe you’re a family of three celebrating your child’s precious birthday milestones, or a family of five or more. Either way, a birthday is a great excuse to have a family portrait photo session

Hiring a professional photographer will help you ensure every member of your family is in the photos and no one gets stuck behind the camera. Plus, professionals know just how to frame the shots, pose group images, and capture all the special fleeting moments to help you make the most of your birthday pictures.

Consider choosing a location that’s special to your family, like your favorite beach or park, or even your own backyard. Your photographer will be able to make recommendations for what to wear, but it’s always a good idea to pick outfits that match or belong to the same color family. 

outdoor family birthday photoshoot idea
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

3. Candid Birthday Party Photos With a Professional Photographer

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or just having a party because you like to get the whole gang together, consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the event. 

Pro photographers will take the stress out of capturing important moments and memories. They will also have plenty of birthday photoshoot ideas, so you and your guests can relax and have fun! Plus, a photographer will capture a mix of posed photographs and candid ones. This way, you’ll have more variety to choose from for your photo album or social media posts.

If you only hire a photographer for a couple of hours, make sure to bring out the cake and sing “Happy Birthday” early on so they can capture those special moments. Set yourself up for even better photos by preparing a photo backdrop wall with a happy birthday banner, props, and fun accessories like confetti and balloons. Your guests will love it.

friends confetti toss birthday photoshoot
Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

4. Best Friends Birthday Shoot

Why should kids and families have all the fun? Just because you’re turning 25, 35, or 50 doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a birthday shoot with your crew!

Grab the guys or get your girls together for a fun photoshoot. Get all dressed up and go out on the town with your closest friends. Try out a fun adventure like a trip to an amusement park, go horseback riding, or take a surf lesson. If you’re looking for something more low key, consider a walk on the beach, or a pampering trip to get pedicures. 

It doesn’t matter if one of your friends is behind the camera or you hire a professional to capture each moment. These birthday photoshoot ideas will make this a birthday to remember!

best friends glamour high fashion photoshoot
Photo by Igor Klepacki on Unsplash

5. High Fashion and Lifestyle Birthday Portraits

Treat yourself to a high fashion or lifestyle birthday portrait session. With this concept, you can celebrate another year of accomplishments by getting the star treatment with a professional fashion or lifestyle photographer.

Start the experience with a bit of pampering, including hair and makeup, or a mini shopping spree. Then get dressed up and visit chic urban hotspots, or beautiful natural locales. There’s no better way to feel good in your skin and celebrate your big day than by letting yourself be the star of the show.

Remember, fun props like sparklers, balloons, and confetti aren’t just for kids! Talk to your photographer about incorporating props for your birthday photoshoot ideas. You can even do your own version of a cake smash for something fun and different.

Feature photo by Lidya Nada (via Unsplash)

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