Want to create the most creative, beautiful, and seamless birthday content in the new year? I’ve got you covered with insider tips on how to take your birthday photoshoots to the next level!
. I recently shared four adorable and easy birthday photoshoot concepts over on Instagram, and today, I’m diving into more details on the blog. I’ll share tips, tricks, dos and don'ts, and everything I’ve learned from putting these shoots together—so you can skip the mistakes I made and create your most creative birthday content yet! . BIRTHDAY BATHTUB
I've done this photoshoot three times now, and each time, it gets easier—but it’s still a bit uncomfortable for those of us with tight hips. That said, when the final images turn out this cute, it's totally worth it!
Here are my top tips:
Go In With A Plan – This is my number one tip for any shoot. Since this one can get uncomfortable quickly, having a solid plan and shot list is key. It’ll help you avoid feeling stiff by the end of the session.
Extra Props – The more props you have in the bathtub, the better! Not only do they add to the vibe, but they also cover up any awkward body positions or clothing mishaps. Balloons are a great option for this!
Spend A Little Extra on the Backdrop – When I first did this shoot, I bought just one tinsel backdrop, and the results were underwhelming. Each year, I’ve added more to my bathtub setup, and the final shots have been so much better as a result.
Small Number Balloons > Large Ones – Smaller balloons are much easier to work with, and they fit into the shot better. Unless you have a large bathroom where your photographer can step way back, I recommend sticking to smaller ones.
Props I love using for this shoot:
Balloons (both helium-filled and not)
Tinsel Backdrops
Disco Balls
Confetti Poppers
Number Balloons
13 GOING ON 30
If you're joining the 30 club this year—or if you're just a fan of 13 Going on 30—this photoshoot is super fun and easy to pull off. The hardest part? Making the paper chains!
Here are my top tips:
Make More Chains Than You Think – When I first made these, I thought they'd reach the floor, but they didn’t. I'd definitely make more if I did this shoot again!
Lighting is Key – If you're shooting indoors, make sure your lighting is on point. The paper chains can cast a lot of shadows depending on where you place the subject.
Buy Your Dress Early – The iconic 13 Going on 30 dress is easy to find, but shipping can take time, so order ahead!
Props I love using for this shoot:
Paper chains (from my last shoot)
For a more nostalgic touch, I’d add wired headphones, a CD player, butterfly clips, and other '90s accessories!
NEW AGE CALLING
Last year, I wanted a less curated, more creative birthday shoot. I found a similar concept on Pinterest and knew it would be perfect for my 30th birthday! Here are my top tips:
Number Candles – These were a last-minute find at the store, and honestly, I wasn't thrilled with how they turned out. If I planned better, I would have ordered more aesthetic options.
Be The Shy Girl – I’m usually all about showing my face head-on in photos, but for this shoot, I experimented with hiding my face and loved the results. Try it for something different!
Editing Experimentation – While this shoot wasn’t super curated, I played with editing in Tezza, adding grain and other final touches to bring the vision to life.
Phone Details – This took some trial and error, but I changed my husband's contact name to "30." However, I wasn’t thrilled that other details (like his number and recent calls) showed up in the photos, so I used a retouching tool to remove them.
Props I love using for this shoot:
Cupcake or Birthday Cake
Number Candles
Cell Phone
You could also add flowers or a bouquet!
BIRTHDAY PRINCESS PARTY
I’ve always wanted to feel like a princess on my birthday, and that hasn't changed into my thirties! I do some version of this shoot every year, and it’s always a favorite.
Here are my top tips:
Use Your Coffee Table – I love using a low coffee table as a prop to drape with candles, beads, and other decorations.
Burning Candles – Plan accordingly: if you want photos without the candles burning out, take those shots first. Also, longer candles give you more time before they melt!
Angle Experimentation – Since you’ll likely be sitting behind a table, body poses can be tricky. Get creative with your face and angles to add variety to the shoot.
Take Video! – I’m a little late to the video game, but this shoot is the perfect time to capture a fun “It’s my birthday!” clip for social media. Multi-tasking at its finest!
Props I love using for this shoot:
Beads
Banners
Party Hats
Cake + Candles
Disco Balls
Tinsel Backdrops
Party Supplies (Plates, Cups, Etc.)
Tiara
I can’t wait to share the birthday content I have in store this year! Since I’ll be traveling during my actual birthday, new concepts will start hitting my feed on January 20th.
If you're looking to elevate your creative photography content this year, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and grab my FREE Mood Boards How-To E-Book. It’s been a game-changer for my content planning, and I highly recommend it for your 2025 shoots!
All my love,
-Rachel Brooks
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