Do you or someone you love have an upcoming birthday and need some inspiration? Check out these birthday photoshoot ideas that will capture the memories and the fun!
Cute + Classy Birthday Photoshoot Ideas
When it comes to birthdays it is always a great idea to snap some photos and with a little extra planning you can have a birthday photoshoot that will leave you with lasting memories of the day.
Birthday photoshoots aren’t just for kids either, adults can do them too! They can be a great way to capture your special day and get you excited for the next year in your life.
19+ Birthday Photoshoot Ideas
Below is a list full of photoshoot ideas for birthday celebrations that range from minimal and super easy to create, and some that require a little more planning. All of the ideas below can work for both adults and kids – so have fun with it!
1. Confetti toss.
photos: @mija_mija, @shanradford_photo
This is a super simple idea for a birthday photoshoot that can be kept really minimal or made into more of a colourful scene. You can easily do this photoshoot at home with a backdrop and a few packages of confetti.
The only downside is the clean-up, but a little mess is worth it for this one! Also, add some more fun to your little one’s birthday with this Birthday Bingo printable.
2. Flower crowns.
photos: @samantha.heather, @signemengote
This is a great idea for a spring or summer birthday. Simply get a group of girlfriends together and adorn yourselves with beautiful flower crowns for a birthday photoshoot you won’t forget.
For a kid-friendly idea, you can have the birthday girl wear a flower crown and get some photos against a blank backdrop, or outside in a garden if the weather is nice.
3. Champagne pop!
Every adult birthday should come with a bottle of champagne to pop, right?? It’s a great way to celebrate the day and makes for a fun photoshoot idea! The best part is, you can easily do this at home and you don’t need a whole lot of planning to make it happen.
Make it kid-friendly: Of course kids aren’t going to be popping champagne for their birthday, so instead you could swap out the bubbly for a more kid-friendly beverage of choice like a Shirley temple that they can “cheers” for the photos.
4. Tropical vibes.
photos: @opalbyopal, @babiekinsmag
Weather you are a crazy plant person or you just have a love for anything tropical, this birthday photoshoot idea is fun and simple to set up.
If you already have a lot of plants in your house you can use them as the backdrop, or get some tropical leaves to use against a minimal backdrop. Another idea to is head to a conservatory or green house with tropical plants and do the photoshoot there with some white or green balloons!
5. Numbered balloons.
photos: @rachmartino, @julieigophotography
Make a statement with big shiny numbered balloons that either show the age you are turning or the year you were born!
There are so many photo opportunities to be had with these balloons which is why they make the perfect birthday photoshoot idea for kids and adults alike.
6. Flower fields.
photos: @juliaberolzheimer, @littlemisstiggy
This pretty and colorful birthday photoshoot idea is a perfect for spring or summer. Scout out a nearby flower field and go have fun with it!
If you want you can bring along a bunch of balloons to hold for some of the photos while you are in the flower fields to bring in that birthday feel even more.
7. Bunches of balloons.
photos: @lgphotofilms, @mayajstt
There’s nothing that says “it’s my birthday!” like balloons. All you need is a whole bunch of balloons and a simple background to make for an amazing birthday photoshoot. You can really go with your own personal style, choosing neutrals or pops of color.
For kids, I love the look on the right. It’s so cute and fun, yet simple at the same time.
8. Bathtub of Balloons
Here’s another creative birthday photoshoot idea that can work for both adults and kids. Fill a bathtub with balloons and hop in (wear a swimsuit – you won’t see it anyway). I love the vogue vibe of the birthday shoot above, but I think this would be really fun for little ones with the addition of bubbles and a sparkly swimsuit!
9. Garden party.
photos: @hanhaston, @100_layercake
Ok, if this isn’t one of the cutest photoshoot ideas for birthday celebrations, I don’t know what is! While it might take a little more work to set up, if you are already having a garden party themed gathering, all you need to do is hire the photographer.
To make it kid friendly, have the little ones at a small table in the backyard, with flower crowns, floral decor, and more.
10. Editorial style.
Go for a simple, editorial style photoshoot for you (or your little one’s) birthday. It’s a perfect way to celebrate your day and get some photos to capture all your beauty in a chic, vogue-style way.
All you need is a blank backdrop and a prop like a stool or lounge chair.
For kids have them sit on a lounge chair topped with a sheepskin and some balloons in the background for some really cute birthday photos.
11. Matching outfits.
photos: @louisesmit, @cuteheadskids
For adults, go with sleek and classy matching outfits (like these pastel color slip dresses) with your girlfriends for a memorable birthday photoshoot that you can feel all dolled up for.
For kids, this idea is great for twin birthdays or for a birthday photoshoot with siblings. So cute!
12. Cupcakes & candles.
photos: @kasandra.richer, @ abigailcapelliniphotography
Let the cupcakes be the focus for this birthday photoshoot idea and add some candles or sparklers for extra interest. This idea works for adults and kids and can create amazing and memorable photos.
You can also do this as an alternate to the popular “cake smash” for a baby and go with a large cupcake instead for less mess (and less of a sugar high!).
13. Picnic party.
photos: @vogue, @100_layercake
The beauty of a birthday picnic photoshoot is that you can make it super simple or add in tons of details. I love the minimal look of just a blanket on the ground, a picnic basket, and some finger foods and champagne for the adult version.
And for kids, making the whole party a picnic theme is a really fun idea. Plus you’ll get some incredibly cute photos.
14. Night out.
(This idea is more appropriate for adults only)
I love the nighttime shoot with a flash to create an edgier look. Have your photographer (or friend) snap photos of you on your birthday night out and bring a cupcake along as a cute prop!
15. Beach day.
photos: bethsweitzer_, @hannahtace
Take your birthday to the beach for a cute and simple photoshoot to remember. All you need is some towels, a cute beach umbrella, and bring along a few balloons too for extra birthday fun.
This idea works great for both adults and kids and you’ll also make a really fun day out of it. This is truly the perfect opportunity for cute and candid photos.
16. Sparklers.
Sparklers are a great birthday photoshoot prop for adults and older kids. They add a fun splash of light to any photo and can be used for birthday photos taken in the day or at nighttime.
Just remmeber to bring several sparklers to your shoot as they burn up quickly and you’ll want a lot of photos to choose from!
17. Minimal with flowers.
Sometimes simple is the best way to go for a birthday photoshoot. For this idea all you need is a simple, light colored backdrop, and a bunch of flowers. You can do different poses holding the flowers that are playful and fun. There are actually a ton of ideas on Pinterest for “poses with flowers” to get more inspiration.
To make it kid-friendly, have your little one holding the flowers. or lay the flowers all around and take some overhead shots.
18. Pool party.
Another one of my favorite ideas on this list is a pool party birthday photoshoot. I love the look above with all the balloons floating on the water to bring in that celebratory vibe.
Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
19. Vintage-inspired
This birthday photoshoot is relatively easy to create for both kids and adults with no professional photographer necessary.
Simply stand in front of a white wall or backdrop and add white balloons to the floor. Hang streamers or ribbons from the ceiling and wear a sparkly outfit. Go with silver numbered balloons and edit the photos to black and white with a vintage filter (or high grain).
20. RIP Birthday
The last birthday photoshoot idea on my list made me LOL! I love the idea of having a funeral for the previous decade when turning 20, 30, 40 and beyond. This idea is obviously better for adults!
Wear a little black dress and have a black cake made with “RIP” to the decade you are bidding farewell to. I love the backdrop of a fancy restaurant, but you could also easily take these photos with a white wall in the background or in your kitchen at home!
Birthday Photoshoot Tips & Tricks:
Now that you are full of inspiration for your upcoming birthday photoshoot, here are answers to some more tips and tricks to help you further on your way.
When in doubt, add balloons.
If you are wondering if the photoshoot idea you like best coneys a birthday enough, just add balloons!
For example, if you love the look of the flower fields photos, but don’t think it really says “birthday”, just bring a few balloons and you’ll tie in the birthday vibe easily.
Can I do these birthday photoshoot ideas at home?
Most of them, you absolutely can! Aside from a few, like the flower fields, beach day, and pool party where you need a specific environment, the rest are easily done in and around the home.
Find yourself a space in your house that can serve as a blank backdrop for the confetti toss, balloon photos, or flower photos, and you’re set.
When to hire a photographer or DIY?
If you are comfortable around cameras and take photos often, you might be able to do the photoshoot on your own, especially if you aren’t the birthday person.
If you are, you can always set up a tripod and use a shutter remote for ideas like the confetti toss, but you won’t get a variety of angles.
But, there is a lot to be said about the benefits of hiring a professional photographer so you don’t have to worry about the photos not turning out how you like. Plus you’ll also be able to enjoy yourself rather than being the one behind the camera.
Which birthday photoshoot idea what your favorite? Be sure to pin the photo below to save this list for later!
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