Should I book a birthday portrait shoot? If you have an upcoming birthday, you may be asking yourself this very question! I know I’ve toyed with the idea myself and have given in a few times. I’m so glad I did. As a photographer, it’s important to put myself in my clients’ shoes every once in a while. It definitely helps me gain perspective. And as a woman, especially one who’s life has been largely dedicated to my family, I find it’s a very important thing to do. So, if you ask me, yes, you should book a birthday portrait session!
I think an individual portrait shoot for yourself, whether to celebrate a birthday or not, falls in the category of self-care. There are several reasons to book that shoot! First of all, you matter! Photoshoots can be a very empowering event. You are a valuable, loved human who deserves attention and nice things. A portrait shoot is an experience, not just a few photos. Even though you may not be used to being the center of attention, you can be and should be, even if just for an afternoon. It’s okay to feel confident and carve out time for you and you only!
Secondly, photographs are record keepers. Because you are loved, you need to be remembered. Your photos will share a part of your story with your family and your future self. Imagine looking at your portraits in a decade and marveling at how brave and beautiful you were (and probably still are). And as strange as it may sound, your photos will likely outlive you. They’ll say you existed not just as a wife, mother, career _______ (you fill in the blank), but also as a strong, independent, wonderful version of yourself.
A third reason to book a portrait shoot is the simplest, most straight-forward reason, you’ll have photos of yourself to use in social media, an email signature, or as a profile photo for a work related platform. (Ahem, Slack!) Photos are useful, plain and simple.
Have I convinced you yet? If my words didn’t, hopefully the photos did! Even though every one of these women look like models, they’re real people, just like you. Through a combination of their innate abilities and my instruction, I think we created some amazingly badass portraits of them. It’s an empowerment exchange every time and I’m so grateful I get to do what I do. I hope you’ll consider booking your portrait shoot.
