So Brooke comes to her mom with this idea for her birthday shoot. She tells her mom she wants to find this glamorous staircase to take pictures at. That was her whole vision so when Bridget—her mom—tells me, honestly, I’m thinking “Yes! This is going to be awesome!”
I’ve done a shoot just a year ago with this same concept!
As a parent, you know how these moments sneak up on you. One day they’re asking for help with homework, the next they’re confidently directing their own photoshoot with a clear creative vision. Brooke knew she wanted it, but did not know how it was going to go down. I knew we were cooking up something special though. I showed her images of my past photoshoot (the one I spoke of above) and she loved the pictures.
The Perfect Location Hunt Actually Worked
Brooke “employed” her mom to look for the right stairs. Bridget found these incredible stairs at this beautiful new location in Tysons Corner- Wren Tysons, a Japanese restaurant. When I saw them the day of the shoot—Game over. I knew Brooke’s vision was about to become reality in the most spectacular way possible.
The stairs had these lights on the bottom of every stair that looked absolutely elegant—creating this dreamy, almost movie-like glow that was exactly what her glamorous vision needed—it matched the decor of her beautiful dark blue dress perfectly. The architectural lines, the sophisticated vibe, the way those lights created perfect mood lighting… it was like everything aligned perfectly for Brooke’s dream.
When Your Teen Becomes the Creative Director
Here’s what I love about working with a teen who knows what they want—my job becomes simple. I let Brooke call the shots. My role is just don’t mess it up.
She had a clear vision for her photos and the confidence to bring it to life. She knew the angles and poses she wanted, requiring very little guidance from me as she took charge of her own session. Me, the photographer. Her, my boss that day. What happened was a beautiful collab.
There’s something incredible that occurs when a young person takes ownership of their shoot like this. The photos become authentically theirs because they’re not trying to squeeze into someone else’s idea of what looks good—they’re creating exactly what speaks to their soul. As parents, isn’t this exactly what we hope for? That confidence to know themselves and go after what they want?
We’ve Got History (And You Know How Fast These Years Fly By)
This wasn’t my first rodeo with Brooke. I photographed her when she was 13, and those images were beautiful. So when birthday celebration time rolled around, she asked for me again. I was absolutely thrilled to capture her magic once more.
As a parent, you know how fast these years fly by. There’s something so special about photographing someone as they grow and evolve. When I first met Brooke at 13, she had this spark—this natural ease in front of the camera that was remarkable for someone so young. Now, years later, that same spark has transformed into this confident, self-assured young woman who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.
The Perfect Senior Session Preview (Every Parent’s Dream)
What made this birthday shoot extra special was realizing it was essentially a preview of what Brooke’s senior session is going to be like. For parents planning senior photos, this kind of “test run” is golden.
We discovered she thrives when she has creative input in her sessions. We learned that architectural elements and dramatic lighting are definitely going to be part of her senior shoot planning. And we confirmed what I already knew from photographing her at 13—she has this natural camera presence that just gets better with time. Dare I be cliché—like fine wine.
Why Birthday Sessions Make Perfect Senior Photo Prep
Here’s something parents don’t always think about: birthday shoots are incredible preparation for senior sessions. Your teen gets comfortable with the camera, with the photographer, discovers their style preferences, and builds confidence—all in a lower-pressure environment.
The thing about birthday shoots is teens are already in celebration mode. They’re not overthinking poses or worrying about looking “perfect.” They’re feeling the moment, embracing the celebration, and letting their personality shine through naturally. This translates beautifully when it’s time for those important senior photos.
The Energy That Changes Everything
You know that feeling when your kid walks into a space and just transforms it? That was Brooke on those gorgeous stairs. She brought this infectious birthday energy—excitement—and 100% authentically Brooke.
The Growth That Takes Your Breath Away (Every Parent Will Relate)
Comparing the confident young woman on those restaurant stairs to the sweet 13-year-old I photographed years ago was one of those moments that reminds me why I absolutely love what I do.
As parents, you live this every day—watching your child grow into their confidence, seeing them develop their own aesthetic sense, being trusted to witness their evolution. There’s nothing quite like it.
The photos from this birthday session go far beyond just beautiful images—they’re a celebration of who Brooke has become and a preview of the amazing woman she’s still becoming. And for her parents? They’re treasured documentation of this incredible phase of growth.
Ready for Your Teen’s Vision to Come to Life?
Whether your teen has a specific vision like Brooke’s glamorous staircase dream, or they’re still figuring out what they want their photos to say about them, I’m here to help make it happen.
Sometimes the best sessions come from trusting your teen’s instincts, finding the location that speaks to their soul, and working with someone who’s committed to bringing their vision to life (without messing it up).
Consider a Birthday Session as Senior Photo Prep
If your teen’s senior year is approaching, a birthday session could be the perfect way to:
- Help them get comfortable in front of the camera
- Discover their style preferences before the “big” senior shoot
- Build their confidence and creative input
- Create beautiful memories while preparing for those milestone senior photos
Ready to see what magic we can create together? Let’s chat about your teen’s ideas—whether it’s a birthday celebration that doubles as senior session prep, or diving straight into those graduation photos. Because when your teen has a vision and the confidence to pursue it, amazing things happen.
Brooke, you absolutely killed it with this vision, and I can’t wait to see what we create fo
r your senior photos!
What creative vision does your teen have for their senior photos?
Every session starts with a dream – just like Brooke’s glamorous staircase idea. I love hearing about the unique concepts teens come up with and helping make them reality.
Ready to plan your teen’s perfect session?
If you’d like to explore ideas together, click the button. Pick whatever fits your schedule
📞 Call/Text: 804.601.4107
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Serving families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia
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