Ah, Millennials, the generation that brought us Lizzie McGuire, the rise of the selfie, the term “adulting”, and… birthday photoshoots for adults. While the Lizzie McGuire movie may be one of my all-time favorites (I mean, this IS what dreams are made of), that’s not what we’re here to talk about today. It’s birthday month over here at Amative Creative and so we’re celebrating in style… by talking about birthday photoshoots.

 

Earlier this year we did our first ever birthday shoot for an adult and let me tell you, I am in LOVE. Carrie’s shoot had it all: friends, balloons, a tutu, wine, and a cake smash. That’s right, a cake smash.

Over the last several years these shoots have become super trendy and I wanted to figure out why.

The birth of the birthday photoshoot:

From what I can tell, Refinery 29 (the millennial’s go-to guide for all things, well… millennial) first wrote about these shoots in 2018. Their thought was that if Rhianna could be 30, flirty, and thriving… so could we (sorry Jennifer Garner).

The essentials:

Like any good birthday, cake is a MUST. In this case, the cake shouldn’t be so large that it takes the full focus (of course it’s your big day), and it shouldn’t mess up your makeup when you smash it.

According to Refinery 29, a chalkboard full of details is also a must. Just like any great 1^st birthday photoshoot, the public wants to know all about the birthday girl. Give the public what they want.

Important things/people from your life. From bringing your bestie, to your own baby, these photoshoots should be an opportunity to give your friends and family a glimpse of the things and people that are important to you.

FUN! Most of all, it’s important to have fun. Use this moment to celebrate your accomplishments (hello another year around the sun is a huge accomplishment). It’s your birthday and you can smash a cake if you want to.

 

So, what it comes down to is that… it’s a millennial thing. But, just like lots of other millennial trends, we think it will catch on. After all, celebrating birthdays in style is what dreams are really made of!