27 and Inspired: A Creative Tribute Through My Birthday Photoshoot

Every year, for my birthday, I take on a unique project that involves creating a themed photoshoot. It started as a small tradition, but over the years, it's grown into a much larger endeavor, with each theme becoming more elaborate than the last. For my 27th birthday, I created a photoshoot to honor my family and their legacies.

Two critical people inspired the theme for my 27th birthday: my mom and my grandpa. My mom was 27 when she had me, and I wanted to reflect on how our lives took different paths at that age. The idea was to capture elements that highlighted these contrasts while honoring my mother's journey.

The other part of the theme was dedicated to my grandpa, who passed away and worked at Coca-Cola for 35 years. He was a significant presence in my life, and I wanted to include him in my celebration by creating a photoshoot that paid tribute to his memory and impact on me.

Pinterest Mood Board

For my 27th birthday, I wanted to create a dreamy blend of Lana Del Rey vibes, Coca-Cola aesthetics, a cake with my mom's face on it, a slightly see-through white lace dress, cowboy boots, and touches of Virgin Mary elements. Every detail had a purpose, weaving together a story that felt personal and meaningful to me.

For my birthday photoshoots, I plan well in advance—sometimes as early as the day after my last birthday! I love taking my time to develop multiple concepts because I’m passionate about creating something truly unique each year. My process usually begins with a Pinterest board, where I gather inspiration and explore various ideas.

Planning these shoots isn’t just about picking one theme—it’s about brainstorming and refining several over time. Each element is carefully considered, from costumes to props to the overall aesthetic. I believe that the best creative projects evolve organically, so I give myself plenty of time to explore and perfect my vision.

For me, birthday photoshoots are more than just a celebration—they’re an opportunity to bring my creativity to life and tell a new story each year. They allow me to blend fashion, storytelling, and a touch of the unexpected into something that feels genuinely me.

Notes: Maia’s Birthday Shoot 8/20/23

The Pink Play House

3 pm-5 pm

$226

2 looks

10 edits

Private online gallery

5-7 day turnaround

VHS video footage

This was my first time renting a space for a birthday photoshoot, and it was such an exciting step forward in my creative journey. In the past, I’ve always done my shoots at home, coming up with the concepts and crafting everything myself. But for my 27th birthday, my vision felt more significant than I could create at home—it needed something more expansive and dynamic.

The Coca-Cola-themed shoot called for a diner, and for my second theme, I needed a space that offered variety and inspiration. That’s when I found the Pink House, which was everything I could have hoped for. With its multiple beautifully styled rooms, the Pink House sparked my creativity in ways I hadn’t expected. Each room opened up new possibilities and allowed me to bring various concepts to life, all in one space.

Renting a space felt like a new chapter, elevating the entire experience. It allowed me to take my ideas to the next level and fully immerse myself in creating something truly personal and unique. My 27th birthday photo shoot was more than a celebration—it was a chance to explore new creative heights and honor the people and stories that mean the most to me.

Fun Fact: In Houston, there are two Pink Houses just five minutes apart, and naturally, we went to the wrong one first. We were late when we got to the right spot, and the photoshoot felt rushed. To top it off, there was no air conditioning, and it was the middle of August—talk about a hot mess!

Room 1:

Room 2

Room 3

Room 4

Polaroids

I always bring my Polaroid camera to every photo shoot—it’s one of my favorite creative tools. There’s something special about capturing moments instantly, holding a tangible image in your hand just seconds after they’re taken. For me, this adds a whole new layer to the experience of documenting my photoshoots.

Polaroids allow me to see the shoot from a different perspective. They’re raw, unfiltered, and have this nostalgic charm that perfectly complements the themes I love to create. It’s a creative way to preserve those behind-the-scenes moments and the little details that sometimes get lost in the final edits.

Having my Polaroid camera on hand is essential to my creative process. It’s a small but meaningful way to add depth to my photoshoots and keep the experience even more personal and memorable.