Embracing the Moody Side: My 26th Birthday Photoshoot

Turning 26 feels a little different this year. I’m still moody—maybe even more so—and I wanted my birthday photoshoot to reflect that darker, more introspective side of me. Usually, I have my entire theme planned months in advance, from the outfits to the concept to every little detail. But life’s been busy this year, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted. Still, one thing hasn’t changed: my birthday photoshoots are my chance to be creative and bring my vision to life.

For this year’s shoot, I decided on three distinct themes that capture different sides of me. First, I chose a Breakfast at Tiffany’s aesthetic—a classic and timeless look with a moody edge. Second, I chose a Tupac-inspired vibe that’s raw and unapologetically cool. Finally, I decided on a siren theme, which shows a sexy yet subtle side of me, mysterious and alluring without giving too much away. These themes allow me to explore different aspects of my personality and creativity in a way that feels authentic to who I am.

What I love most about my birthday shoots is that they’re entirely my vision. I get to be the director, stylist, and storyteller. It’s like creating my canvas, where every detail—big or small—represents a piece of me. From conceptualizing the theme to choosing the outfits and even deciding on the mood of each shot, it’s all me.

Birthday photoshoots are more than just a celebration—they’re an art form. They’re a chance to express myself, to be creative, and to capture who I am in that moment. Life is too short not to celebrate yourself. So, take it from me: book the dream birthday photoshoot, and let your creativity shine.

Pinterest Mood Board

I always turn to Pinterest for inspiration when planning my birthday photoshoots or any creative project. It’s my go-to space for brainstorming and gathering all my ideas. From color palettes to styling, poses, and even set design, Pinterest gives me a visual playground where I can organize my thoughts and start shaping my concepts.

Since I am in charge of every aspect of my photoshoots—from directing to styling and beyond—I need a space to let my creativity flow and draw inspiration from various sources. Pinterest helps me explore different aesthetics, spark new ideas, and refine my vision until I have something that feels genuinely me.

Each birthday shoot starts with a Pinterest board where I pin everything that catches my eye. From there, I build out the details, merging ideas, layering themes, and adding my unique touch. This process allows me to stay organized while still being imaginative and experimental.

I’ve included an example of one of my Pinterest boards here on my website to give you a peek into my creative process. It’s where the magic begins, and I start turning my vision into reality. Pinterest is more than just a tool for me—it’s a canvas where I can brainstorm, dream, and create something entirely my own.

Notes: Maia Birthday Shoot 8/28

10 images

Sunday 2pm

35mm

Profoto light with soft box

Cake Aesthetic (1 Photo) 

Cosmic dress (3 photos)

Tiara

Natural

Pearls jewelry

Tiny spot shiny glitters

Makeup: Silver glitter eye shadow

Semi-black transparent balloons filled with glitter and liquid.

Polaroids

Oversized Coat (2 images)

Jordans

Press the suit

White bedsheet

Transparent balloons

Clean BG studio shots white room

Walters's blue jacket was stripped of color and darkened.

Tupac Outfit (2images)

Soft light

Natural light

90’s face jewels

Sign paparazzi style

And hard side lighting

The corner makes her look tall; the light will come from that side, and she will take a reference wall at the same angle.  

Tupac has always been someone I admired—not just for his music but for the way he lived unapologetically and left a lasting legacy. The connection feels even deeper because he passed away on the same day I was born, September 13, 1996.

Growing up, my mom and I would listen to Tupac all the time. His music was always playing in the background, whether we were driving around or just spending time together. He became a big part of my childhood soundtrack, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the depth of his artistry and the messages in his music.

This project was more than just a fun concept for my photoshoot. It was a way to connect the dots between my past and present, blending my love for Tupac's artistry with my passion for creating unique and personal birthday shoots. To me, this was a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and paying tribute to a cultural icon who has always inspired me.

Black cake

I wanted my cake to make a statement for this year's birthday—something bold, personal, and a little unexpected. That’s when the idea hit me: a cake inspired by Tupac featuring the cover art of one of his most iconic songs, Ambitionz Az a Ridah.

I’ve always loved the cake—not just for the taste but for the symbolism. It’s the centerpiece of any celebration, and for me, it felt right to honor Tupac’s energy, artistry, and legacy through something as fun and personal as a birthday cake. His music has always inspired me, and Ambitionz Az a Ridah perfectly captures that fearless, unapologetic ambition I aspire to in my own life.

The cake wasn’t just a sweet treat but a piece of the concept I envisioned for my birthday. It tied into the Tupac aesthetic I wanted to channel this year, blending my love of creativity with a nod to one of the greatest artists ever. Little details like this make my birthday shoots unique—personal, meaningful, and entirely my own.

Michale Jackson Birthday Sign

As soon as I saw this iconic image of Michael Jackson on Pinterest, I knew I had to recreate it. Growing up, I watched Michael Jackson so much because of my mom and his artistry has always had such a significant influence on my life.

I decided to twist his famous moment for my birthday by holding the "Today is my birthday" sign. Instead of the original setting, I brought it to my apartment balcony, making it personal while paying tribute to a true legend. It felt like the perfect way to express, “It’s my birthday, and I own it!”

This was one of those moments where creativity and nostalgia came together, making the shoot even more special.