Portrait & Headshot Photographer • Plymouth, New Hampshire

A Wonderful Birthday Tradition

David is 18! Sometimes, I can’t believe my luck that I get to be his mother. I might be a bit biased, but he is the greatest kid in the world. (Though what I usually say to him–when no one else is home–is that he’s probably the best kid in the whole house!) Today, he turned eighteen. I’m in shock at how fast this happened. But we have a wonderful birthday tradition. Each year I make portraits of him to celebrate his milestone. It’s a creative collaboration.

Black and white portrait of David at 18
Portrait of David at 18, seated, wearing a cap, looking away from the camera
Black and white portrait of David, seated, wearing a cap

For his portraits to celebrate turning 18, he described the look he wanted: a mix of serious, fun, quirky, and fashion inspired. He decided to wear his new vest, along with a couple of different caps. We put on his choice of music (Beatles) and he played air guitar!

Two portraits of David playing "air guitar"
Portrait of David with a jacket flying over his shoulder
A joyful portrait of David with his hair flying

David looked different last year, and he will look different next year. These portraits mark this stage in his life. It’s one way we mark ours, too.