As a mom, one of the most precious milestones is watching your child turn another year older. This year, Liam turned 3, and I wanted to celebrate by capturing the joy and love of our little family with a DIY portrait session. With a simple white backdrop, a number “3” balloon, our Nikon Z6 camera, and plenty of teamwork, we created memories I’ll cherish forever.
The Vision for Liam’s Birthday Photos
As Liam approached his third birthday, I realized how much he had grown, and I didn’t want to miss the chance to freeze this moment. The idea for the session was simple—create a relaxed, fun atmosphere with a white backdrop, let Liam be his joyful self, and highlight his milestone with a number “3” balloon.
The Setup: Simple Yet Special
We set up the shoot in my cloffice with our flash connected to the camera. The white backdrop kept the focus on Liam and added a clean, timeless feel to the photos. I wanted to keep the setup simple but polished, so we utilized our studio lights and created magic.
The Equipment: Nikon Z6 and DIY Magic
We used our Nikon Z6, which is perfect for capturing both portraits and candid moments. Since it was a DIY shoot, my husband and I took turns directing the session and snapping photos. We made sure to capture Liam alone with the balloon, as well as some fun family shots. It was relaxed and creative, and the best part was watching Liam giggle with every photo and just have fun!
Capturing the Moment: Letting Liam Be Himself
The best moments were the unplanned ones. Liam’s excitement was contagious, and his curiosity about the balloon led to some adorable shots. Whether he was holding the “3” balloon or simply being his energetic self, those candid moments were what truly captured his spirit at this age.
Editing the Photos: Bringing the Story to Life
Once the photos were taken, I edited them myself using Lightroom, adding just enough warmth and contrast to make Liam’s smile pop. I kept the editing simple to preserve the natural feel of the shoot. After a few adjustments, the photos were ready to be shared here on this blogpost.
Why DIY Was the Right Choice
These DIY portraits are more than just pictures; they’re a tangible reminder of how quickly time passes and how much joy Liam brings into our lives.
Final Thoughts: A Birthday to Remember
Liam’s third birthday was filled with love and laughter, and I’m so grateful we captured it in such a personal way. Every time I look at these photos, I’ll remember the happiness in his face and the wonderful moments we shared.
Happy 3rd birthday, Liam! We love you beyond words, and these photos will always remind us of the joy you bring to our lives every day.
See the photos below we captured below for some inspiration! Here's also a list of things I used for this shoot if you are interested in the links for this post.
Birthday Decorations:
bear balloon | blue, beige, and white balloon set | number 3 happy birthday balloon set
Liam's Outfit:
