Indie’s “Take 5!” Old Hollywood Birthday Shoot with The Deerwood Co!

The fifth and (potentially??) final year of milestone birthday portraits is upon us and I cannot believe that I actually have a five year old kid! As always, I turned to Jess of The Deerwood Co. to churn out a fantastic set to make my vision come to life – and this time, she did that… times three! Read on for a few quick details about our shoot, and then I promise I’ll get to the good stuff – a gallery full of inspo for a ‘TAKE FIVE!’ Old Hollywood Directorial Themed Photoshoot!

Initially, I was torn between two versions of this theme – the starlet on the red carpet, or the director herself! Jess being Jess, she thought we should do them both! So I found a gorgeous glitzy (but still neutral and not overly flashy) red carpet style gown from Joyfolie. It was on super sale, too. Bonus! I thought it would be great for Indie to have and keep if we ever have to go to a wedding or big event. I sized up, so it should fit her for quite a while.

Every year since her third, we’ve photographed her Esophageal Atresia repair scars, which are located on her right side/back. I mention it every year, but I wish I started this from her first birthday. I’m totally kicking myself that I didn’t, but moving forward, we’ll be sure to do it every year (even if we don’t do an elaborate milestone “shoot” – I feel so fortunate in my ability to photograph as well as my pro quality equipment, that I’ll be able to document these scars at least adequately enough!) Nothing compares to how beautifully Jess does it, though, and this year she thought we should do it by adding in an entire third set. (Totally reasonable.) This set was the starlet in her dressing room getting ready. We draped her silk robe down for a few stunning shots to reveal the part of her story her fans might not see when she gets out into the limelight. They turned out incredible. The moody, vintage-inspired edit makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

We ended with our super fun director look – complete with a newsboy style cap, a clapperboard and some popcorn! This was the most obvious, straightforward iteration of the party theme and I’m really glad we did this. Done on the simple white backdrop, I love that it looks the most like a “studio” shot without actually looking like a cheesy studio shot. Jess has this magical way about her.

I already can’t wait to start thinking of themes for Stevie’s third birthday, just so I can watch this photographer make magic again. I could go on and on, but I’ll let you see the magic for yourself. Happy fifth birthday to this little light in my life. She is strong, funny, beautiful and brave. She is really an incredible little human being, and I am so proud to call her my daughter.