Downtown Salt Lake City Birthday Photoshoot | Bold & Baddie 32nd Birthday Portraits
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 4 MINUTES
When one of your best friends turns 32 and says, “I want to feel like a baddie for my birthday,” you don’t just show up with a camera, you plan a whole editorial-inspired adventure.
Angie and I go way back, and if there’s one thing I’ve always admired, it’s her fearless self-expression. Her bangs? Iconic. Her sunglasses? Legendary. Her willingness to “do it for the gram”? Absolutely unmatched.
So, when she asked me to capture her 32nd birthday portraits, I knew this shoot had to be more than just pretty pictures. It had to be bold. It had to be fierce. And it had to scream main character energy.
Why Downtown SLC Was the Perfect Backdrop
Downtown has that gritty-meets-glam vibe that’s perfect for editorial portraits. Think graffiti walls, brick textures, reflective glass, and those random little corners that turn into unexpected magic.
Angie wanted portraits that felt alive, full of confidence, and dripping with attitude. The city gave us all of that, plus the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fashion spread. As a Utah portrait photographer, I love any time I get to step into the city for a session.
Portrait Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Birthday Baddie Fierce Streetwear Look
Every baddie photoshoot needs killer outfits, and Angie did not disappoint. For her downtown set, she pulled together a street-style editorial vibe that was bold and playful all at once:
Baggy cargo pants → effortless cool
Doc Martens → the ultimate baddie staple
Scarf-as-a-top → stylish, unexpected, and daring
Oversized long jacket → drama in every step
Signature sunglasses → because Angie is never without them
And the props? Chef’s kiss. She brought a hand fan for dramatic flair, candles and a lighter we used as a fake cigarette, and, of course, a white cake topped with gold “3” and “2” candles. It was peak baddie birthday photoshoot energy.
Striking Poses & Big Main Character Energy
If there’s one thing Angie knows how to do, it’s own the frame. She threw on her jacket like she was walking a runway, posed with her fan like she was the queen of the city, and even made the faux-cigarette shot look effortlessly chic. The vibe was equal parts fierce and playful. She leaned into every bold pose, but we also shared plenty of laughs in between.
FUN FACT: Angie is an author and you can check out her books on her website. Support your local indie authors!
Why We Used Flash in the Middle of the Day
Angie had seen some of my recent direct-flash work and was obsessed with the look. Flash in broad daylight might sound wild, but it gave us the glossy, edgy aesthetic we were chasing.
The results? Photos that felt fashion-magazine-worthy. Bold shadows, strong highlights, and a little grunge that perfectly matched the downtown vibe.
The Realities of Urban Shoots
Urban shoots always come with surprises, and this one was no exception. Between dodging intense sun, laughing about some… less-than-pleasant alley smells, and avoiding questionable sections of the sidewalk, it was peak downtown chaos.
But honestly? That’s part of the magic. The unpredictability forces you to adapt, and it always makes for the best behind-the-scenes stories. Angie rolled with it like a pro, and the little hiccups only made the day more fun.
The Editing Process
Shooting in a city means dealing with distractions like trash, uneven light, and random window smudges. In post-production, I polished everything up so Angie remained the star of the show.
The best part? Leaning fully into that direct-flash, high-fashion look. The final gallery feels bold, confident, and unapologetically her.
More Than a Birthday Photoshoot
Looking back, this downtown Salt Lake City birthday photoshoot wasn’t just about turning 32. It was about celebrating who Angie is: fearless, stylish, and fully herself.
The city gave us a killer stage, but Angie was the star for these special moments. She didn’t just show up for photos, she showed up to create art. And that’s exactly what we did.
Ready for Your Own Baddie Birthday Photoshoot?
If you’re ready to celebrate yourself with a portrait photography session that is bold, editorial, and so you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s your birthday, a milestone, or just because you’re feeling yourself, you deserve to look and feel like the main character, so contact me today!
Let’s plan your dream birthday portrait photoshoot! Don’t wait, message me to capture these beautiful memories of your life.
