Celebrating Loyalty & Light: Aaliyah’s 20th Birthday Studio Session in Albuquerque

There’s something incredibly special about watching someone grow—not just in age, but in confidence, style, and the trust they place in you as their photographer. Aaliyah is one of those clients who I’ve had the absolute honor of working with over the years. What began as a high school senior session at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens has blossomed into a beautiful creative journey filled with unforgettable milestones.

Most people book one senior photo session… maybe two. But Aaliyah? She went above and beyond. After our first session at the gardens, she booked a second senior shoot in the snow-covered mountains—something rare, daring, and completely breathtaking. And before graduation day even arrived, she locked in a third session featuring her cap and gown. Not long after, I had the privilege of capturing her graduation party, filled with laughter, love, and celebration.

Now, two years later, Aaliyah came back once again—this time to celebrate her 20th birthday with a stunning studio photoshoot in Albuquerque. The trust she’s shown me over the years is something I don’t take lightly, and I knew this birthday session had to be extra special.

We transformed the studio into a space full of light, elegance, and meaning. We captured her glow against a clean white backdrop with a custom spotlight setup, got timeless portraits with black backgrounds and roses, and celebrated the occasion with vibrant birthday props—balloons, cake, candles, and all! Every lighting setup, every click of the shutter, was tailored to showcase her growth and style.

Sessions like this are a reminder of why I do what I do. I don’t just photograph people—I build relationships. And when a client like Aaliyah continues to come back year after year, it’s the highest compliment I could ever receive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to celebrate a birthday, graduation, or any moment that matters, just know: I’ve got you. Whether it’s your first session or your fifth, I bring the same energy, creativity, and care to every shoot. And if you’ve been thinking of doing a birthday photo session in Albuquerque, let Aaliyah’s journey be your sign. Let’s create something meaningful together.