Doing this 40th birthday photo shoot with style was about honoring the Nigerian lady’s achievements, individuality, and journey from climbing the career ladder to raising three beautiful children. It’s about embracing the beauty of aging and celebrating every moment with grace, poise, and, of course, a touch of glamour.
(Re)Meet Ugochi and Co.!
I’m thrilled to (re)introduce a phenomenal woman to you, Ugochi. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children. My long-time readers will recognize her, as I started working with her in 2013, over a decade ago. These two photos are prominent in my engagement portfolio, which I did before their massive Nigerian wedding in 2014.
Our next creative encounter — and oh, so fashionable at it — happened in 2018 during ZORPHOTOUR, my cross-country photo tour that I pulled off on an RV. Ugochi and Nnamdi were among the clients whom I photographed along the 10,700 miles across 31 states. You can already see how stylish and self-expressive she is, can’t you?
Next came her husband’s turn. The following year, in 2019, I traveled to them for Nnamdi’s spotlight. We also took some photos with one of their little ones. That trip was part of an insanely packed week between NYC, DC, Philly, and Bal Harbour, FL, which I documented in this short behind-the-scenes video.
As this black American woman’s 40th birthday approaches, it marks the passage of time and the accumulation of a hardworking, successful career and the joys of motherhood. This milestone holds profound significance for a woman who is a fashionista, an accomplished professional, and a loving mother of three. It deserves a celebration that mirrors her sophistication, style, and success.
40th Birthday Photo Shoot
In a society where black women often face unique challenges and where youth often takes center stage, reaching the age of 40 is a testament to resilience, strength, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace. It’s a time to celebrate the number of years lived and the tenacity, determination, and achievements earned along the way.
For the fashion-forward black woman who has curated her wardrobe with care and flair and has balanced the demands of a successful career with the joys of motherhood, marking her birthday with a stylish 40th birthday photo shoot is more than just a whim. It’s a well-deserved affirmation of her multifaceted identity, a declaration of self-expression and confidence. It’s an opportunity to showcase not only her impeccable taste in fashion but also her inner radiance and outer glamour, her inner strength, beauty, and the love she pours into her role as a mother.
I was able to make this 40th birthday photo shoot part of my week-long road trip to DC to visit the Capitol and meet with NY Senator and NY Representative offices. Another crazy trip, another travel journal for you to enjoy!
I brought the studio light equipment with me. We spent 5 hours shooting in her basement, as we couldn’t fit all the fabulous props, accessories, and wardrobes that she so exhaustively prepared, from Naija glam to enchanting tribal to traditional rich. We still had to rush, so I couldn’t develop any set deeply enough. The overall collection is stunning, nonetheless.
Wowing Birthday Party Guests
Sharing these images with her party guests adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the party celebration. It sets the stage for an evening of elegance and glamour, where every detail, from the décor to the attire, reflects the honoree’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her deep love for her family.
In today’s age of social media dominance, the impact of a well-prepared and epic 40th birthday photo shoot extends far beyond the confines of the party venue. It becomes a lasting memory, a legacy that can be cherished and shared with friends, family, and followers alike, inspiring others to embrace their own journey with style, grace, and determination.
All the portraits from this 40th birthday photo shoot will be proudly displayed around the party floor. Imagine the talks, the oohs and aahs!
Thank you, Ugochi, for such a delightful and stylish photo shoot! You rock!
Behind the Scenes
Here’s a quick and partial look at the props that Ugochi prepared for me. And look at that home gym! I told Ugochi I want to come back to shoot Nnamdi working there.
