There’s something magical about turning three


Nina’s third birthday — one of the last children’s birthdays I photographed in my home country — took place in 2018, just before I moved from Brazil to the UK, and It remains one of the most enchanting celebrations I’ve had the joy of capturing.


From the very start, it was clear that the day would be magical. The décor was lovingly DIYed by her family, and the delicious food was also prepared by them. Nina’s happiness and expressions filled every corner of the venue, creating a joyful energy that was contagious. Surrounded by the love of her family and friends, this celebration still radiates warmth.


Every detail felt meaningful — the carefully decorated cake, the colourful balloons, and the spontaneous games that made every kid giggle. As a photographer, I loved seeing how naturally the children expressed themselves and how every small moment tells a story of joy, connection and childhood wonder.


Nina’s birthday perfectly captured the essence of what I strive to preserve in every celebration: the real, heartfelt moments that make memories last a lifetime.


On the day, I captured so many moments that choosing the images after was a challenge — I delivered over 400 photos! For this reason, I’ve split the post into Part 1 and Part 2. As you go through the images, you’ll see what I love most about photographing children’s parties: capturing the kids’ curiosity, laughter way they throw themselves into every moment with complete honesty and joy.


Rather than directing too much, I prefer to step back, observe and follow the little ones as they explore and play. These candid, in-between moments often become the most treasured memories — the moments the family will look back on and talk about for years to come.


At the same time, I also seek opportunities to capture posed shots (which you’ll see more of in Part 2) — the images that will live in albums and frames around the house, becoming cherished keepsakes for the family.


Together, these photographs create more than just a record of the day — they preserve the atmosphere, the emotions, and the pure joy of celebrating childhood. Each smile, laugh, and tiny interaction tells a story that goes far beyond the images themselves, capturing memories that last a lifetime.

A cute orange plush fox toy sits among colorful fruits and vegetables on a brown wooden table.
Colorful French macarons arranged in various blue and orange bowls against a dark background.
Salmon nigiri sushi arranged on white plates with garnishes of orange tobiko and green leaves.
Sweet dessert party display features colorful macarons in green bowl and decorative orange fox figure with fruits.
A series of plush fox toys with white and orange coloring arranged in a row on a wooden surface.
A plate of fresh watermelon cubes garnished with vibrant red flowers and green leaves served as an elegant appetizer.
Colorful macarons arranged on plates with orange, green, and blue cookies displayed on a dark wooden surface.
Decorative orange and green tissue paper craft flowers with cute animal-themed lollipop sticks as party decoration.
Orange and white woodland animal themed party decorations with treats and snacks arranged on a dessert table.
Orange carrot-shaped favor boxes with green paper leaves arranged in a row on a green tabletop at a party.
Collection of colorful desserts and appetizers arranged on a rustic wooden table at a party buffet display.
Small corgi puppy sits attentively on brick floor while looking up at someone out of frame.
A small child in a pink polka dot top poses playfully in a series of close-up shots.
String lights and outdoor lanterns create a warm ambiance on a covered patio during sunset.
Outdoor garden decor setup with hanging orange lanterns and wooden planter boxes along a paved walkway against a grey wall.
Orange picture frames with fox decorations hang among bare tree branches creating a whimsical outdoor display.
Decorative outdoor lanterns with orange candles hanging from bare tree branches against a cloudy sky.
Outdoor event setup with bright orange tablecloths and chairs on a wooden patio in warm evening lighting.
A vibrant orange rose bloom unfolds its delicate petals against a soft white background.
Long table with green tablecloth displays coffee and snacks with black chairs arranged along the sides against a brick wall.
A long buffet table with a green tablecloth displays various dishes and serving platters at a party or gathering.
White stripe pattern being painted with a brush and stencil on a green table next to assorted decorative bowls.
Colorful orchids bloom in a garden with vibrant orange and red petals against a blurred background of green foliage.
Party snacks and cookies arranged on orange plates with orange floral decorations on a green tablecloth.
Homemade coconut macaroons arranged on orange plates at a party table setting with drinks and decorations.
Bowls filled with crispy homemade granola clusters featuring nuts and dried fruits on a green surface.
Creamy pink seafood dip or spread served in a small white ceramic bowl on a bright green surface.
White creamy sauce or dip served in small round bowls on a green surface.
Green plastic bottles filled with yellow lemonade lined up on a counter for serving.
An elegant glass punch bowl with lemon slices and floral garnish sits on a navy floral tablecloth.
White covered outdoor patio area with folding chairs and tables set up for an event.
Colorful orange citrus peels scattered on a dark surface next to wooden boxes used for fruit sorting.
A glass beverage dispenser filled with citrus infused liquid stands on a navy fox-patterned tablecloth.
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Red floral patterned cloth material wrapped around a curved stand on dark surface.
Young children playing with colorful balloons during a festive party with party decor and activity tables.
Decorative fox plush peeking out of terracotta pot with greenery and dried flowers beside paper tags.
A group of people standing in line at a covered outdoor event area with orange tile flooring.
A collage of rustic naked wedding cakes decorated with fresh colorful flowers and simple natural garnishes.
Naked cake decorated with vibrant flowers, macarons and colorful meringues on top in a close-up view.
A naked rustic layer cake decorated with colorful fresh flowers and macarons on top sits on a wooden board.
Seven decorative layer cakes adorned with colorful fresh flowers and berries sit in a row on wooden cake stands.
A series of decorative paper fox masks hung on a brick wall with twine in a festive party display.
A person in a pink dress stands next to a large decorative fox cutout on a terra cotta floor.
Cheerful people of different ages share joyful moments while looking at a photo album together at home.
People gather around tables having conversations and sharing drinks in an informal indoor social setting.
A young child and adult read a picture book together while sitting in a cozy chair.
A series of five sequential photos showing a magic trick being performed with playing cards on an outdoor deck.
Children working together on colorful craft projects at a classroom table during an engaging art activity.
A person plays with a toddler while sitting on a pink chair against a white backdrop.
Reading time with a child in a polka dot dress while someone in striped shirt points to a blue book.
A collection of images showing a modern interior room space with wooden benches and green wall decorations.
Young children play outdoors with colorful hula hoops and physical activity equipment on a sunny day.
People gather around a swimming pool on a covered deck decorated with glowing orange lanterns at an evening event.
Child playing with blue hula hoop on brick pathway in yard while wearing bright pink shirt and white shoes.
A young child in a pink dress plays with colorful books and toys on an activity mat during learning time.
Small children participate in an outdoor Easter egg hunt on a grassy lawn with colorful plastic eggs.
Children in bright clothing search for Easter eggs along a stone pathway during a spring hunt event.
A series of backyard views showing paved walkways, lawn areas, and outdoor living spaces with a simple modern aesthetic.
Two figures playing in a modern backyard space with stone pathways and palm trees near a white building exterior.
Young child playing with colorful hula hoops on a paved patio during outdoor activities.
A child plays with colorful paper airplane toys in an outdoor grassy setting.
Bright colored balloons floating against a white mesh background create a festive party atmosphere indoors.
A sequence of five people sleeping in various poses during a performance piece at an art installation.
Children enjoy crawling under a row of chairs in a creative physical activity game during indoor playtime.
People enjoy turning and spinning while standing on a circular platform inside a colorful tent structure.
A person with long red hair dances energetically with colorful balloons in a white tent-like structure.
A group of connected photos shows someone resting on cushions on the floor wearing denim and blue clothing.
People relax at an outdoor event with orange chairs and palm trees visible in the scene.
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A row of guests gathering around a buffet table at a social event in black and white.
A black and white collage strip showing a child making different expressive faces and poses.
Mother wearing red shirt holds toddler while shopping at store with shopping cart and shelves visible in background.
A child in a pink polka dot dress points excitedly while being held during an outdoor gathering.
A child in a bright pink dress smiles while holding a crumpled brown paper bag.
Close-up sequence showing a toddler in pink clothing breathing into a brown paper bag.
A toddler in a pink shirt playing on a brown tiled floor while an adult watches nearby.
Blurry but colorful motion shot in pink tones showing movement inside what appears to be a home setting.
Two people sit together in loving embrace on a wooden bench outdoors in a series of tender moments.
Two people sitting at a wooden booth hug and laugh together while enjoying a fun moment at a restaurant.
A child in a bright pink polka dot dress sits at a table with an orange tablecloth.
An adult and young child read a picture book together while seated, focused on sharing a story.
Teacher and young student interacting with a tablet device during an educational activity in a classroom setting.
Adult reading a storybook with small child at outdoor restaurant while others sit at orange table nearby.
Parents and child share tender moments and kisses while sitting together on wooden stairs at home.
Child in pink dress playing on trampoline with colorful exercise balls inside covered outdoor space.
A sequence of vibrant, colorful balloons being deflated and popped one by one in an indoor setting.
A child plays with colorful balloons in a white tent at an outdoor party or event.
Children play with colorful balloons during indoor activity with balloon tapping and bouncing exercises in a covered space.
Children playing with colorful plush toys and exercise equipment in an indoor activity space.
Children engaged in movement activities with large plush toys under a covered outdoor area.
Children playing on a trampoline with colorful balloons during an indoor party or activity session.
Colorful inflatable pool toys and floats laid out on a covered patio area with filtered sunlight coming through.
Close-up view of colorful sneakers and sandals arranged in a row against a light background.
Kids enjoying playtime with oversized soft toys and balloons in a bright covered space.
Colorful oversized balloons arranged under a white canopy tent create a festive outdoor display.
A group of kids take part in an active yoga exercise class doing stretches on colorful mats in a covered space.
Team members roll across an exercise floor with large colorful stability balls during a group fitness activity.
Children in colorful clothing play with large red and orange exercise balls in an indoor activity space.
Children playing with colorful balloons and toys during activities session with curved line showing sequence of moments.
Children playing and having fun with colorful ribbons and balloons during an engaging indoor activity.
Children holding colorful hula hoops participate in a recreational activity class in a bright indoor space.
Children crawl under colorful balloon arches during an indoor party activity.
People exercising and stretching using colorful exercise stability balls in a fitness studio.
Young children playing with balloons during a fun indoor party celebration.
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A person performing ground exercises using resistance bands in a fitness studio.
Three exercise fitness balls in different sizes lined up next to each other against a white wall.
A series of candid black and white photos showing a casual indoor gathering or event.
A collection of casual outdoor group photos showing people enjoying time together.
A happy couple laughs and embraces while spending time together outdoors.
A collection of five black and white photographs showing affectionate family moments and tender kisses.
A person shares an intimate kiss with their dog, showing a sweet moment of affection between pet and owner.
Black and white collage showing tender family moments and interactions between adults and children in various settings.
A series of black and white romantic photographs showing tender moments between a couple on a bright sunny day.

Every birthday has its own rhythm and style, and my role is to focus on the small details that tell a bigger story:


  • the sparkle in a child’s eyes as they play with their friends and eagerly await their presents,
  • the little hands reaching for balloons,
  • the thoughtful touches in the décor that make the day special,
  • the cuddles shared with close family members.


I hope you’ve enjoyed these photos from Nina’s birthday (part one) — and that you could feel the laughter, joy and little moments that made the day so special. More from Nina’s party — coming soon!


If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your child’s party, I’d be delighted to help. Based in Wimbledon, I cover South West London and can travel across the city to capture your celebration. Every party has its own magic, and through my photography, I aim to turn those fleeting moments into memories that will last a lifetime.