12 Creative 36th Birthday Photoshoot Ideas

Looking for memorable 36th birthday photoshoot ideas? We get it. Every new year is an invitation to celebrate, and a great opportunity to forge new memories with friends and family. The older we get the harder it is to amuse ourselves, so we have to get creative, and a photoshoot is the perfect opportunity to expend some creative energy. Having trouble coming up with some photoshoot ideas? No problem. We’ve thrown together 12 creative 36th birthday photoshoot ideas to make this year’s celebration count.

Oftentimes it’s easiest to host a birthday photoshoot alongside a party, rather than hosting two separate events. To facilitate both without having to compromise, you’ll want to select a venue for your party/shoot that caters to both. That’s where Peerspace comes in. Peerspace is the world’s largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, featuring a wide spectrum of different properties that are outfitted for a range of purposes and to host a variety of events. Each listing includes photographs of the location alongside real rental reviews, so you know exactly what you’re in for before you decide to book. But for now, let’s get into the birthday shoot ideas.

1. Getting down with Da Vinci

To start off our list, we’re going with a really refined and classy banger. If you’re a fan of art and parties, you’ll enjoy this combination of the two. For this shoot, you’ll need to rent a gallery space and invite all your friends in their finest attire. However, make sure everyone is careful around the art, as you’ll probably want to avoid accidents. In Honolulu? You’ll want to consider this art-filled event space that’s just oozing with class.

2. Drinks, anyone?

No, this photoshoot idea is not just an excuse to get drunk with your buddies – it’s a bit classier than that. For this shoot, we’re recommending you rent an industrial space with factory windows overlooking the city. Bring a bar cart and maybe a stereo system, and you’ll be drinking in style in no time. If you’re in NYC, you’ll want to check out this industrial loft with a splash of greenery.

3. Praise dog

Whether or not you’re a Catholic, you may want to consider celebrating with a St. Francis Day-esque photoshoot if you and your friends have pets. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals, and it’s customary in the Catholic tradition to bless animals. Quite the spectacle, this shoot practically turns churches into zoos. Fun and playful, it’s one of our preferred 36th birthday photoshoot ideas. Need a rentable church in Boston? Take a gander at this historical beauty. 

4. Penthouse panini

Who doesn’t love penthouses and sandwiches? For this shoot, we’re taking you above the skyline to celebrate your 36th with a panini press. It’s exactly what you think it is. Equal parts classy and humorous, this shoot is bound to make your friends smile. Need a panini penthouse in Los Angeles? This gorgeous loft is readily available.

5. Garden in the skies

Aerial gardens are quite striking and provide an ideal setting for a party. The fabulous view of the city paired with lush greenery makes these environments especially enjoyable. That’s precisely why it makes our list of top 36th birthday photoshoot ideas. If you’re in Nashville and need an outdoor urban garden, we recommend looking into this lush and luxurious rooftop retreat.

6. Derelict delights

Continuing our theme of urban environments, this shoot takes you into the post-apocalyptic realm of abandoned industrial zones. Crumbling facades and eerily empty interiors provide for quite the photoshoot setting and present a stunning backdrop. Is the end of society worthy of celebration? We’re not sure – you tell us once you’ve pulled this shoot off. In Chicago? Check out this entirely safe and maintained derelict structure that’s available to rent.

7. Fisherman’s friend

For the aquatically inclined, a shoot on the water could be the ticket. Take your 36th birthday photoshoot ideas out on the lake with this fishing-centered shoot. Grab a rod, some fishing line, some bait, and your camera, and you’ll be ready to snap some fresh pics. Who knows? You may even end up with a free meal. This lakeside property in Tampa seems to be the perfect environment for just such a shoot.

8. Villa supreme

Some people believe that the ticket to making your dreams come true is by manifesting them into reality. Why not give it a shot? It couldn’t hurt. For the aspiring millionaire, a villa may be the pinnacle of success. This shoot takes you into the rural countryside of your fantasy, where you can enjoy the mansion lifestyle for a day. Need a villa in San Diego? Look no further than this classic Italian gem on a hillside.

9. Money, money, money!

Speaking of aspirational, this shoot takes you into the world of dollars and cents with a money-themed shoot. While tacky to some, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. There are plenty of tasteful ways to use money to create a stimulating and intriguing visual for your shoot. Case and point, this photogenic money wall in Dallas.

10. To infinity and Beyonce?

How to incorporate your love of space travel and music into one party/photoshoot? Well, this is one of our more creative 36th birthday photoshoot ideas. For this one, we’re encouraging you to host a space-themed party, complete with alien customs and astronauts. Tell all your guests to dress as their favorite space-related character. Bump some tunes, and you’ll be good to go. Need a futuristic setting in Houston? Take a gander at this multiple-set venue with a sick space-age backdrop.

11. Hard rock soiree

This is for the outdoorsy folks out there. We’re suggesting you embrace your love of exercise and the outdoors and incorporate your favorite activity into a photoshoot. You’ll either need an outdoor hiking location or some kind of indoor rock wall – either should work, and both are fun. Just make sure you invite the right friends. If you enjoy rock climbing and are in Cleveland, we suggest this rental rock wall that’s fully equipped for your shoot.

12. Burlesque-etball

While the title may allude to sports, the recommended theme does not – we just thought it would be a fun title. Regardless, a burlesque shoot is not a shabby idea. Theatrical and fun, the costumery and pageantry of burlesque will put a smile on your face and will make for a fabulous photoshoot experience. If you’re looking for a burlesque parlor in Las Vegas, you’ve got the cream of the crop at your fingertips with this dim and moody backlot lair.

Have your own ideas for a possible shoot? That’s wonderful. We urge you to check out the tons of other fab venues on Peerspace to find your ideal shoot location.

Find unique photoshoot locations on Peerspace