13 Creative 21st Birthday Photoshoot Ideas

On the lookout for truly creative 21st birthday photoshoot ideas? We’re with you! After all, your 21st birthday is one of the most special days in your life. Some people consider it the last big milestone birthday before you hit your 30s. For such a special occasion, you need more than just an ordinary party. You need a special photoshoot to immortalize the occasion.

And if you’re looking for a little inspo for your 21st birthday photoshoot, Peerspace has you covered. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we offer you access to thousands of creative spaces across North America and beyond, including plenty of stylish photoshoot locations. Our extensive venue library ranges from professional photography studios to mansions, warehouses, and everything in between! Here are some creative ideas for 21st birthday pics you’ll treasure forever. 

1. Transform yourself into a living doll at this pink palace

No matter how old you get, you’re never too old for a pop of pink. Why not make yourself feel like a princess on your 21st birthday with a glitzy pink-inspired photoshoot? Doll yourself up with your favorite bombshell hair, makeup, and outfits. Then head to an adorable pink venue, like this lifesize pink dollhouse in Arlington, TX.

The Dallas Dollhaus vintage glam fantasyland is an adorable venue that has several gorgeous rooms, all bursting with amazing pink decor. It’s sure to make your 21st birthday pics pop.

But don’t just take our word for it. Like most Peerspace venues, you can read reviews from genuine past renters before booking to see if it will live up to your expectations. “Rachel and the Dallas Dollhaus were absolutely FABULOUS!!! Rachel was an amazing, helpful, responsive host. And the space? MORE than what we could’ve asked for! I can’t wait to share the content we shot. 10/10 recommend !!!”

Loving the pink life? Then let our 11 pink photoshoot ideas inspire you further!

2. Become a pastel princess in a magical doll house 

Want to keep the magical princess vibes going? This adorable pastel apartment combines the best of innocent and edgy decor. With an adorable combination of playful and grown-up design choices, it’s the perfect spot for an adorable 21st birthday photoshoot. Besides all of the adorable knickknacks, the home offers tons of natural light and a fully-functional themed kitchen.

A photographer who booked this sweet pastel space shared the following review: “One of the best designed spaces I’ve been to in Los Angeles. Multiple options and great attention to detail, down to the props inside. My team and I had a blast in this space. HIGHLY recommend!”

3. Show off your fierceness in an urban jungle oasis 

Want something more dark and sultry for your birthday photoshoot? Then try incorporating some lush plants into the mix for an all-natural look. You don’t have to leave the city to capture lush vibes, either. This lush apartment in Vancouver, BC, will make you feel like you’re having a birthday photoshoot in a tropical rainforest. In fact, the loft boasts nearly 200 plants and a stunning “jungle industrial” theme that the camera is sure to love.

A photographer who booked this venue for a shoot shared the following Peerspace review: “My second time here and I love this place even more. Totally a different experiment altogether. Will keep coming back again and again. Exceptionally stunning. Thanks Glenn 😊” Check it out for yourself on Peerspace.

Planning an epic celebration for this age milestone? We hope so! Check out these unique 21st birthday ideas to score some free inspiration!

4. Glow like a goddess in a one-of-a-kind NYC loft 

Glow-in-the-dark elements are an awesome way to light up your birthday photoshoot. If you’re looking for the mother of all light-up props, this beautiful photo studio in Long Island City, NYC has you covered. The studio is also home to a round wooden window that lights up in the dark. Imagine how adorable you’d look posed in front of this with some “21” balloons! Make it happen by booking the studio on Peerspace today. 

A content creator who booked this adorable studio shared the following Peerspace review. “The space was cute, looked just like the pictures and had good lighting. Worked great for what I needed. No difficulties finding it and the front desk person was helpful. I would book again!”

5. Drape over an elegant staircase at a French chateau 

Want to make a grand entry on your birthday photoshoot? Then snapping pics on a grand staircase is definitely the way to go. This classic French chateau boasts a stunning spiral staircase that’s sure to make your photos pop. Located in Los Angeles, the house has been the filming site of major movies and Hollywood photoshoots. You can add your name to the roster when you book it for your birthday photoshoot on Peerspace. 

This venue also has hundreds of rave reviews on Peerspace! Here is just one as an example. “Loved this space! This was my first time shooting at The Kingsley House and it’s a hidden gem in L.A. If you’re looking for a classy vintage backdrop for your photo shoot or production, this is the place. The hosts Max and Molly are friendly an accommodating. Definitely plan on booking again.”

Love this theme? Then incorporate it into your birthday party, too, with our 11 chic Parisian theme party ideas!

6. Pick your backdrop at a colorful eclectic studio in Austin

Colorful backdrops are one of the best ways to light up your birthday photos! But why settle on just one color? This one-of-a-kind colorful and eclectic studio in Austin, TX is perfect for any aspiring influencer’s birthday photoshoot. There are multiple indoor and outdoor sets complete with unique backdrops and props for your photos. Check some of them out on the studio’s Peerspace listing. 

A photographer who booked this studio for a shoot shares: “Beautiful space! Perfect for any type of photoshoot, there are so many background options and it truly is a beautiful space. Janet is very good about communication and is super sweet! 100/10 recommend and will be coming back.”

Get inspired by reading our 11 funky boho photoshoot ideas, too!

7. Luxuriate in a one-of-a-kind bathtub and create stunning snaps along the way

Bathtub pics are a favorite of celebs and influencers. So why not dip your toes into bathtub photography on your 21st birthday? However, if you don’t have access to a photogenic bathtub at home, don’t worry. Venues like this industrial, modern, luxury rooftop loft in West New York, NJ can help you out. The gorgeous space also has tons of other moody, exotic spaces to pose throughout its 3,000 square feet. Get your imagination flowing by checking out all the options on Peerspace. 

According to a Peerspace reviewer who booked this urban oasis: “This location was incredible, a beautiful space, very well decorated and perfect for the style we were after for this shoot. Julian was a great host, extremely helpful, efficiently answering any question or need we had, and very kind throughout the whole shoot. I would book this location again without any hesitation!”

Make the most of every moment in this stunning space by utilizing our 10 cool bathtub photoshoot ideas!

8. Explore the dreamy gardens at a beachfront cottage

Looking for a gorgeous outdoor setting to serve as the backdrop to your 21st birthday photoshoot? Then this beachfront oasis with European-style gardens in Toronto is the epitome of whimsical. It’s a multi-level backyard oasis with lush greenery, an array of vibrant flowers, and plenty of adorable nooks and crannies to explore. The backyard provides unobstructed views of Lake Ontario and direct beach access, in case it’s warm enough to host a beach birthday party after your shoot.

You’ll also look like you’ve escaped to a secret garden in your birthday photoshoot! See more photos of the adorable space on Peerspace. 

Are you a T-Town local? Then you need to see these cool fashion photoshoot ideas in Toronto!

9. Pop a bottle of bubbly at a private bar 

At 21, the world of bars is finally at your disposal. So why not celebrate the occasion with a photoshoot at a bar? This urban industrial bar in LA has a gorgeous aesthetic that’s sure to make your photos pop. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also double your birthday photoshoot and birthday party here! It’s a super fun way to celebrate your big day that’s possible thanks to Peerspace. 

This bar is popular with the Peerspace community, even for video shoots! “We had a great host, and really enjoyed shooting there, great lighting, plenty of space, a cool and swank eatery, definetly gave us good production value on our film production.”

More of a speakeasy kind of person? Then our 14 epic roaring 20s party ideas blog has plenty of venue inspo for your shoot and birthday party!

10. Make a sensational splash at a multi-set photo studio

Want to celebrate the good life in your pics? Then head to this multi-set photo studio in Sydney, Australia. For one price, you can enjoy four different sets, including the zen bathhouse and pool in the photo above. There are other neutral sets with beautiful styling inspired by Morocco and Santorini. You really can see the world when you use Peerspace to book spaces for your 21st birthday photoshoot ideas! Not only is this private space super scenic, but it’s also an excellent spot to show off any cute swimwear for your birthday.

“We shot our ecom here and it was great! So many amazing facilities and well equipped,” shares a designer in their Peerspace review of this Sydney studio. “It was a gloomy day but the lighting was still decent inside. We got a lot of great content here and would 100% book again!”

11. Dazzle your followers with a studio bathed in neon lights

Neon lights are an excellent way to draw the eye in your birthday photoshoot. In fact, when you use neon signage or lights, it adds an ethereal glow. If you don’t have any neon at home, keep an eye out for venues that incorporate neon lights into their decor, like this 80s-inspired studio in LA.

You can follow the lead of Peerspace reviewer Brittany H, who “Had the best experience for [their] birthday photoshoot here.” The studio’s adorable pink aesthetic and dreamy neon wall signs are the perfect way to add an ethereal touch to your birthday pics. Make it yours by booking on Peerspace. 

This is another fabulous idea that you can incorporate into your birthday party! Do so by checking out our 13 funky glow party ideas here.

12. Celebrate your sizzle in an oceanside condo

We love any 21st birthday photoshoot ideas that get you close to the water. And this lux bohemian beach view condo in Gulf Shores, AL is a truly gorgeous way of doing so. This Fort Morgan condo is decked out with colorful wallpaper, neon signage, and adorable furnishings, making it the perfect content house for some birthday pics. And of course, you can take photos outside on its beautiful private balcony, overlooking the sandy beach below.

13. Make everyone swoon when you shoot at a Palm Springs poolside retreat

A we’ve mentioned, 21st birthday photoshoot ideas don’t just have to be a chance to create treasured mementos (though they should do that, too!). It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate your 21st birthday in style. And if it’s high style you want, then this mid-century modern designer gem in Palm Springs, CA is sure to delight!

It is a nearly 2,500-square-foot home set on the grounds of Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Along with stylish golf course views, you can also enjoy mountain views as you splash around in the huge crystal clear pool. Inside the home, you can enjoy an airy, modern space with pops of color and plenty of photoshoot-worthy backdrops. Since this home is available as an event space on Peerspace, that means you can book it for your shoot and for your birthday party once your photo sesh wraps.

21st birthday photoshoot ideas are better with Peerspace

We hope these ideas have inspired a surge of creativity and a sense of excitement! However, these are only a handful of the best 21st birthday photoshoot ideas! To find even more stunning spaces to celebrate your birthday and your marvelous taste, check out Peerspace today.

And because it’s never too early to start planning your next birthday, we have 11 fun, creative 22nd birthday photoshoot ideas here!

Find unique birthday photoshoot ideas on Peerspace