11 Sick 23rd Birthday Photoshoot Ideas (2025)

If you’re not already thinking about hosting a party along with your photoshoot, these sick 23rd birthday photoshoot ideas that we’ve compiled for you are guaranteed to make your birthday into a party, whether or not you were planning on it. Why let 21st birthdays have all the fun? Each year is yours to make what you will of it, and a terrific way to start that year off is with a themed photoshoot on your birthday.

Planning a party and/or a photoshoot for this 23rd? A location can make or break a party and is often just as important to a photoshoot as your theme. Thankfully, Peerspace is here to help you find the rental location that best suits your needs. Peerspace is the world’s largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and boasts tons of great locations. With high-quality photographs and reviews from actual renters, you’ll be able to know exactly what you’re getting into when you book through Peerspace.

We’ll share a few awesome Peerspace venue examples ahead alongside our sick 23rd birthday photoshoot ideas!

1. Dress the part of a 21st-century Flaneur at a luxurious speakeasy lounge

Are you a lofty and sophisticated aspiring artist? Too cool for school? If that’s you, then we encourage you to show off your boho side with a Flaneur-themed photoshoot in a hip and trendy cafe setting. All the French intellectuals at the turn of the 20th century prided themselves on their keen awareness of aesthetics and philosophy. There are no better 23rd birthday photoshoot ideas for showing off those qualities in yourself than by arranging a photoshoot in the distinguished interior of a wood-paneled bar or cafe.

If you’re in the New York City, NY area, then you definitely have to check out this ideal Flaneur lounge and cafe for rent in Midtown East. It’s a trendy and moody space with customizable lighting and drinks, which sounds like a marvelous birthday menu to us.

Sounds like you can even throw an amazing birthday party here to coincide with your shoot! Here’s what a Peerspace reviewer shared when they did just that: “I booked the space for a private birthday celebration and it was amazing. Hudson, Yuki and team were wonderful and very professional. Not only they were responsive and helpful, but they were on top of everything, and made sure things ran smoothly. Everything about this place and people exceeded my expectations.”

2. Show off your club royalty status at a blackout photo and video studio

Your early twenties are a time in your life when it’s worth living large and moving fast. If you’re a monster at the club, then this theme is for you. You’ll need a dark background and some neon bulbs or blacklights. Don’t forget to throw on your best clubbing outfit and smile for the camera.

Los Angelenos will want to check out this blackout studio with an RGB Astera LED light wall that makes for an authentic club background. It boasts professional equipment, a glossy black concrete floor, color-changing lights, and a vanity area for hair and makeup.

This is one of those Peerspace studios that has hundreds of rave reviews, with past renters referring to it as: “Looked great on camera. Lots of light options” and “So good, I booked twice”.

3. Riff on retro in a sun-drenched 1950s-themed diner

Some of us just feel like we were born in the wrong era and that we missed out on a life that was meant to be ours. Well, you don’t actually have to miss out. If you feel spiritually connected with the 1950s, you can certainly re-live your great-grandma’s past with a retro-styled photoshoot for your 23rd.

Craving that atomic age vibe in LA? Check out this genuine 1950s retro dinner that’s also a photoshoot venue. It’s about as close to a time machine as you’ll get! This diner boasts neon signs, vinyl seating, and a kitchen set.

Peerspace reviewers refer to it as: “Wow 🤩 so much more than expected! Highly recommend!” and “Amazing! Exactly as advertised!”

Check out more retro photoshoot ideas and venues for every era here!

4. Enjoy a climber’s cornucopia at Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym

Never thought we’d see the day that “hittin’ the gym” would be replaced by “hittin’ the wall”. But here we are in the future, and indoor rock climbing is more popular than ever. If you’re a cliff junkie, you’ve got to try out this sick 23rd birthday photoshoot idea for yourself. Grab some friends, hit the wall, and memorialize one of your favorite pastimes.

For all the Cleveland, OH climbers out there, you should definitely take a gander at this one-of-a-kind rock wall and gym that you can rent by the hour. It includes the use of a rock climbing wall as well as a weight room. With space for up to 99 guests, you can also invite your closest friends and family along for the ride.

A photographer who booked a shoot here shared the following Peerspace review: “Great facility! Clean and the staff was very accommodating! The feedback from the owner was prompt and courteous. A great experience, all the way around.”

5. Plan a fictional character recreation at this multi-set vintage-inspired studio

We all know the Harry Potter buffs out there are chomping at the bit to get into a Harry Potter-themed shoot. The same goes for fans of the Marvel Universe and those devotees of A Series Of Unfortunate Events. Pick your nostalgic poison and dress up as your favorite character(s) for this sick 23rd birthday photoshoot idea.

In the Toronto, ON area? If you’re a fan of the darkly humorous exploits in A Series Of Unfortunate Events, then you’ll love this magically real and stylish photo studio. It comprises five sets with vintage furniture and props, ideal for some cosplay photos.

“The space was an absolute dream to shoot in and was very spacious and clean,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “Trevor gave direct instructions that were easy to follow and access to the studio was easy peasy. Would love to shoot here again :)”

6. Explore an architect’s paean by way of a modern industrial loft

Whether inside or outside, it doesn’t matter – we love buildings. For the fans of architecture and structural design, 23rd birthday photoshoot ideas like this are right up your alley (or on either side of your alley). Pick a design style, grab your camera, head to a location, and do your best impression of rebar while you pose in front of your favorite designs.

For fans of brutalism/minimalism in Miami, FL, this huge and modern concrete loft is the space for you. If you would like to rent the loft for the day, let the host know, and they’ll send you a custom quote. Time to start planning an epic 23rd in Miami!

This Peerspace reviewer definitely enjoyed their time here: “Darren was such a great and responsive host! The space was beautiful and super clean. This is now my fav place to create content for my social media platforms as an upcoming influencer. I highly recommend this beautiful space to everyone and I’m definitely looking forward to booking again!”

7. Opt for classic portraiture at this incredible creative studio

This sick 23rd birthday photoshoot idea is for 23-year-olds who are feeling older than their years. Nothing is as dignified and timeless as a classic portrait, and with the right lighting, you can capture your best features. You can also use your birthday portrait for your LinkedIn profile or as a headshot for casting directors.

You’ll want a classic photo studio, and if you’re in the Dallas area, you should definitely check out this fully equipped and professional studio in Addison, TX. You can use the all-white cyc wall, the green screen wall, and the black wall as professional backdrops.

8. Living the high life at a daylight studio with a private rooftop

What better way to elevate your 23rd birthday than by taking it to extreme heights with your photoshoot. And no, we’re not suggesting that you jump off a plane or stare down a cliff – although you’re certainly welcome to do so. However, we are suggesting you grab a camera and head to a loft overlooking your nearest city. Nothing says class and elegance like the backdrop of a metropolitan expanse.

In Chicago? This stylish and accessible daylight photo studio on the Lower West Side gives you a beautiful, fresh studio space indoors and, for an additional fee, a full view of Chicago’s famous skyline from its private rooftop outdoors.

It also has lots of five-star reviews from past renters, like this one: “A great, diverse spot, perfect for headshots! The access to the roof for some great skyline pictures was perfect as well. Instructions were clear and easy to understand on how to get in as well. Thank you!”

9. Let’s go gospel at this historic church

While not everyone’s cup of tea, the grandeur of a classical church can certainly provide an impressive and sophisticated backdrop to a 23rd birthday photoshoot. If you’re feeling holier than thou, you may as well go all the way there and take it to the big person in the sky. Churches are known for their natural light and large interiors, both of which will enhance the photographs you take.

For our Boston, MA buddies, we’ve got this classy, wood interior, and historic church for your birthday shoot. It is 5,500 square feet of grandeur with stained glass windows, a grand piano, and an epic ceiling.

It’s practically right around the corner: check out our 24th birthday photoshoot ideas next!

10. Feel like royalty for a day at this European-style studio

This royally-themed shoot takes you across the lake to the upper crust of European society. Who wouldn’t mind being sovereign for a day? Treat yourself to sick 23rd birthday shoot ideas and dress in the trappings of royalty for a celebration like no other.

If you happen to be in the San Diego, CA area, you’ll want to check out this French Renaissance-themed studio. Along with natural light, this studio also offers you use of a warm glow and ultra-elegant chandelier and access to a light bar.

“Amazing space with great lighting and privacy, Jeff is professional and helpful,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “This was my second time coming back and can’t wait for the next”

11. Have it your way (and several other ways) at a green screen studio

With a green screen, anything is possible. That’s why we’ve saved this one for last. If you can’t decide on a sick 23rd birthday photoshoot idea because there are too many good ones out there, then you may want to opt for green screen, which will allow you to pick and play with as many themes as you want. Take a trip from Bolivia to Iran in the span of a few shutter snaps. You decide!

For our friends in Portland, OR, you should definitely consider this professional and fully equipped photo studio in Island Station. Its green room has more than 1,200 vinyl records on-site, and the host offers a turntable as an add-on option, which means you can get in the mood for your shoot hipster style!

23rd birthday photoshoot ideas are lit with Peerspace

Found the photoshoot of your dreams yet? Whether or not you have, you’ll want to check out Peerspace’s huge collection of rental listings, where you’ll no doubt find the right fit for you. With Peerspace, it’s easy to book unique spaces in cities across the globe that bring your projects and events to life.

Find even more unique birthday photoshoot locations on Peerspace