Twelve — The Middle Ground of Girlhood — monomad

This birthday session marked a turning point—twelve years old, right on the edge between childhood and adolescence. The studio was set with thoughtful details: a vintage backdrop, frames inspired by European classics, soft floral arrangements, and a neutral light scheme. The entire shoot was approached with a minimalist yet purposeful style.

In the first image, she stands calmly, lighting the number candles “1” and “2” on her cake. Her eyes are focused on the flame—not the camera—which reflects a quiet sense of maturity. The light source from the left softly shapes her face, while textures of her dress and accessories like the pearl necklace and watch subtly speak of her taste and attention to detail.

In the second shot, she sits with the cake resting gently on her lap, both hands cradling it. One leg tucked, the other relaxed—her posture communicates comfort and ease. The surrounding flowers were intentionally placed to frame her without overwhelming the subject. The contrast between her classic dress and sporty shoes captures a balance between elegance and everyday realism.

The third portrait shows her standing still, hands folded in front, looking directly at the camera. This straight, confident pose was selected to match her poised expression—simple yet effective for her age. Her hair was left natural and down, avoiding over-styling and keeping the focus on her expression and form.

Finally, the family photo was framed in a triangular composition: father seated in the center, mother and daughter standing on either side. This arrangement preserves a sense of tradition and unity. Body language and eye contact were carefully directed to retain intimacy without stiffness.

One major challenge was guiding a twelve-year-old through posing. At this in-between age, she’s no longer a playful child, yet not fully a self-aware teen either. Getting natural expressions without forcing smiles or exaggerated poses required trust and a gentle, relaxed atmosphere.

Instead of directing her into rigid poses, we engaged in light conversation and let her settle into herself. The most successful shots came when she was simply being—without pressure or performance. Respecting her natural rhythm was key to keeping the portraits authentic and unforced.

All photos were intentionally rendered in black and white. This removed the distraction of color and emphasized the lines, gestures, and emotional composition. Lighting remained soft and directional throughout to enhance skin tones and preserve subtle shadows.

Photography By @menati
Camera: Sony a7 III
Lens: 24-70mm f/2.8 SIGMA ART DG DN.