13th birthday portraits with Oliver and Edward

A couple of years ago, mum-of-four Karen commissioned me to create a set of portraits for her eldest boys, twins George and Henry. Two years later, her youngest boys, Oliver and Edward, reached the same milestone, so she got in contact to book them in for a photoshoot.

Once again, we had a very special venue: the builders’ yard adjacent to their home, where the family have run a business which has been passed down through the generations.

Unfortunately our Plan A date in December was rained off, but our Plan B date was a beautifully sunny (if crisp!) January morning. This timing meant that the family had celebrated Christmas together by the time we met up, as well as the boys’ birthdays together.

Oliver and Edward celebrated their 13th birthday in traditional teen style, with friends staying at theirs for a sleepover then heading out together for a day out in town the next day.

For Christmas, the whole tribe headed off to join wider family at a nearby farmhouse, which meant everyone had lots of space to spread out as they enjoyed the festive break together.

Edward’s favourite Christmas gift was money which he put towards a new laptop, while Oliver loved his new Nintendo Switch, a portable gaming device.

Both Oliver and Edward absolutely love video gaming, and will happily watch other players on YouTube so they can experience games they don’t yet own (and choose which ones to add to their wishlist next!).

In addition, Oliver loves his kickboxing classes – he went straight into the adults group due to his height, despite only just turning 13!

But more than anything, they love the family dog, Loula. They take turns to walk her, and love cuddling her and heaping attention and affection on her.

She in turn, loves them just as much. She joined us for a few photos towards the end of the shoot, and galloped over to us as soon as she was freed from the house.

After all, we couldn’t capture such an important milestone as this, without a shot or two of the boys’ best friend – with the rest of the family, of course 🙂

If you’re interested in a birthday or teen photoshoot, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater LMPA is a qualified professional photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.