Best Friends Are Booking Photo Shoots

Sisters are joining their girlfriends for fun photography sessions, memorializing what may be our most important relationships.

Published January 30, 2026

AARP (Felicia Reed Photography, 2)

Caryn Hayes, 57, arrived at the newly decorated studio space unfazed by the pouring rain, grateful for her gray locs, and full of excitement for her Bestie’s 50^th birthday photoshoot. As a creative, her senses went into full celebration mode: clothing pieces in textures from feathers to tulle; strategically designed spaces, not cheesy backdrops; “lite bites” such as cheesecake, chocolates, nuts, fruit, crackers, cheese, and mimosas.

Hayes and Christie Hall, 53, changed into matching black t-shirts with DOPE in gold letters. Their anthem, Whitney Houston’s I’m Every Woman blared, and Hayes got to work styling professional, business casual, glamorous, and fun fits for Hall. She had no idea that she, too, would be in the shoot.

“I really wanted it to be about my life journey, my professional world, and my lifestyle, said Hall, 53, a Pflugerville, Texas-based real estate broker. “And a part of that world is my best friend.”

The pair met in 1993 and instantly bonded as passionate early childhood educators, moms, and then military wives.

“Every outing with Christie was an adventure,” said Hayes, a Jarrell, Texas-based tax examiner.

And this photoshoot was no different. They laughed, danced, sang, and captured the natural bond that perfectly reflects their 32-year sisterhood.

Picking out their favorite photos, Hall was blown away. “That was an emotional moment because it really was like, wow, these are beautiful. We are beautiful,” she said.

Stepping into the spotlight

“Women over 50 tell me that they aren’t in photos from the past 30 years or more, often having been too busy or having always been the one behind the camera, said Maundy Mitchell, founder of The Over 50 Revolution, on her website. Mitchell believes that the media and society have also conditioned women over 50 to feel that we are no longer worthy of being seen. Her project, along with The 50 Over 50 Project, 40 Over 40 Project, and trending social media hashtags celebrating mature women (like #50andfabulous), is proving them wrong.

We’re stepping back into the spotlight to celebrate ourselves, our besties, and our milestones.

“At this stage of life, milestones are happening that commemorate relationships and years of hard work,” said Ariel Harrison, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in West Palm Beach. “There are birthdays, becoming empty nesters and grandparents, promotions at work, and retirements.”

“Most people want to remember who was standing next to them at those special moments in time,” said Harrison. “Although social media has made this trend accessible to everyone, Harrison urges being intentional about dedicating time to a professional photo shoot experience with people you genuinely care about.

Other popular milestones you can celebrate with your Bestie include a girlfriend becoming cancer-free, friendiversaries, girls’ trips kickoffs, and Galentine’s Day.

“Bestie photoshoots are particularly special for women 35-60 and more, because they highlight connection, confidence, and fun at a stage of life where friendships have often been nurtured for decades,” said Nardett Will, lifestyle and portrait photographer in Palm Beach, FL.

“The best photos are the ones that show your authentic connection,” said Felicia Reed, a Round Rock, Texas-based portrait photographer who created her own 40 Over 40 Project, featuring Hall. “When you’re comfortable, confident, and having fun together, the camera captures the love and joy you already share,” she said, offering these tips.

Confidence: Get the best shot

· Dress with confidence. Clothes that are fitted, with sleeves or ruching at the waist, are incredibly flattering.

· Flatter your features: For the chin area, try pushing your chin slightly forward and then bringing it back down—it may feel awkward, but it can look beautiful in photos.

· Highlight your waist: Place your hands just under the bustline and angle them inward to create a natural, hourglass shape.

Fun: Enjoy the experience

Bring your personality into it: Celebrate with props like champagne, balloons, or even inside jokes that only you two share. These candid, joy-filled moments often become the favorite images.

· Hype each other up: The energy between friends is magic. Cheer each other on, laugh through the process, and let that natural bond shine through—it will radiate in your photos.

· Trust the process: You don’t need to know how to pose or “look photogenic.” A good photographer will guide you through everything, allowing you to relax, have fun, and enjoy being together.

Pro Tips for DIYers

If working with a photographer isn’t in the budget, try these tips from Michael Malone, founder of Livestock Framing.

· Use a tripod, a reliable way to get the perfect angle.

· Shoot in burst mode to capture a series of shots for a better chance of getting great shots in spontaneous poses.

· Take candid shots by focusing on something in the distance.

· Interact with your surroundings, props, and your friends to look more natural.

· Select a great backdrop and let it take center stage in your photos.

“This trend is one I believe will only continue to grow, especially among women who want to celebrate the richness of their connections timelessly, said Will.”

And that’s precisely what Hall had in mind. “These photos will show our children’s children and our great-grandchildren that we celebrate the moments and make memories.”

Want more info and inspo? Check out Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, as well as national studios like JCPenney’s Bestie and Bros https://jcpportraits.com/besties-and bros/, and websites like Peerspace and Giggster, which offer local photo venues for rent. But hurry, Galentine’s Day may be a busy time for your local photographers.

Pamela M. McBride is an award-winning freelance writer with hundreds of published articles on career management, leadership development, Diversity & Inclusion, military life, health and wellness, culture, and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Military Families Magazine, and Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Times. Pamela co-authored The Mocha Manual to Military Life: A Savvy Guide for Wives, Girlfriends and Female Service Members and Work It, Girl! The Black Woman’s Guide to Professional Success. She is an honoree at the 2025 Black Authors Festival and serves on the Armed Services Arts Partnership Alumni Board. Learn more at PamelaMcBrideOnline.com.