Kayla’s Cowgirl Photoshoot: Vintage Vibes + Wild Energy

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If you’re looking for proof that you can throw the rulebook out the window and still serve straight 🔥 — meet Kayla. But first, hey! I’m Stefaney — a Metro Detroit lifestyle photographer who thrives on creative, outside-the-box sessions like this one. This wasn’t your average themed shoot. This was her. Every outfit, every detail, every pose. We celebrated her 36th birthday in the most authentic way possible: a mashup of country girl energy, vintage 1980s Corvette coolness, Coke-bottle nostalgia, and a little bit of car wash sass. I’m walking you through how we brought it all to life — from cowgirl grit to champagne celebration.

And when I say this was all her — I mean it. She didn’t shop for anything new. No Pinterest board inspo. She pulled pieces right from her own closet and said, “Let’s go.” That’s the kind of confidence I love to capture — and when I feel that energy, I show up 110%. She had the vision, and I knew exactly how to bring it to life.

80’s Corvette Energy

We kicked things off at one of her favorite places — a low-key car wash tucked into her hometown. The golden light hit just right, and we leaned all the way into that edgy, retro, “I could be in a music video” kind of vibe. She rocked cutoff shorts, a black tank, a red bikini underneath, and the boldest attitude to match the car.

The Corvette? A classic from the 1980s — perfectly imperfect and full of character. Just like the shoot.

The Car Wash Shots

If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner pin-up with suds and sass — this is how it’s done. We didn’t bring in props or over-style it. Just Kayla, the car, and a ton of attitude. It was playful, a little flirty, and honestly so fun to shoot.

Bonus: the water droplets and sunlight? Pure magic.

Vintage Coke Vibes

This shoot wouldn’t have been complete without a little vintage flair — and what’s more iconic than glass Coca-Cola bottles? As soon as Kayla described her vision, I immediately thought: we need the classic Cokes to seal the 80s vibe. So I brought a six-pack of the old-school glass bottles, and I’m so glad I did — they ended up being such a fun and timeless addition to the shoot.

The pop of red, the old-school labels, her bandana and boots, the dusty road — all of it together felt like a scene from a retro ad campaign. It was a little moment that helped tie her whole aesthetic together, and just added another layer to her already incredible energy.

Cowgirl Meets Champagne

After the car shots, we headed out to a backroad and field to bring in her other side — the boots, the denim, the country spirit. She changed into a full-on denim cowgirl look (vest + shorts), white cowgirl hat, and the cutest boots. Oh, and she popped champagne on a dirt road like the badass she is.

We even used her big Ford truck for some of the shots. The whole thing felt real, not forced. Glamorous? Sure. But also wild, grounded, and uniquely her.

Why This Shoot Worked So Damn Well

Kayla didn’t come in trying to be something she’s not. She came in bold, funny, confident, and real — and I think that’s why this birthday session felt so different. It wasn’t styled to impress; it was styled to express. And when I say the photos turned out exactly how I envisioned? I mean it. She was obsessed. I was obsessed. Shoots like this are why I say yes to wild ideas and even wilder women.

Want Something Like This for Yourself?

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a milestone, or just want to feel 🔥 in front of the camera — let’s make it happen. Themed or not, your session should feel like you. Contact me to get a creative session going!

✨ Get Kayla’s Look

Kayla pulled all her outfits straight from her closet, which honestly makes them even cooler — but if you’re feeling inspired and want to recreate some of the vibes, here are a few pieces that channel her style:

• Retro red bikini top – perfect under a tank or solo for a car wash moment
• Cutoff denim shorts – can’t go wrong with a classic
• Denim vest – bold, effortless, and so her
• Western boots – for full cowgirl energy
• Cowgirl hat – structured and ready for a dirt road adventure
• Classic bandana – tie it on your neck, in your hair, or around your wrist for that extra flair
• Sunglasses – go oversized or vintage for those cool-girl car wash vibes
• Underneath cropped tank top – simple, fitted, and perfect for layering or going bold solo
• Black front-tied halter – edgy, flirty, and perfect for layering over a bikini top

Keep Scrolling — You Need to See This

Kayla absolutely crushed every single look — from vintage badass to champagne cowgirl — and I’m so pumped to share more from her session. These photos deserve to be seen, celebrated, and maybe even pinned for your own birthday inspo. Keep scrolling to see all the moments we captured. You’re not gonna want to miss a single one. 👇

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