A First Birthday Rooted in Tradition
Alright, I’ll be honest… I completely fell off the train when it came to updating this blog.
Between family life, client sessions, weddings, and parish events something had to give and unfortunately it was this space. But I’ve really missed sharing the stories behind the pictures, especially sessions that carry deep cultural or religious significance and this one absolutely deserves to be here.
Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a Korean dol for my best friend from high school, Daniel, and his daughter, Elena, who just turned one.
What Is a Dol?
The stunning dolsang, or traditional dol table, was arranged by Eve & Co Dol, based in McLean, VA.
In Korean culture, a first birthday is called a doljanchi, often shortened to dol or dohl (spellings can vary). In ancient times, reaching the age of one was a significant milestone due to high infant mortality rates. Families celebrated not just a birthday, but survival, blessing, and hope for a long life ahead.
One of the most meaningful parts of the celebration is the doljabi ceremony where different objects are placed in front of the child and are meant to represent his/her future or occupation.
Common items include:
String (long life)
Money (prosperity)
A book (scholarship)
A brush or pencil (academic success)
A microphone or gavel in modern celebrations (public speaking, leadership)
It’s a playful and symbolic custom deeply rooted in history.
And it’s so fun to witness.
Photographing Elena’s Dol
Daniel and his family put so much care into preparing for Elena’s celebration. The table was thoughtfully arranged by Eve & Co Dol with traditional foods, vibrant colors, and symbolic items laid out for the doljabi.
Elena wore a beautiful pink hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, with soft pastel tones that photographed beautifully. At such a young age, expressions can change drastically by the second — one moment there’s curiosity, then confusion, then delight. And that’s part of what makes photographing this age so special. There are times where I am there to direct, but for the most part it’s observation and anticipation.
When it came time for the doljabi, everyone leaned in with their cameras at the ready. Little Elena didn’t quite grasp what she was supposed to do and was, in fact, overwhelmed by the choices she had so she needed a little coaxing from her parents.
In the end, she chose something that surprised us all — her grandfather’s credit card. As it turns out, the way to a girl’s heart is… American Express!
Those are the kinds of moments you can’t stage. You just have to be ready.
Why Cultural Celebrations Matter
Elena (the birthday girl) and her family.
One of the things I love most about family photography is documenting traditions that connect generations.
A dol isn’t just a themed birthday party — it’s a tradition that links past and future. It honors heritage. It invites grandparents into the moment. It gives a child a story they’ll hear for the rest of their life: “When you turned one, you chose…”
As a photographer, it’s such an honor and privilege to preserve that.
Years from now, Elena may not remember the day, but she’ll look back on these images and see her tiny hands reaching forward. She’ll see her parents smiling behind her. She’ll see the love in the room.
And that matters.
A Personal Note
Can’t forget about the boys’ group chat! (That’s me in the bottom right).
Daniel, thank you for trusting me to capture such a meaningful milestone for your family. Watching Elena grow this past year has been such a joy.
And to anyone reading this who is planning a dol or another culturally rich celebration, I’d love to help you document it in a way that feels authentic and timeless. Click the button below to send me a message!
Here’s to getting this blog back on track—and to celebrating the traditions that shape our families!
