Happy Birthday Alina

Recently I had the honor of photographing a traditional Korean first birthday celebration or dol. Alina’s party was held at a restaurant in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. The banquet room was beautifully decorated with photos of Alina, floral arrangements, fruit, colorful cakes and desserts.

I took portraits of Alina’s family in the courtyard area adjacent to the restaurant.

The highlight of the afternoon was the toljabee celebration. Alina wore colorful clothing called dol-bok and items were placed in front of her to choose from. The items she picked are said to predict her future. Alina was attracted to the calculator, stethoscope, and a children’s book. So, will she grow up to be an accountant, doctor or author?

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korean first birthday photographer los angeles

grandmother and granddaughter portraits

korean first birthday party los angeles

doljanchi

mother and daughter family portrait

father and daughter family portraits

korean family portraits

korean birthday party photographer