From the First to the Twenty-First: A Woman and Her Son Took Photos Over the Years (18 photos)

Zoe Norfolk's photo project is a unique chronicle of growth and change: for twenty years, she photographed herself and her son, William, every birthday, creating a captivating visual narrative of growing up and the continuity of generations.





Zoe Norfolk, a London-based photographer, is a unique documentary of how a person changes over time. From 2003 to 2023, Zoe posed with her son, William, every year on his birthday, creating a striking collection of self-portraits. These photographs, for which Zoe won a Silver Award at the 2023 AOP Awards, allow us to observe how mother and son change from year to year.



First birthday, after the party, in our living room, London, 2003.

The series began in their cozy London living room, where the viewer sees little William growing and changing year after year. In some of the shots, their cats join them, adding a homely warmth and coziness to the compositions. Later, when William went to study in Manchester, the location changed, but the tradition remained.

Second birthday, our living room with cats Roman and Opal, London, 2004.

This project is so touching because it captures the very essence of time and growth, making it tangible. With each passing year, mother and son inevitably change, and these changes are captured in photographs. These are more than just photographs—they are a life story told through a camera lens.



Fifth birthday, our rooftop, London, 2007.

From childhood moments to adulthood, each photo speaks of the passage of time, the relationship between mother and son, and the unwavering love that unites them regardless of distance or age.



Seventh birthday, after the spy party, our living room, London, 2009.

These self-portraits, capturing moments of their life together from William's childhood to his adulthood, reflect the deep emotional bond between mother and son, while also demonstrating the inevitability of time passing.



Eighth birthday, our living room, London, 2010.

Thus, Zoe Norfolk's photo project is not only an artistic creation but also a treasured family archive, full of warmth and love. These images are a reminder of how quickly time flies and how important it is to cherish every moment spent together.



Ninth birthday, our living room, London, 2011.



Eleventh birthday, our living room, London, 2013.



Twelfth birthday, our living room, London, 2014.



Thirteenth birthday, our living room with cats Opal and Choo-Choo-Choo, London, 2015.



Fourteenth birthday, our living room with cat Opal, London, 2016.



Fifteenth birthday, our living room, London, 2017.



Sixteenth birthday, our living room, London, 2018.



Seventeenth birthday, our living room, London, 2019.



Eighteenth birthday, our living room, London, 2020.



Nineteenth birthday, our living room, London, 2021.



Twentieth birthday, halls of residence, first week of university, Manchester, 2022.



Twenty-first birthday, student house common room, Manchester, 2023.