For those of you unfamiliar with what a quinceañera is, it is the traditional coming-of-age celebration for girls of Latin American heritage. Held on a girl’s 15th birthday, it combines much of the significance found in Jewish bat mitzvahs (transition into adulthood), Catholic confirmation ceremonies (re-affirmation of the bond with God), sweet sixteen parties (an excuse to have a GIANT party), and a debutante ball (introduction to society and a kick-butt dress!).
They’re a really big deal in the western U.S. where there are large Latino communities, but despite my hopping between California and Utah, this was the first quinceañera I’ve ever shot. It totally rocked!
We started by doing a casual session with Heather hanging out with her two BFFs.
I was TOTALLY nervous.
I mean, I’ve shot hundreds of brides, some of them really pretty stressed out, and it doesn’t phase me in the slightest. But three 15-year old girls?
I remembered myself as a 15-year old….and I was afraid…because I would probably strangle 15-year old me.
And I would enjoy it.
Turns out I had nothing to worry about – they were awsome!
They jumped between goofy and cool without much effort and generally were far more sophisticated that I was at their age.
OK, so maybe more sophisticated than I am now.
Anyway it was fun, is my main thesis.
‘phistocated. And then they totally broke up laughing.
One of Heather’s favorites.
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A few days later, I met up with Heather in her dress to do some more formal portraits.
Heather’s party was going to have a Carnival theme, so she brought along her mask and we did a few with that.
Putting that mask on brought out a whole ‘nuther level of her personality!
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With so many great shots to use, Heather decided to have us put together one of our custom guestbooks.
Here’s a few shots of what it looked like after Heather’s friends got ahold of it.
Heather, you are a beautiful, intelligent, and confident young woman. Big things lie ahead!
Thank you so much for making me a part of your special day.
Some shots of Heather’s over-the-top party in a few days!
Tags: dresses, quinceañera, urban
Love these shots! What a fun time in her life and you captured her brilliantly! (PS, I’m not *that* much older (cough cough) but teenagers now are SO much more sophisticated and confident than I ever was at that age.) She is stunning.
You are an amazing photographer.
Kayla Spens and I had so much fun with you.
I did too on our shoot.
These picture amaze me everytime i look at them.
I cant wait for the album.
Thank you for everything! (: