Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Debutante Ball Photographer – NCL – Newport Beach

NCL Debutante Ball Photographer – Newport Beach

Being a debutante photographer isn’t easy, but we absolutely enjoy every minute of it! It all started back in the 1990’s when Jennifer was first involved with National Charity League. The only difference, she was wearing the white dress! She never imagined she would get through college, become a wedding photographer, and end up becoming the official NCL Newport Beach debutante ball photographer.

She remembered those awkward photo sessions as a young woman, wearing hideous pastel or floral dresses in a garden. (Boy, have they come a long way!) She had a lot of ideas and hoped the chapter would be open to them, and they were. No more heavy leather books with slide in square photos and brass corners. Gone- are the days of studio portraits where you’re not sure if it’s a debutante or some kind of 1980’s bridal session!

 

About the photographer

Gilmore Studios has been photographing debutantes since 2003. Jennifer Gilmore was a debutante herself from grades 7-12 in Newport Beach! She jumped at the opportunity to photograph the chapter she grew up in. Every year since 2003, we have photographed this chapter’s rainbow luncheon, Tea & rose ceremony, Mother tribute and fashion show, the Deb Ball, and over 30 senior portrait sessions.

Check out the 2016 Newport Beach Debutante Ball recently featured in the Daily Pilot/Los Angeles Times.  The 2015 NCL ball was featured in the Newport Indy. The 2014 ball was featured in the LA Times. Here is the 2013 ball featured in the OC Register.

We also proudly photograph similar debutante organizations like Assistance League (Newport-Mesa & Irvine), NCL (Burbank chapter), and Las Ninas (Las Madrecitas) Evergreen Ball. Be sure to check out our new debutante gallery!

Debutante Ball Vendors

Florist & decor by Carla @ Elegant By Design

Hotel & Ballroom: Hotel Irvine

Entertainment/Band: Jay Sterling Music

Photography: Gilmore Studios

Check out some of our previous years with National Charity League!



Debutante Ball photographer
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    Meet the Gilmores:

    Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

    Fun Facts:

    PLace we call home:

    Newport Beach & Queen Creek

    Number of kids:

    3 boys

    Years in business:

    Since 2002

    As seen in:

    Family photography

    Featured On the blog

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    Simple Sophistication

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    Senior year is better with your best friend. 🎉🎓

Class of 2026

📸 by Cody - Gilmore Studios
    Top locations in Arizona for a senior session 👀

And each one gives you a completely different look.

Riparian Preserve 
Greenery, paths, variety, and softer natural tones.

Queen Creek Fields 
Open space, warm light, and that dreamy golden hour look everybody loves.

Queen Creek Wash 
More texture, desert tones, and a slightly edgier feel.

Here’s how I help seniors choose:
We don’t just pick a location because it’s pretty. We pick one that fits your outfits, personality, and the overall vibe you want your photos to have.

Because location changes EVERYTHING.

Save this for your senior photo inspo later 
Which one would you choose?
    Senior 📸
Class of 2026
by Gilmore Studios
    Do you have a personality portrait hanging in your home? 🤍

It’s not about perfect smiles or matching outfits.

It’s about capturing who your child actually IS right now.

Their expressions.
The way they laugh.
Their personality in this exact season of life.

I started doing these with my own kids and honestly… they’ve become some of my favorite things hanging in our home.

I update them yearly and one day, my plan is to have their future family personality photo hanging on the wall. 

These aren’t just photos for now.

They become part of your family story.

Personality Portrait Sessions are available May 12th through June.

Comment PERSONALITY and I’ll send you all the information, available dates, and booking link directly in your DMs.
    Prom fashion in 2026 just hits different.

The colors.
The textures.
The dresses with movement.
The perfectly fitted suits.

And somehow every friend group has their own vibe this year.

Honestly? Prom photos have turned into full-on fashion shoots and I’m not mad about it. 

Save this for prom inspo later

    Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

    Session by appointment only

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