Simple Sophistication
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only
Southern California & Arizona
Orange County ● Los Angeles ● Scottsdale ● Phoenix
Jennifer was a debutante herself from grades 7-12 in Newport Beach so we were honored to become the main photographer in the chapter she grew up in. Every year since 2004, we have photographed this chapter’s Rainbow Luncheon and Tea, Fashion Show, Father/Daughter Tribute, the Debutante Ball, and 30+ senior portrait sessions each year. Here is the 2018 Newport Beach Debutante Ball featured in the LA Times/Daily Pilot. 2016 also was published 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 have also been honored to photograph many other chapters of National Charity League as well as Assistance League and Las Madrecitas (Las Ninas).
2016 was our first year with the Las Madrecitas (Las Ninas) charity group. This event was featured in the Daily Breeze and the Palos Verdes Peninsula News. We just photographed this year’s Nas Ninas rose ceremony and fashion show and can’t wait for the next Evergreen Ball! Las Madrecitas is an auxiliary of the Charitable Children’s Guild of the Orthopædic Institute for Children in Los Angeles. For more info about this amazing charity, please visit their website.
The Newport-Mesa chapter started back in 1940! They are the 3rd largest chapter in the country. We have worked with the Newport-Mesa chapter for a few years now. Here is an article about the 2015 ball featured in the Newport Beach Indy. For more info about this great organization, visit the Newport Mesa Assistance League.
$4500
includes:
*Quote for up to 10 debutantes. Contact us for pricing for additional families
or
$695 per debutante
includes:
Digital images included via download online
*Must be a minimum of 10 debutantes for this pricing. Contact for custom quotes
or
$995 per debutante
includes:
*Must be a minimum of 20 debutantes for this pricing. Contact for custom quotes
We have a half-acre garden located in Newport Beach where we do portrait sessions. There is a gazebo, bridge, rocks, and trees. It is a beautiful setting for a debutante session. We are also able to go to other locations. If you want to be photographed with your horse, we will come to you. If you want to go to the beach, no problem! Let us know what you are thinking.
Yes. If your chapter is not local to Newport Beach, we can come to a location of your choice on one designated day to photograph all the seniors. We can bring a backdrop or use the location scenery of your choice.
Yes. We will shoot full length as well as close up. We will also photograph the back of the dress with debutante looking over her shoulder.
We will have the gloves and the necklace. You will want to come with your dress and shoes that are appropriate for the hemline. Please make sure your hair and make-up are already done. If you want to do a senior photo after your debutante photo, bring one change of clothes.
What if the birthday baby can’t have cake?” Here’s what we did.
This little guy had a food allergy - so instead of skipping the fun, we got creative. A vegan cupcake from Sprinkles did the trick: safe, simple, and still smash-worthy.
Tip for photographers: Always ask about allergies in advance - and remember, a smaller dessert can still make a big impact. 🎉
Happy Big ONE, buddy - you crushed it. 💙
#TheBigOne #CakeSmashTips #VeganCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #MilestoneMoments #1YearOldPhotos
How do you kick a theme for your birthday session? Think about what your little one is naturally drawn to—books, colors, characters, or even snacks. Choosing something they already love makes the session feel more personal and lets their personality shine.
This sweet kiddo loved Toy Story—so we leaned into that for the theme. A few key props, some favorite characters, and a custom backdrop brought it all together perfectly.
Whether it’s blueberries, bears, or Buzz Lightyear—when the theme reflects your child, the photos feel that much more meaningful.
#ToyStoryPortraits #GilmoreStudios #KidsPortraitSession
What kind of cake do you supply for a cake smash session? 🍪💙
We supply a white or naked cake from a local bakery but every now and then our clients upgrade to a custom cake. This Cookie Monster cake was adorable!! A tip when doing cake smashes - skip fondant or hard decorations. A soft, easy-to-smash cake with buttercream frosting works best. Some kids don’t like the texture so practice with whipped cream before and see if they like to get messy.
#CookieMonsterCakeSmash #FirstBirthdayPhotos #CakeSmashTips #GilmoreStudios
How do you style a cake smash with fruit and frosting—without it feeling like a farmer’s market exploded? 🍓🎂
Here’s what I’ve learned: stick to soft neutrals and let the berries do the talking. Their bold colors (and the mess they make!) add all the texture and charm you need. Keep the setup simple so those squishy hands, frosting-covered cheeks, and little berry-stained toes stay front and center.
This birthday girl brought all the joy—curious, expressive, and ready to dive into her berry-sweet celebration.
#BerryFirstBirthday #FreshBerriesCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #CakeSmashTips
Ever photographed a Dr. Seuss–themed session and felt like the props might take over? 🎩🎂
Here’s what works: simplify the setup. Bold themes like this can get busy fast, so I stick to a clean background, a few playful pieces, and let the one-year-old steal the show (which they always do!).
This little guy lit up the studio—curious, wiggly, and full of personality. And once the frosting hit? Pure joy.
#DrSeussCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #1YearOldSession
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ
Session by appointment only
