Quinceañera Portrait Photography

The history of Quinceañera dates back to the ancient Aztecs. The word
"Quinceañera" is derived from two root words: "quince" meaning fifteen, and "anera" which
is a form of "anos" meaning "year"; together referring to a young ladies' fifteenth birthday.
At the age of fifteen, Aztec males were expected to prepare to become warriors, while girls
were formally presented to their community as young ladies ... a grand "coming of age"
ritual and celebration.

The Quinceañera begins with a Thanksgiving Mass (Misa de Acción de Grácias).
Traditionally, the young Quince girl is accompanied by a head chamberlain
(chambelan), other chamberlains, maids of honor (damas), her godparents (padrinos)
and her mother and father. The Thanksgiving Mass is a ceremony where the
baptismal vows made by her parents are reaffirmed.

Music plays a very important role in the Quinceañera and in Spanish and Latino
culture generally. One of the most beautiful traditions in the history of the
Quinceañera is the father/daughter dance, where the father takes his daughter's hand and
invites her to share a waltz with him as everyone looks on. This symbolizes his
recognition that she is now a lady and should be treated as such.

Another tradition has the young girl wearing flat shoes at first before she is presented with
a pair of elegant, heeled shoes to signify her more grown-up status. The quince girl may
also present her younger sister with a porcelain doll to symbolize the release of the last of
her toys ... another representation of moving forward to adulthood. The Quince girl is
presented with many gifts herself... among them is a bracelet or a ring that represents the
unending circle of life.

Give Hayley a call today at 281-538-9389, to discuss your Quinceañera and the
portraits you would like to create. Our photography studio in League City is
convenient to the Houston Metro Area if you would like formal studio portraits before
the actual event, and because we specialize in on location photography, there is
usually no extra charge when we travel to your location on the day of your event.
You may also email us.

Childhood behind you, and your adult life ahead of you ... what an exciting time in
your life. And, what a beautiful celebration with your family and close friends. At
Hayley Barnes Photography we enjoy the privilege of celebrating this special time in
your life with you. Our passion is using our talent to help you capture the memories
of this wonderful event. We are happy to offer our
for your consideration. We feel it is an exceptional value. We will work with you to
design and create elegant artistic images that you will cherish now and for many
years to come ... Images that capture you beautifully at this very special occasion in
your life.