I know this is a wedding forum, but since I primarily shoot weddings, and these events can get quite extravagant, like a wedding, I figured this would be appropriate as any of a place to ask questions.
Where I live, we have a small latino population. Today I was requested to shoot a "Sweet 16"
Because no other photographers around here have alot of experience with them, these events often get ducked and especially this one because it takes up a prime wedding day, a Saturday in August. I have that date open, so I'm considering it, who knows, it could turn into something bigger.... I have researched them, but have never gone to one so....Here are my questions before I commit to anything: What constitutes coverage at a "Sweet 16"? , key moments etc. Would me asking for a non-returnable deposit be inappropriate? I reason that I could still book a wedding that day, so I need to make sure I have my costs covered in the event of a cancellation. Anything else? They are looking for only 3-4 hours of coverage total. If anyone could shed a little more light on this subject that google may have missed I would greatly appreciate it!
Quinceanera are just like weddings.... with out the groom - duh.
treat it exactly the same as a wedding
contract/deposit/etc...
as for shots: details are the same.
the actual ceremony is the reception all rolled into one. cover it as such.
there is a dance with dad and her court.
maybe a special dance routine....
A real big difference between a wedding and the 15's is that the portrait session is done before the day of the event(similar to an engagement session). The girl will shoot in various outfits depending on the client and time they want. Typically it's 2 outfits about 2 hours. A causual one and with the dress. The clients will display a large print or several prints from that shoot in and around the reception.
The day of the event coverage usually does not involve the getting ready part. If there is a mass and the client wants to cover that, that's when coverage usually begins. If not straight to the reception. Details pics and cake pics taken before everything. I took pics of the birthday girl and the court before the event in order to get them before the dancing/ sweating/ messed up hair etc. one thing I would recommend is taking pics of the main girl with and without her dancing partner. Usually her partner is her current boyfriend. That won't last so it's good to have back up pics for her where he's not always the focus.
The reception begins with a choreographed dance of the court and the birthday girl. This goes on for like 30 mins. If you have never seen this I would recommend showing up to final rehearsals which is usually done in the location that way you map out where to be and know what to expect. After that it's speeches and dancing.
you're welcome. It kinda is like starter wedding. Back in the day I danced in like 6 of them and was the main guy dancing with the birthday girl in one ohh yeah! lol They are good times.
Thank you for the responses, it's been very helpful. It does appear similiar to a "small" wedding, but not nearly as stressful... And thank you for the examples Fixie, nice work. Did you mostly use bounce for the interior dinner/family photos?
Ok, so for the Sweet 16, I take portraits of her before-hand, and then let them choose what they want for a poster, to be on display at her actual celebration? Is this standard? Is the photographer responsible for getting it framed etc.? I heven't discussed this with them so I want to make sure I meet "traditional" expectations...
At least in Miami that's how it normally it's done. But the printing is all based on how you normally handel that. I for one just provide the print and let them mange the mounting and framing.
you're welcome. It kinda is like starter wedding. Back in the day I danced in like 6 of them and was the main guy dancing with the birthday girl in one 