Planning your coverage
Pre-party or post-party portraits for your daughter: how to choose for your plans
Most families are better off with the quinceañera session before the party
Schedule the quinceañera photo session before the party when you want the photos for invitations, decorations or a large print at the entrance of the hall: the 1-hour Pre-Event Photo Session that comes with every event package happens at least 2 weeks before. A session after the party works better when you want unhurried portraits, a different location or a new look, and it is booked separately from $350.
You don't have to pick only one. You can use the included session before the party and, if the budget allows, add a short session afterward. Below we compare the two options point by point so you can decide calmly.
Quinceañera session before or after the party, point by point
What changes is how you use the photos, how the gown arrives at the party and what you pay.
| Point | Before the party | After the party |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included in every event package | Separate session from $350 to $750 |
| When | At least 2 weeks before the event | On the date your family books |
| What the photos are for | Invitations, welcome sign, large print at the entrance | Album, thank-you cards, gifts for family |
| The gown | Needs care so it arrives spotless at the party | A wrinkle or a little dust no longer matters |
| Hair and makeup | Works as a trial run for the party look | Try another hairstyle or a second gown |
| Nerves | She practices in front of the camera before the big day | She arrives relaxed, with no party countdown |
| Length | 1 hour | 1 hour (Essential and Classic) or 1.5 hours (Signature) |
Why the session before the party is the choice of most families
The pre-party session wins because it is already paid for inside the package and its photos arrive in time for everything that gets ready before the event. Every event package includes a 1-hour Pre-Event Photo Session, and the contract asks for it to happen at least 2 weeks before the party.
These are the main reasons:
- The photos get used before the event. On the invitation, on the welcome sign or as a large photo at the hall entrance, framed with flowers or lights.
- It works as a dress rehearsal. If the crinoline makes walking hard, the tiara hurts or the makeup won't hold up in the heat, there is still time to change it.
- She gets used to the camera. She learns how we give directions and which poses come naturally to her, so on the day of the party she poses with more confidence.
Years ago we learned that a quinceañera's pre-event session has to be scheduled early enough to have the photos before the celebration, and that an adult from the family always has to come along. We tell the full story on mifotoevento.com (opens in a new tab). That's why many families do the pre-event session one or two months before the party, not in the last possible week.
When a session after the party makes more sense
A session after the party makes more sense when you want calm portraits, without protecting the gown and without the event countdown. Because the session included in the package happens before the party, a session afterward is always booked separately.
Choose the session after the party if:
- You want to wear the gown without worry. On the grass, in the desert dust or next to a fountain.
- You want another look. A second gown, the surprise dance outfit or casual clothes with the same hairstyle.
- Family coming from far away stays a few days. There is time for photos with grandparents or padrinos.
- You want photos to say thank you. A card with a new portrait for the padrinos is one people keep.
If the session is after the party, don't send the gown to the dry cleaner until it's done.
Prices for a separate session, before or after the party
Every session includes 1 location, hand editing of every photo, an online gallery and 20% off professional prints ordered online. A $150 non-refundable deposit holds the date, and the balance is due 48 hours before. Weather reschedules are free.
| Session | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $350 | 1 hour, 10 edited photos |
| Classic | $550 | 1 hour, 20 edited photos and a 16×20 framed print |
| Signature | $750 | 1.5 hours, 30 edited photos and a 20×30 framed print |
All three include 1 location, individual editing, an online gallery and 20% off prints. $150 non-refundable deposit; the balance 48 hours before. Usual turnaround: 2 weeks.
How to combine both sessions without paying twice
If you want photos before and after, use the pre-event session your package already includes and add just one extra session. A second session before the party is $250 as a package add-on, for example for invitation photos in a casual look. A session after the party is booked separately, from $350. Everything else in each package is in what a quinceañera photo and video package includes.
Arizona weather also decides the session date
In Arizona, the season matters as much as the choice of before or after. The National Weather Service defines monsoon season as June 15 to September 30 and recommends going indoors as soon as you hear thunder, according to its monsoon safety page (opens in a new tab) (checked November 7, 2026).
- Summer session: sunrise works better. The Arizona heat and monsoon guide explains how to protect the quinceañera from the heat.
- Fall or winter session: cooler days, but the sun sets early; the hour for each month is in what time of day to schedule a photo session in Arizona.
Who comes to the session, before or after the party
An adult from the family always comes to any session with a quinceañera under 18 and stays from start to finish.
Fewer people is better. If the spot is far away, we tell you any travel charge in writing before you book, and any parking or entry fees are paid by the family. Poses, nails and the packing list are in the quinceañera photo session guide.
Questions about a quinceañera session before or after the party
Can I move the session included in my package to after the party?
No. The session that comes with the event package is a pre-event session, and it happens at least 2 weeks before the event. If you want photos afterward, book a separate session from $350.
How far before the party should the pre-event session be?
At least 2 weeks before, and one or two months before if you'll use the photos on the invitations. Our guide to quinceañera invitation photos counts the weeks step by step.
Should she wear the party gown at the pre-event session?
Many quinceañeras do. If you want the gown to be a surprise, do the session in another dress or leave that photo off the invitation.
How long do photos from a separate session take?
Usual delivery is about 2 weeks from the day you choose your photos. If you need them sooner, rush delivery is $100.
Keep planning the quinceañera session
- When to book a quinceañera photographerThe month-by-month calendar, with the pre-event session date.
- Quinceañera invitation photosHow many weeks to count so the printer finishes on time.
- Quinceañera photo session: poses, nails and what to bringHow to prepare for either session.
- What time of day to schedule a photo session in ArizonaLight and heat in each season.
- What a quinceañera photo and video package includesThe pre-event session and everything else in each package.
Where is the quinceañera?
Pick the city of the party and ask about the event date and the session date. We reply within 24 to 48 hours.
Book the party and set the session date
With your quinceañera date, we'll tell you when the pre-event session works best and whether a session after the party fits your budget. Prefer to text or call? Reach us at (602) 753-7969.