A coming-of-age celebration is, by definition, a celebration of flux. Whether it’s a bar or bat mitzvah, quinceañera, or sweet sixteen, it essentially commemorates a moment of the in-between—between childhood and adulthood, the pull between family and peers, and the realization that your little one is not so little anymore.

Planning these parties has become increasingly complicated (and elaborate), and part of this is a reflection of these contradictions. The party is to bring family together, but also for the guest of honor to party with their teenage friends; and there is a constant push-pull between the competing interests and feelings.

Ann Marie Casey, the founder and principal photographer at AMC Photography Studios, explained another reason these celebrations (and their memories) hold such weight. As a bat mitzvah client related to her:

“When I think about all the people who celebrated her, who will not be around for her wedding day, that makes me feel good that she will have those memories.”

This is more than a moment in time for your child—it is an opportunity to capture your family as they are right now, and to hold onto the fleeting a little longer. Ideally, the party balances the fun and the meaningful, and your memories of the event include both.

This requires a photographer who is experienced in telling the story of the day: from tiny design details to genuine private moments to giant dance circles. And since you are already caught up in actually planning and enjoying the party, “you want someone who would think about what you want on the back end, and capturing that without you even knowing it,” Casey tells us. “By hiring us, we take that thinking away.” They also orchestrate moments that may not be requested or happen organically, but that families come to cherish—for example, a “three-generation” photo.

“Ann Marie has a unique talent of capturing all the special moments, without changing them and at times, without us even knowing she was there.”

–Bat Mitzvah client

Casey and the studio associates have been shooting coming-of-age events for over a decade, and their work reflects a warmth and confidence that can only come with that experience. Being a successful photographer for this particular type of event requires more than just artistic skill, but an understanding and ability to relate to your families. “The person needs to be able to ‘click’ with the kids and understand that age range, because otherwise it could be off-putting,” explains Casey.

The result is an album that tells many stories at once: the love of a family across generations, the continuing of tradition, and of course the celebration among young friends entering a new chapter in their lives.

AMC Photography Studios specializes in event and commercial photography. The studio is located in Bryn Mawr, and event work is done on location throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line. Learn more or book an appointment at www.amcphotostudios.com.

Photographs provided by AMC Studios.