For decades, a trip to Glamour Shots wasn’t just a photo session in El Paso. It was a full-on rite of passage. If you grew up here, chances are you circled that appointment on your calendar before senior year.
Now, that iconic chapter is coming to a close and I AM NOT READY FOR THAT!! *Cries in Spanish*
After 35 years of glamming up the Borderland, Glamour Shots in El Paso is officially shutting its doors. Owner Leonora Campbell is stepping away to focus on her health and enjoy a well-earned retirement.
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El Paso Was One Of Two Glamour Shot Locations Left
Last month, the Glamour Shots at Freehold Raceway Mall in New Jersey announced it would be closing after 30 years. In a farewell message to customers, owner Cliff Eng thanked families for allowing the studio to capture first communions, Sweet 16 celebrations, business headshots and generations of milestones.
An era quietly came to an end after the announcement of both those locations closing. For thousands of families, that means saying goodbye to the studio that helped capture proms, graduations, quinceañeras, family milestones and who can forget those gloriously dramatic feather-boa moments.
Courtesy: Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Iris Lopez
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El Paso’s Glamour Shots First Began At Cielo Vista Mall
Leonora, originally from Guatemala, opened her franchise location inside Cielo Vista Mall in 1991, back when mall culture was at its peak and Glamour Shots was booming nationwide. At one point, the brand had nearly 400 locations around the world, transforming everyday customers into Hollywood-style stars with professional hair, makeup and photography.
Over the years, Leonora made a bold move and decided to relocate the business from the mall to Gateway Boulevard West near McRae. Some people questioned the decision, but she proved them wrong.
Leonora’s studio ultimately became the last standing franchise of its kind for years, a testament to the loyalty of Borderland families and her dedication behind the lens.
Photography Wasn’t Leonora’s First Choice
Leonora was interviewed by KVIA back in 2023 and she mentioned that photography wasn’t originally her passion, but she embraced it fully and in doing so she became a familiar face and local icon to generations of El Pasoans.
I remember my senior year of high school I was so excited to take my senior photos at Glamour Shots. I made my mom take me to the mall so I could find the perfect outfit!
Courtesy: Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Iris Lopez
When I look back at my senior photos I laugh because they were SO early 2000’s, but that was the beauty of Glamour Shots photos. It was a brand that defined ‘90s glamour nationwide and for me, the early 2000’s.
Leonora is a true pioneer and was even featured in a New York Times article back in 2019 mentioning how her Glamour Shots location was the last of five locations still open in the United States.
Leonora didn’t just take pictures. She preserved memories, confidence, and milestones for an entire community and I am so happy that I have a little piece of that history as a memory!
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Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez
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Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Iris Lopez