Remember Mitzvah Moments for Years to Come
The time creating your perfect Bar and Bat Mitzvah deserves to be celebrated and remembered.
This big moment in your child’s life comes and goes in a blink of an eye.
Therefore, you will want to remember the laughter and joy for many years to come.
Consider these tips for the best Bar and Bat Mitzvah photography:
Typically Plan for Two Days of Bar and Bat Mitzvah Photography
Most temples only allow photography during the Bar or Bat mitzvah rehearsal. Therefore, mitzvah photography often takes place during the practice session. It also happens on the day of the celebration, typically held sometime after the temple event.
Less traditional groups now allow photography during the entire service. Before actively planning, check to see how many days you will need your various vendors.
Mitzvah Rehearsal
If the temple does not allow photography during the service, the practice session may be best time for more family formals. It’s important to communicate to any family members attending the rehearsal that they will want to look their best and dress accordingly.
During this time, anticipate a mix of candid photos and family formals. Remember to add in some spontaneity between the serious moments. Sprinkling in hugs and family humor can lighten the formality of the setting.
Mitzvah Celebration
The celebration or party on the day of the event will most likely be less formal. This is a great time for capturing fun moments and time with family and friends.
Share the What and the When
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs can have fast-paced schedules. Sometimes, events may even overlap. An understanding of the types of events will better prepare your photographer.
From dancing, performances, contests, and games, you will want your photographer to understand the tentative schedule in order to ensure coverage. Be sure to let them know if you are planning to incorporate the Hora and how much space will be available.
Develop a Details List
This list is as much for you as your photographer. It will help you remember key items and accessories to bring to the rehearsal. It will also clue in your photographer on what details deserve extra coverage.
In addition to the yad and the tallit, there may be other family heirlooms to incorporate.
Be sure to share the overall color scheme.
Describe anything special about the celebration and food that took time and effort to coordinate.
Make a Note of Special Guests and Locations
Coordinate with your photographer on the must-have list of family groupings and portraits.
Also, think of special guests of honor or relatives from out of town for your list.
Consider outdoor photographs to take advantage of the beautiful temple grounds and landscaping. This will add a different vibe to your poses and offer more variety for your album.
Get Input from Your Young Adult
There’s a lot of time and energy a young individual puts into preparing for a mitzvah. Set aside time to get suggestions and feedback from your young adult. They will appreciate the time to talk about any expectations or ideas they have for their photographs.
Injecting a personal element into your photo session, such as a volunteer project or additional time with a couple of special friends, or even family, can make the day more meaningful.
Ask your teen to imagine looking back on their day and describing their photos. You might gain insight and discover a few new ideas to include on your shot list.
Communicate Any Special Lighting
Will your DJ use special lights? Will you have fireworks?
Anything outside of the norm that you can share with your photographer will be helpful.
Your photographer may want to bring special gear to capture the moments happening in the different types of lighting.
What to Ask Your Photographer
Here are a few points of discussion and questions to ask your photographer when determining if they are the best fit for your upcoming mitzvah event:
- Tell me about your event experience and how you approach photographing mitzvahs.
- What is your photographic and shooting style?
- What type of equipment do you bring to an event? What is your backup plan?
- How many hours are included in your package and/or can we customize the hours of your coverage?
- Are you available for a creative session and how much will that be?
- Are digital files included? Do you include a print release?
- Roughly how many digital photos will I receive? Will these be available for download or on a USB or other type of drive?
- Do you offer an online gallery? Can that be shared with family and friends? How long will this be online?
- How quickly will we receive the final deliverables?
- How many people do you work with?
- For larger organizations: Who will I directly be working with?
- Do you have liability insurance?
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Photography In Summary
A little bit of pre-planning helps ensure the best results for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah photography. Yes, the time will unfold quickly, but your photographer’s images will capture the story. Each photograph adds to the chapter’s stories, showing the love and connection of family and friends.
Finally, be sure to talk with your photographer about printed and/or electronic photo options! There are photo books, trendy magazines, albums, video slide shows, photo jewelry, and many other ways to commemorate the day. These make great gifts and remembrances to share with everyone.
Related Links
My Mitzvah Galleries
A gallery of mitzvahs I’ve photographed: Favorite Bat and Bar Mitzvah Photos
- Boulder Bar Mitzvah at Chautauqua Park
- Bat Mitzvah Event at Nissi’s
Colorado Locations
Hebrew Educational Alliance – Denver
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
As a seasoned expert in the field of event photography, particularly specializing in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, I bring a wealth of first-hand experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in capturing these significant moments. Over the years, I have honed my skills in photographing various ceremonies, celebrations, and rehearsals, ensuring that each client receives a personalized and memorable visual narrative of their cherished events.
Evidence of my expertise can be found in my extensive portfolio, showcasing a diverse range of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs I've photographed. The ability to navigate through different settings, from temple ceremonies to lively celebrations, is a testament to my versatility as a photographer. My keen eye for detail, understanding of cultural nuances, and knack for capturing candid moments contribute to the success of each photography session.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Two-Day Photography Plan:
- Many temples restrict photography during the actual service, emphasizing the importance of capturing moments during the rehearsal and celebration days.
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Mitzvah Rehearsal:
- The rehearsal serves as an opportunity for family formals, balancing candid shots with more formal poses. Communicating the photography plan to attending family members is crucial.
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Mitzvah Celebration:
- The celebration day is often less formal, providing ample opportunities for capturing fun moments with family and friends.
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Event Schedule and Coverage:
- Bar and Bat Mitzvahs can have fast-paced schedules with various events. Communication with the photographer about the schedule ensures comprehensive coverage.
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Details List:
- Creating a details list helps both the client and photographer prepare for the event, focusing on key items, accessories, and special details that deserve extra coverage.
-
Special Guests and Locations:
- Coordinating with the photographer on family groupings, portraits, and considering outdoor photographs adds variety to the album.
-
Input from the Young Adult:
- Involving the young adult in the planning process adds a personal touch, considering their expectations and ideas for the photographs.
-
Special Lighting:
- Communicating any special lighting arrangements, such as DJ lights or fireworks, helps the photographer prepare and bring the necessary equipment.
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Questions for the Photographer:
- A comprehensive list of questions helps in selecting the right photographer, covering aspects like experience, shooting style, equipment, coverage hours, digital files, and delivery timeline.
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Final Deliverables and Options:
- Discussing options for printed and electronic photo formats, such as photo books, magazines, albums, and video slideshows, ensures a variety of ways to commemorate the day.
In summary, effective pre-planning, open communication, and collaboration with the photographer are crucial for ensuring the best results in Bar and Bat Mitzvah photography. The photographer's images play a vital role in capturing the love and connection of family and friends, adding to the chapter's stories for years to come.
