This post is proof that I really should learn my lesson and never say never. For a long time, when asked to photograph a bar/bat mitzvah, I would refer people to other local photographers saying “sorry, I am not an event photographer.” Finally, a few years ago, one family caught me in a moment of weakness 😉 and I agreed to photograph their event. I am SO glad I did because my photography journey has gone down a path I most definitely didn’t expect!
I truly love photographing bar and bat mitzvahs… when I think about it, it absolutely makes sense. I love photographing people, emotion, love, joy, families and everything in between. So, of course I would love to be a fly on the wall during a momentous occasion filled with love and happiness.
I was invited to join this family at their synagogue for some portraits, both of the bat mitzvah girl and of very loving family.
Here are some images of her rehearsal… she was poised and articulate, and her parents have every right to be bursting with pride!
While I never expected to love extended family sessions because it is harder to capture the intricacies of immediate families and their dynamics with a large group, what I do love is the art of unposed posing. Sounds like a mouthful, right? I just really mean that I love gathering groups together, laughing and smiling with them, sharing in their joy and capturing their emotions… without feeling a stiff and posed formal session.
It turned out to be a nice, slightly overcast afternoon so we were also able to grab a few images in the outdoor courtyard!
Mazel tov to this big and beautiful family! Thank you for allowing me to document this momentous occasion for you!
