"I can't stop looking at the Bar Mitzvah photos! You literally captured the best and happiest moments of what was the most special occasion of our lives to date" - Carly
Preserve this milestone with heirloom quality photographs that show the joy and energy of your child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah
Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
TYPICAL COVERAGE INCLUDES:
- Photography by Hillary and a second photographer
- Family portrait session at your temple
- Candid coverage of the party
- 15-20 image sneak peek mobile app delivered within 7 days of the event
- 1:1 Reveal and design meeting
- Digital backups
Not having a traditional party?
Temple portrait sessions are available to book a la carte on weekdays
From temple to celebration, I make sure every moment is beautifully captured for a lifetime of memories
SCHEDULE A CALL
What To Expect
I’m a born helper (enneagram 2 in the house!). I’m most in my element when I can use my skills to help others, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s photography. I want to make sure your experience and your photos, are flawless, fun and stress-free. From the first time we connect, I’ll be there to answer your questions, give you guidance, and put your family at ease.
When we’re shooting, I want you and your family to be comfortable and at ease because it’s important to me that you enjoy the process. I love photography, and I want you to love being photographed. Also, nothing makes for worse photos than unhappy participants!
I truly believe the first step to creating a meaningful connection is to meet face to face.
Communication & Planning
After photographing hundreds of events over the past 15 years, I can tell you for certain that planning and communication are the keys to a successful and low stress day. While I always stay open to how each event unfolds, putting in the time before hand to discuss timelines, logistics, and your priorities is so important to capturing the best and most meaningful photos. The more I know about you, your family, and the bar/bat mitzvah, the more I will have to draw from when crafting your images.
Leading up to the event, I’m always here if you have questions or concerns. I will (almost) always respond to emails and phone calls within 24 hours, if not sooner. About a month before the event, I will reach out to schedule a planning call to go over all the details and answer any questions, if we haven’t already been in touch.
Pre Event Sessions
A Pre Event Shoot is a casual portrait session done prior to the actual event. It can be just the bar/bat mitvah, or include the whole family. Besides the great photos, this is the best way for me to get to know your child, and for them to get comfortable in front of the camera. I keep it fun and laid back, and will guide them on some easy poses that won’t have them
looking like a Sears mannequin.
These shoots typically last about 60-90 minutes, and can be done at a location of your choice. This is a great opportunity to incorporate something about your child that is special, unique or just plain awesome. Whether they are an athlete, a gamer, or a budding fashionista, we can get creative brainstorming styling and backgrounds to highlight their favorite activities or hobbies.
The Service
Most temples do not allow photography during the actual service, so an organized portrait session at your temple is the next best thing. They are typically about an hour, and are done either immediately prior to the service, or on a weekday.
If your temple does allow photography, or you have the service at an alternate location, I will gladly (and quietly) photograph it candidly from a respectful distance.
While family portraits and photos with the torah are a must, my favorite part of a temple session is creating environmental portraits of the bar/bat mitzvah, that incorporate the unique visual elements of the temple.
The Portraits
While the candid images are arguably the most fun, it’s often the family portraits that get hung over the mantel, or put in an album for grandma. They should be classic, beautifully lit, and natural.
I always arrive early to scout for locations and do lighting tests, so we can jump right in when you arrive. Not sure what to do with your hands? I got you! While we are shooting, I will give subtle direction to help capture you and your family looking their best.
During our pre-event planning call, I will go over your family dynamic and help you create a list of portrait combos. This will take the stress off of you the day of the event, and make sure nothing is forgotten.
The Party
During the party, my biggest priority (besides making amazing images!) is to be as unobtrusive as possible. Most of the time, my second photographer and I will be photographing candidly, looking for organic moments and details to tell the story of the day. Consider us your personal photo ninjas, you’ll never know we’re there until you need someone to get a pic of you and your bff doing The Cupid Shuffle.
From the decor to the last dance, we will be there to capture all the elements of your event thoughtfully and completely. In the week leading up to the party, I will request a timeline from your DJ or planner so I am always ready for whatever the day has to bring.
The Reveal
After the event, all of your images will be culled and edited by me, to ensure the highest image quality and a cohesive collection. This process takes approximately 3-6 weeks. Once they're ready, well have a 1:1 reveal of all the images from your day and discuss the best ways for you to get your images out of digital limbo, and into your hands.
Albums & Wall Art
I fell in love with photography in a dark room, hand printing my images. I think this is why I have such a soft spot for printed images. There’s nothing like holding a one-of-a-kind, highly curated album of your favorite images, or passing through a hallway of your favorite family photographs every morning.
In my mind, this is the ultimate end point for your photos. They were meant to live in your home, not on your hard drive!
Dana Y.
Cannot say enough wonderful things about Hillary. She photographed my daughter’s bat mitzvah party and took pre-mitzvah photos at the synagogue. She truly captured the essence of the night..a night full of love and joy. It was an amazing event and the photos truly reflect the fun and colorful party vibes. She got all the details and captured the moments beautifully. She didn’t miss anything and most importantly captured my daughter having the time of her life. Hillary made us all feel so comfortable in front of the camera and the portraits she took are gorgeous. I can’t stop looking at them and reflecting back on what truly was the most magical day/night for our family. Thanks Hil!
Courtney P.
Hillary is a consummate professional. She made my 12-year-old daughter feel confident and comfortable. Her pictures are exquisite and truly capture the essence of the weekend. You can feel the energy coming through the photos! I would recommend her 100x over for her eye, professionalism, sweetness, perspective, and incredible images. Truly lucky to have worked with Hillary to capture one of the best weekends of our family's life....
Memories to last a lifetime.
Alyssa C.
I cannot recommend Hillary enough as a creative photographer and professional! While weddings are her thing, she did an amazing job capturing my daughter's Bat Mitzvah this spring. It is not only her ability and expertise to capture the moments, the feel and the expressions of the occasion, but it is her true professionalism as well. She has a relaxed and easy going vibe that makes one feel at ease. Hillary is responsive and a great communicator which reassures you throughout the process that you are in capable and skilled hands. The photos did not disappoint and now we have them as memories for years to come.
Liz M.
We can only say wonderful things about our experience with Hillary. She was not only able to catch the wonderful moments with beautiful and creative shots, she was able to tell a story through the images. Professional, knowledgeable, organized, talented. And as a bonus, the turnaround was extremely fast! Hiring Hillary was the best decision and we cannot say enough amazing things about her!
Samantha B.
Hillary was an amazing photographer for our son's bar mitzvah and I would highly recommend her! She was reliable, professional, very responsive, and most importantly took beautiful photos. She is very skilled with lighting and knowing what backgrounds look best. She works well with children too. She also created a gorgeous album very quickly! Anyone who uses her for an event is in very good hands!!
