Communication & Planning

As someone who has photographed 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.

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.

Delivery

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 are ready, everything will be uploaded to a private web gallery for you to view, share and download. You will be able to download high-res, lightly edited jpegs from the gallery that are yours to print, share, or spam your family with to your heart’s content.

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.

Albums

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 albums. There’s nothing like holding a one-of-a-kind, highly curated album of your favorite images from your most special day. 

Everything is custom designed and meticulously retouched by me, for optimal printing and consistency.