Mitzvah Photography is one of the many types of events that we enjoy photographing here at Portraits by David. A Bar Mitzvah is a coming of age celebration when a Jewish boy reaches the age of 13. A Bat Mitzvah is a similar celebration for a Jewish girl at age 12. Both are said to have become adults and are now responsible for their actions. Mitzvahs are a joyous celebration for families including parents, grandparents, and siblings. Mitzvah photography is a way of capturing this important milestone in a Jewish child’s life and preserving the memories for years to come. One of the key accomplishments at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the Mitzvah child reading from the Torah in Hebrew in front of his or her family and invited guests. Many times photographs are not permitted in the temple on the Sabbath during the actual service. These photographs are often done during the week at the temple in private. As a Mitzvah photographer, we must adhere to the rules and most importantly find out the rules prior to the event as not to create a scene, and draw attention towards us and away from the Mitzvah. Some of the key and most important Mitzvah photographs include the reading of the Torah with yad, the Mitzvah holding the Torah. Repeating these same photos with the parents, Rabbi, grandparents and siblings are also important. A solo portrait of the Bar or bat Mitzvah is also very important. Making sure to also include photos with the tallit and prayer book are a good idea.
After the Mitzvah ceremony comes the party. Some familes go all out and have a lavish party with a theme, DJ, dancers and all the frills. Others have a simpler party among close friend and families. Moat parties start with the introduction of the family of the mitzvah and lastly the mitzvah enters sometimes accompanied by dancers and entrance video. Often speeches are given, then blessings of wine and bread, the Kiddush and Motzi. No Bar/Bat Mitzvah party would be complete without the Hora and the mitzvah being lifted in a chair. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake with candle lightings is also important mitzvah photography shots. We can’t leave out group photographs of all the kids, or the games the DJ and dancers play with the kids. Coke & Pepsi is a very popular group participation game, and a scavenger hunt is fun to photograph. Imagine 50 kids running around looking for a red neck tie. It is all fun and we sincerely enjoy photography these meaningful and fun events. Please consider us for your son or daughter’s Mitzvah photography. Call us at 413-537-8137 for more information. Mazel Tov
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