So You by Erica Sue

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Amanda’s Bat Mitzvah

I love all of my photography work, but Mitzvahs have a special place in my heart.  There’s something about the spirituality of the event, combined with the teen’s moment in the spotlight, the sibling’s admiration, and the parents’ pride that just speaks to me!  And this family in particular has such a big heart that just made me and my camera nearly explode with their contagious love and joy, trying to capture it all!  I bring my A-game every time my camera comes out, but when I connect with a family like I connected with these guys, magic happens. 

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During the service, I always love to capture the guests.  They are unplugged, engaged in the moment, and unaware of my presence, so these photos are always real, and some of my favorites. 2048-9784 2048-9837 2048-9804 2048-1414 2048-1418 2048-9856 2048-9903
Some Mitzvah services have a little ceremony within the ceremony where the Torah is passed from the grandparents, to the parents, to the Bat Mitzvah.  I can feel the moment looking at this image. 2048-9930 2048-9952
Undressing the Torah for its reading. 2048-1451 (2) 2048-1456 2048-1459 2048-9967 2048-9990 2048-9992 2048-9820
Dad lifting the Torah. 2048-0021 (2)
Little sister dressing and tying the Torah. 2048-1471 (2)
This right here is what I love about Mitzvah photography.  Look at the pride on these parents’ faces! 2048-0028 2048-0035 (2)
Can you feel this teen’s sense of accomplishment and the rabbi’s joy? 2048-0060 2048-0075 2048-0076
Manischewitz :  me too kid, me too.2048-0089 (2)
I love it when a teen gives me time for portraits on Mitzvah day!  I mean, Amanda and I had an incredible pre-shoot, so I was thrilled to have more time with her in front of my camera like this again! 2048-1506 (2) 2048-0125
We got some great twirling shots at our pre-session, so we captured some more on the big day! 2048-0129 (2) 2048-1545 2048-1560 2048-0152
The details.  Her theme was ‘Amanda in Lights’, which was executed with red white and black balloons and flowers with red LEDs in the water. 2048-1248 2048-1398 2048-1582 2048-0162 2048-1593 2048-1605
Socks are often provided to the girls so they can literally kick off their heels and dance!  This mock-converse sneaker style is my absolute favorite! 2048-1596
This image reminds me of the movie ‘13 going on 30’.  It’s like a fast-forward to the future, and in the future, it’ll be a fun blast from the past. 2048-1540
Party time!  Amanda is ready to celebrate! 2048-1674
I love the innocence of the younger ladies twirling in their dresses. 2048-1628 2048-1727 (2) 2048-1694
Enjoying the photo montage of Amanda growing up. 2048-0218 2048-0239 2048-0249 2048-1779 2048-1818 (2) 2048-0281 2048--2 2048-0322 2048-1885 (2)
Sometimes during the hora, the participants will charge the center.  Guess who was waiting in the center, camera-ready!? 2048-0337
And then Amanda took a turn in the center for a big group hug from her friends! 2048-0354 2048-0364 2048-1991 2048-2115 2048-0378
This is Amanda’s 84 year old grandfather.  He’s got more moves than I do! 2048-2067 (2)
Guests enjoyed the green screen photo booth. 2048-2150 2048-2171 2048-2236 2048-2240 2048-2402 (2) 2048-2423 2048-2306 (2) 2048-2363 2048-2375 2048-0395 (2) 2048-2417 2048--3 (2) 2048--6 (2)
Amanda and many of her friends are dancers.  Here they are executing some choreography.  2048-2502 (2)
At the end of the afternoon, the DJ had all of the guests stand in a circle for hugs from Amanda.  Capturing that love perfectly sums up this event! 2048-2258 2048-2262 (2) 2048-2269 (2) 2048-2273 (2) 2048-2272 (2)
Fun with the DJ lights and screen 2048-2442
I had to have a picture with the mitzvah girl, too!  Mazel Tov Amanda!  You’d better call me for your senior portraits, and your wedding, if not sooner! Winking smile 2048--4