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. 


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.
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.
Undressing the Torah for its reading.
Dad lifting the Torah.
Little sister dressing and tying the Torah.
This right here is what I love about Mitzvah photography.  Look at the pride on these parents’ faces!
Can you feel this teen’s sense of accomplishment and the rabbi’s joy?
Manischewitz:  me too kid, me too.
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!
We got some great twirling shots at our pre-session, so we captured some more on the big day!
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.
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!
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.
Party time!  Amanda is ready to celebrate!
I love the innocence of the younger ladies twirling in their dresses.
Enjoying the photo montage of Amanda growing up.
Sometimes during the hora, the participants will charge the center.  Guess who was waiting in the center, camera-ready!?
And then Amanda took a turn in the center for a big group hug from her friends!
This is Amanda’s 84 year old grandfather.  He’s got more moves than I do!
Guests enjoyed the green screen photo booth.
Amanda and many of her friends are dancers.  Here they are executing some choreography. 
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!
Fun with the DJ lights and screen
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!

Ethan and Sabrina: Child Modeling Headshots

I met these adorable kiddos last year around this time for modeling headshots.  Since kids grow so much in a year, mom scheduled another session, and this one didn’t disappoint.  I mean, last year’s was so amazing, and when that happens, I’m going up against my best work, which is a pretty high bar to meet, and I’m happy to say I was up to the challenge.  We met on a chilly morning, so as I was running out the door for our session, I threw a couple of blankets in my bag.  The kids were quite appreciative that I did, and it made for some fun photos!  The first one happened to match Sabrina’s headband perfectly, and the other 2 are special afghans handmade by my Grandma, so I was happy to see them adding some color and warmth to this session!  I’m looking forward to getting these two in front of my camera again!

Caleb wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day

This big guy is an absolute doll.  I first had the pleasure of having him in front of my camera last year for Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions, and since we had so much fun, mom wanted to do them again this year.  I didn’t really have any big set planned with props, but mom had the great idea to use the ‘I LOVE YOU’ sign at Young at Art Children’s Museum as a backdrop, along with a heart Grandma temporary tattoo.  Caleb had a great time climbing on the letters and bike rack, and showing off his Grandma love.  Thanks for sharing your V-Day love with me, and I hope to continue to freeze time for you as you grow!

Kim and Michael’s Wedding

Kim and Michael tied the knot at the new Margaritaville Hotel in Hollywood, Florida.  The ceremony was planned for the beach, but since it got chilly, windy, and drizzly, it was moved indoors overlooking the beach, which was no less beautiful.  I got to spend some time with both the bride and groom getting ready, which is always fun.  After the ceremony, the couple gave me plenty of time for portraits, an awesome location to explore, and a groomsman to act as my assistant and hold a flash.  Any one of these leads to lovely portraits, but all 3 is like a gift, especially with a beautiful couple as in love as Kim and Michael are, and we were able to create some real magic.  Enjoy these previews, and I can’t wait to share all of the photos of your special day with you!

Amanda’s Mitzvah Pre-Shoot

This lovely lady celebrated her Bat Mitzvah this past weekend, and while you wait for me to showcase the photos from her beautiful service and party, here are some from her pre-shoot a few weeks earlier.  I really enjoyed working with Amanda and her family.  She takes direction extremely well in front of the camera, and is a natural, especially when her smile reaches her eyes.  She has a calm and sweet disposition, especially with her mama.  I mean, I was a teenage girl once.  I did then, and still do sass my mom sometimes (sorry mom!), but Amanda was an absolute doll, and I really enjoyed working with her!