Bar Mitzvah Savvy

by Gloria Pearse

I am always honored to be asked to photograph a Bar Mitzvah. In no other ceremony are the family traditions so evident and I cannot help but be touched by the pride and love that fills each event. The Child gains identity and learns about his heritage. His countless hours of learning it’s literature, language and prayers, culminate in this celebration of his 13th year. For the photographer, it offers a rare opportunity to witness and record the passing of the Torah (Books of Moses in Hebrew) from grandfather, to father to son, one generation to the next. Because a Bar Mitzvah is a very unique event, the following information should help you with the vocabulary and the sequence of events associated with it. These days it is just a common for a daughter to have a Bat Mitzvah and the sequence of events are just the same.

The child will be wearing a Tallit (a prayer shawl with fringe) over his suit on the day event. It is important to know if this has been handed down or purchased new, being sure not to miss a photo of a favorite aunt who may have brought one back from her travels to Israel. The father or grandfather may also be the ones to place the Tallit on his shoulders.

It is important to know the policy of the synagogue, as most will not permit photographs to be taken during the ceremony. The posed family groups and portraits of the son are done prior to the ceremony at a pre-arranged time. A visit or call to the temple to learn the rules is helpful.

If the Rabbi can be present at this pre-ceremony session, you can request that he remove the Torah from where it is stored and place it on the bimah (pulpit). A series of photos can be done as follows: Child and Rabbi reading from the Torah, Rabbi looking at the child while he reads, a tight crop of the child’s hand holding the Yad (pointer). The Yad may also be a family heirloom and you won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Hospitality is fundamental to the Jewish way of life and a luncheon will immediately follow the ceremony. After this , the wardrobe and mood will change in readiness for an evening party with family and friends. (Keep in mind that when you are quoting a price for your services that you will be dressed up with no where to go if you have done formals at 9a.m. and the party won’t begin until 6p.m.)

You’ll need to take note of the theme of the event which will reflect the interests or hobbies of the child. I have photographed parties with themes ranging from soccer to Star Wars where we needed a special badge to enter and live StarWars actors entertained the guests. I always photograph the invitation, centerpieces and the room before the guests arrive.

Following the cocktail hour, the candle lighting ceremony becomes the center of attention. With the use of rhymes and music the child calls on important people in his life to help him to light one candle at a time. There will be 13 candles and you’ll want to be prepared for two or more images each time a candle is lit. One frame for the lighting and at least one for the hugs and kisses that follow. This ceremony can go on for at least one half hour followed by the cutting of the Challah(bread), the blessing and a toast.

A Bar Mitzvah is one of these events in which it is presumed that “table shots” will be taken. Moving the subjects away from the tables to avoid shots of half-eaten food will help you sell more for the family album.

The evening continues with dancing and games for all ages. I like to photograph the child with all of the friends as soon as they finish their meal. This is a fun photograph to mount as a panorama print in the album.

A lively Hora (the circle dance in which friends hoist the Bar Mitzvah in the air in chairs) includes even the shyest guests. This is the highlight of the evening. The expressions are priceless and it is helpful to stand on a chair yourself to get up over the crowd for the best camera angle.

Pricing these events was a challenge for me when I first started in business. I have had the most success when I “packaged” my time, a family album and a signature portrait in one collection. Knowing the language of the event and knowing when an important event is going to happen will give the client the confidence to book your for one of their most important family events.

Sources cited:
The Bar Mitzvah Planbook by Jane Lewitt and Ellen Epstein
The Bar Mitzvah Survival Guide by Randy Reisfeld