3 Tips For Finding a Bar & Bat Mitzvah Photographer

Shooting mitzvahs aren't just 12 hours on at a child's birthday party! There is lots of planning ahead of time for us, and also lots of follow up after the event with editing, making prints and making albums! 

Photography is an enduring reminder of the days joy. Choosing a photographer who fits your family’s personality is one decision you should consider carefully. Consider the following tips when interviewing mitzvah photographers:

---

---

1. Style

One of the key ways to differentiate between photographers is to assess his or her individual style and artistic vision. Review perspective photographers work online, visit their various digital presence: websites, blogs and various social media outlets. You will quickly find a stylistic approach that speaks to your aesthetic vision, which photographer’s work draws you back for a second and third look. Are you drawn to formal poses or more candid moments? Whatever style resonates with you, be sure that the images capture and convey the emotions of their subjects

2. Personality

You will be spending a lot of time with your photographer, as much as eleven or twelve hours, so spend time assessing photographer’s personality. Upbeat, flexible and accommodating are all traits that ought to come to mind when thinking about a potential photographer. Ask for references and follow through by speaking with them!

3. Service

The quality of service you receive both before and after your mitzvah event is critical to ensuring a great experience. A service-oriented mitzvah photographer understands the importance and meaning of the day and should treat you as his sole patron. He or she will work hard to make the entire experience fun and keep your stress level low. Choose a photographer who listens to what you want, happily responds to questions, delivers what was promised, on time and always and be flexible in creating your album and prints. A service-oriented mitzvah photographer should delight you at every turn.

The photos above are some examples from a bat mitzvah we shot earlier this year in Rye, NY. We enjoyed shooting at The Coveleigh Club, a handsome Georgian Revival clubhouse set upon the shores of a quaint cove on the Long Island Sound.

Once you have a sense of a photographer’s style and vision, personality and the quality of service you can expect from them, you’ll know whether they are right for you and your family. Of course, budget considerations play a role for most families, but costs can be shaved on other less significant elements of your mitzvah weekend. Don’t be tempted to sacrifice heirloom quality photographs – they’re all you have left when the lights come up.