Are you having these photos taken at your Bar or Bat Mitzvah? | Pop Color Events | Adding a Pop of Color to Bar & Bat Mitzvahs in DC, MD & VA

Which Mitzvah Photos are Right for Your Family?

There are a number of different photo ops related to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Here are some of the most common types of Mitzvah photo shoots that you might be interested in. You may choose to do all or some of these photo options and an experienced Mitzvah photographer is vital in getting amazing images that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Shul Shots/Posed Bima Portraits

Posed Bima Photograph from Hannah's Bat Mitzvah at Beth Ami in Rockville, MD | Pop Color Events | Adding a Pop of Color to Bar & Bat Mitzvahs in DC, MD & VA

Shul shots or posed bima photographs generally happen a few days before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. They frequently involve just the Mitzvah child’s immediate family taking photos on the bima, with the Torah, in front of the ark and/or at other locations in the synagogue. Each congregation has different rules about when these can happen, which Torah should be used and how this can be scheduled. Check with the clergy assistant for specific policies.

Guest of honor photo shoot

It’s becoming more common to use photographs of the guest of honor as part of the Mitzvah party’s decor. A photo shoot with the guest of honor about 2-3 months prior to your event will allow you plenty of time to get images back from your photographer, select the best ones and order images for decor. The possibilities for decor are endless–sign in boards, life sized cut outs, centerpieces…

Family portrait session

Similar to posed bima photographs, this type of photo shoot is of the Mitzvah child and their immediate family. However, it generally takes place in more casual clothes and in a non-synagogue environment like a park or the family’s home. The goal of this type of photo shoot is to help the whole family feel comfortable both in front of the camera and with the photographer.

Mitzvah Party Photos

Finally, the reason why you’re looking to hire a photographer in the first place! You’re having an amazing party with all of your family and friends, so having a professional there to capture all of the special moments is a no brainer.

Posed photos

Yes, more posed photos! Posed photos at your Mitzvah party are the ones that generally involve the extended family. Depending on the timing of the party, these can either occur before the party starts or during the cocktail hour. While these can take a long time if you have a lot of family pairings, there are so few occasions when extended families gather, that it’s so nice to have professional photographs of these important people. When planning these posed photos, don’t forget to get a posed photo of all of the kids on the dance floor!

Candids

Sammy's Bar Mitzvah hora at the Bethesda Marriott North | Pop Color Events | Adding a Pop of Color to Bar & Bat Mitzvahs in DC, MD & VA

Busting a move on the dance floor. Being lifted on a chair. Grandpa saying the kiddush. Mom and Dad kvelling over a job well done. A great photographer knows where to be to get the unplanned shots that are full of emotion. Make sure you love the candids in your photographer’s portfolio because that’s the only way you’ll be able to get an idea of the type of candids you may get.

Detail shots

Table setting from Talia's Bat Mitzvah at the Loft at 600 F Street in Washington, DC | Pop Color Events | Adding a Pop of Color to Bar & Bat Mitzvahs in DC, MD & VA

Detail shots are close ups of little decor things that you’ll want to remember and can include everything from centerpieces to escort cards to invitations to favors and more. The details make the party and it’s always fun to look back on them.

Need help with Mitzvah photos? Pop Color Events can help!

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