Shooting Closeup/Tight Part One: Bar Mitzvah

At the paper we call a shot where it focusses on part of a person, often just their upper body, a tight shot. When talking with wedding clients I usually call it a close up shot, but either way, the purpose is the same, to really focus in on the subject and what he or she is doing in that moment.

Here is a closeup of Ian reading the Torah at his Bar Mitzvah. I like the tilt especially and the hint of the smile on his lips as he reads.


After I had captured some great images with his facial expressions, I photographed this very tight one of just his hands and the Torah.

Lastly, a close up of him and his Rabbi, but shooting it tight, your focus is on them with their expressions, Ian's more relaxed than even his teacher, and their reading together.

Theme Parties, Part One

In 2006 I photographed a few celebrations that had elaborate themes to them. Jewish coming of age ceremonies (a bar mitzvah for a boy, bat mitzvah, or a b'nai mitzvah if two or more children have the ceremonies simultaneously ) often have such parties for their receptions.

Maia's party had an Arabian Nights theme with stunning decorations:


In addition to the scenery, ornately costumed entertainers presented the bat mitzvah girl, Maia (in red), and danced for and with the crowd.


Her mom especially got into the dancing mood: