Jenny's Bat Mitzvah

The first Bar Mitzvah I photographed was for Jenny's Brother 3 1/2 years ago. Now Jenny celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. In three years she has gone from a silly, wild nine year old girl to a beautiful, charming young lady.

I love shooting with Rabbi Looper. Photography is not allowed during the ceremony, but he is always more than happy to pose for a few shots prior to or after the ceremony. He's an engaging speaker and the kids both love AND respect him. Beware the "Looper look" if you dare to talk during the ceremony! Three generations of beautiful women! The place cards and centerpieces were designed and made by Jenny's grandmother. They were so fresh and beautiful. I saw her collecting the centerpieces at the end of the party and ran over and took some shots. I love how she is surrounded by her happy creations.

Jenny's Brother David has also changed a lot in three years. I know his mother will not choose this portrait, but I love it.

Heck of a good tennis player too. Besides my camera, I brought my raquet along, and after shooting, I told him I was going to teach him some tennis. After I smashed three serves into the back fence, I told him to serve "give me everything ya got!" I made contact, but the returns too hit the back fence. Must have had some bad tennis balls...

Potter Joe and Teenager Sam

I don't usually like selective color, where most of the image is black and white and some selective areas are color. "Look what I can do in Photoshop!!!" However when I do one or two in a gallery, invariably the client will purchase that image. I don't usually do them. Shows you what kind of business man I am... I do like it in the above image though, because it brings out the colors in one of the many pots Joe has made. If I left the image color, his skin tones and yellow shirt would have stolen the show.

Sam turned thirteen and gave me his tough teen look.

Portraits, Baptisms and Bar Mitzvahs!

I photographed temple Bar Mitzvah portraits for David recently. I had shot his Sister Michelle's Bat Mitzvah three years ago. Both of them are great kids and I enjoyed photographing the family.

I had the pleasure of photographing Roman's baptism last weekend. I know the parents wanted some sleeping shots of him because I had taken some of Roman's Sister Hailey at her baptism two years prior. The little guy finally passed out right when I was leaving the party and the father came out with him and asked if I'd take some sleeping shots. Look at those dimples on his fingers. Love those...

Took some portraits of Jenny a couple of days ago using all natural light. Generally I'll blast some light on the white background to make it pop, but in this case I let it go naturally tan. I kind of like the simplicity of it. My favorite is black backgrounds. Sometimes they get a little tough with brunettes and you have to light the hair from the back a bit, but Jenny's blonde streaked hair popped out beautifully.