It’s been over two years since I last shot a bar mitzvah in Washington, DC.  I used to shoot one almost every weekend before moving up to Maine and transitioning into more of a wedding and family portrait photographer. These were usually great big parties that made my job seem like more fun than work.  So when Cyndi Smith emailed me about my availability for a b’nai mitzvah in Portsmouth, NH I was instantly excited.  Of course, a b’nai mitzvah means two teenagers, no small challenge for the most seasoned bar mitzvah photographer.  I hoped shooting bar mitzvahs was like riding a bike and that it all would come back to me when I got there.  Would I remember the terminology and the standard poses (and would these New Hampshire clients even want what was considered standard in DC)?  More importantly, would I be able to relate to 13 year-olds or would the simply see me as a 36 year-old mother of a toddler? I silenced by doubts as I pulled into the nearly hidden Temple Israel parking lot.  Rabbi Barry greeted me warmly and led me into the sanctuary.  I knew instantly that I would be okay.  There was the bimah, the arc, the torah, and the tallit.  All as familiar as a wedding dress and boutonniere.

The Katz family arrived and the rehearsal started.  Because most synagogues do not allow photography on the sabbath, it’s common to shoot the temple portraits prior to the event.  Instead of posing and recreating everything, shooting the rehearsal affords an opportunity for some more natural images.  Jordan and Alex and the rest of the Katz family did an amazing job reading their torah portions with me shooting away around them.  After some quick posed portraits we said our goodbyes until the party that Saturday.

I had been anticipating this party from the moment Marla (The Mom) told me they were basing the decor on Khloe Kardashian’s wedding.  If you’re going to throw a party, you might as well do it in style!  The large Sperry Tent stood dramatically on the grounds of Strawbery Banke, a Sturbridge Village-like museum in Portsmouth,  NH.   It was quite a sight, and attracted many curious passersby.  Inside the ladies of Janie Haas Events were putting the finishing touches on the stunning decor.  White leather banquettes faced black leather chairs creating a lounge effect.  A black dance floor reflected the tent’s peaks and the shiny red chandeliers that hung from each tent post.  Lucite tables were lit from below, and red candles and pillows accented the white and black.  In a word:  Gorgeous.

The guests walked from the temple to Strawbery Banke and were greeted by tasty passed hors d’oeuvres and pumping dance music.  The food and the dancing did not stop until after 10 PM.  To my delight they played some old school bar mitzvah party games like human musical chairs and dance-offs (even though they didn’t play it, the DJ assured me Coke and Pepsi was still a staple game).  There was no shortage of goofy party hats and glowing things — it just isn’t a bar mitzvah without that stuff.

I had a awesome time!  Mazel tov, Jordan and Alex!

Some of my favorite images are below.  Check out the slideshow to see more.

Temple:  Temple Israel, Portsmouth, NH
Party:  Strawbery Banke
Tent:  Sperry Tents
Event Planning:  Janie Haas Events
Party Rentals:  Party by Design
DJ:  Northern Lights Entertainment
Catering:  Max Ultimate