Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

Welcome to UHH. Members here tend to speak their mind and in doing so, my experience has been that many of the "grumps" will bend over backwards to help you get to where you are trying to get. Take it with a grain of salt because, in an odd way, they are trying to be of help. Don't ever worry about asking questions. I have asked some really dumb things and I will continue to do so because I am trying to advance my ability. This isn't a personality forum. Good luck.

sjshaf Loc: Odenton, MD

THANK YOU! hdg.
Out of all the replies, yours is the only relevant one!
Seems like other people are answering whether as a non-jew I should be allowed to photograph a Bar Mitzvah! ha.

sjshaf Loc: Odenton, MD

THANK YOU O2NOMAD! I will look for the book and online resources.

lonewolf456

Thank you Pine1 for your feedback. I am sure you are 100 % correct in that the forum provides a great medium for answers, even to newbies like me.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Keep in mind that picture taking under the roof of a synagogue is not permitted - not even in the reception room if it's under the same roof. Talk to the Rabbi now before you do any more planning. Also, you should wear a yarmulka when in the synagoge.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

This is a very large forum and there are lots of posters with very different approaches to communication, just like in the real world. Like the real world there are some people here who are regularly arrogant and confrontational. Speedy's comment, however, while ill advised was hardly nasty or as confrontational as you believe. Additionally he apologized for the wording which did not convey properly what he was trying to express. If you stick around you'll see how confrontational some members can actually be. Sometimes it can get extremely nasty and mean spirited. And I would strongly suggest you stay clear of the General Chit Chat forum if you want to avoid venom and confrontation. There are some posters there that live for it.

Having said that there is a wealth of information on this site and most threads are quite civil. But if you ask a question, like in the real world, sometimes the responses will annoy or even upset you.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Good advice. :thumbup: :thumbup:

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

To reinforce other comments, do a lot of advance work. You'll need, of course, to talk to the family and be certain you and they are on the same page. If you know what they expect - as well as what they will not want - beforehand, you're gonna do much better. As some have said, DO talk to the rabbi and make sure that what he wants/requires/permits matches what the family is requesting. There was a story on the news recently about a priest who actually stopped a wedding and turned around and ordered the videographer to move away from behind him. He angrily threatened to completely halt the wedding if the videographer didn't instantly comply, even after the videographer pointed out that the family had asked for precisely the video angle he was trying to capture. The look of shock on the faces of the bride and groom was palpable. They were stunned. If I'd been the groom or the father of the bride or groom, I'd have thrown that priest through the nearest window. So save yourself some grief and be CERTAIN that all parties are in full agreement as to what can be done and what cannot.

TimS Loc: GA

I would suspect that flash would not be allowed because the BMs are held on a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Quite honestly, I'm not sure how they can justify the taking of photos on Saturday to begin with. Perhaps if the camera is turned on Friday before sundown and left on until Saturday after sundown.

I dunno. Any Jewish photogs on here that can chime in?

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Many of the shots that are done in the Synagogue are done prior to the service. Some should include the family standing before the Ark where the Torahs are stored. The Rabbi usually has to open the Ark, but that should not be a problem if you speak with him first. Otherwise, most of the above comments are accurate. There is no reason for any specific religious affiliation of professional photographers!!

martyr2013 Loc: Massachusetts

Father Jack is correct. Check with the rabbi or administrator of the synagogue. You may be able to do some photography before the service starts but not during the service even in a Reform congregation (not reformed).

In some Reform congregations there is a dummy scroll that can be used for photos.

krameria

Some Bar Mitzvahs are as elaborate as fancy weddings with many activities--dinners, brunches etc. Others are very simple. So, good advice would be to talk to the mother and find out exactly what is planned and what she expects. If you cannot shoot in the sancturary the day of the event, there will be practices before hand and you will be able to shoot then.

sjshaf Loc: Odenton, MD

Yes, exactly. The dress rehearsal is going to be prior to the event with four (direct family) members and I assume the rabbi. Thats when I will be able to take pictures. But not at the real event.
And the reception is over the weekend after the ceremony.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Well...the answers weren't snide and I would HOPE you could see why they'd react the way that they did...

Imagine this on a Mechanic's forum:

"...Hi guys...I've been contracted to be the chief mechanic at a stock car race next Saturday night but I've never fixed a car, torn an engine apart, seen a stock car race, nor been a chief mechanic...anyone got any good tips for me?"

I mean really...do really think that the comments would be like "sure...go for it!....don't forget to bring your coveralls..."

For some reason, Photography is the only profession that I can think of where if you have some equipment you are considered a photographer and nobody asks about your past history or background/experience in the field...

And lastly...this question has been asked on photography forums 10,000 times and several dozen times here on the hog (not just bar mitzvas) in various ways...sometimes the best answer is the most truthful one...

"subcontract to someone who has the experience and tag along so you'll be ready to do the event justice when it's your turn."

That's not cruel, rude, or snide...it's good advice.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

My experience with bar mitzvahs is limited to floral decoration, but I can say from first-hand experience that rules vary from synagogue to synagogue, or from rabbi to rabbi, as the case may be.

I have often worked at one local synagogue in which the rear wall is glass. There is almost always a videographer present; I often am acquainted with him or her and converse briefly as I am finishing my setup. While they are not allowed within, they are certainly under the same roof.

Many good suggestions made here, but do NOT omit speaking with the rabbi.