Asked to photograph a Bar Mitzvah (Page 2): I could not agree more with Mr. Shapiro. Weddings and other important events should be left to the experienced photographer, someone that...

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I could not agree more with Mr. Shapiro. Weddings and other important events should be left to the experienced photographer, someone that has already been trained to photograph such events.
I have done weddings but never a ceremony of this type. From the description it is an important day in a young man and his family. Not knowing exactly how to shoot the event could end in disastrous results.

If I were you very politely I would ask the family to hire a professional IF they can afford it but if they cannot try to get as much information about the subject as you can and hope for the best.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

lwerthe1mer wrote:

A decent but not great photographer with no experience shooting an event, I have been asked by a young couple to shoot their son’s bar mitzvah. I would not accept compensation.

I am flattered but very reluctant to accept. any guidance on how to handle such an assignment if I choose to accept?

Thanks.

I would go one step further follow your gut and not accept the work. The best way to get these questions and those you don't know enough to ask yet is to work as a unpaid assistant to a pro who's don't this before - be very quiet, observant and do everything you are told. It's a recipe for disaster to solicit advice on a forum like this, where there is a mix of seasoned retired and working pros, aspiring amateurs, and keyboard commandos all offering advice.

You will need lots of redundant equipment - mainly because stuff happens. You may need an assistant. You'll need to be compensated for costs of rental gear, the assistant, T&E, etc etc etc - all detailed in your contract for services. Not accepting compensation is your first mistake - make sure it's you last.

Sorry to take the wind out of your sales, but I have seen this repeat itself over and over and over again - even with those that describe themselves as "pros" just because they have a camera with a battery grip and this giant erector-set looking flash bracket. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked by clients to correct the mistakes made by people like this. Don't be that guy/gal.

JimmyTB

Rab-Eye wrote:

Well, the fourth in actual fact, but who’s counting?

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

A friend in college asked me to photograph his wedding. I accepted, but had little experience. I was not happy with the results - and I am sure he and his wife (and the bride's mother) were also not happy. It was a hard lesson to learn. Years later, with far more experience and far better equipment, I photographed my sister's wedding by candlelight in a dark convent in Antigua, Guatemala. Those photos (utilizing a Canon T-90) were some of my finest work! They turned out far better than her marriage! I still have copies of those photos - she meanwhile dumped her husband years ago....

JimmyTB

Rab-Eye wrote:

Well, the fourth in actual fact, but who’s counting?

I'm eagerly looking forward to your next Sabbath message. I do hope you're still doing them.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

lwerthe1mer wrote:

A decent but not great photographer with no experience shooting an event, I have been asked by a young couple to shoot their son’s bar mitzvah. I would not accept compensation.

I am flattered but very reluctant to accept. any guidance on how to handle such an assignment if I choose to accept?

Thanks.

Have you even shot a Bar Mitzvah? If not, say the following.
I am very flattered that you asked me to shoot this event. This is a once in a life time event for your son and I do not fell comfortable that I would be able to deliver the quality images necessary for such an event.
Thank you for your invitation and congratulations to your son on his achievement.

anotherview Loc: California

If you see yourself as unqualified, then politely decline the gig. Inform the couple that their special moment deserves a photographer experienced in social events.

I've been in this position myself. I offered to pay half the expense of an experienced photographer.

I told the couple that I would attend and take photographs, too.

This arrangement worked.

lwerthe1mer wrote:

A decent but not great photographer with no experience shooting an event, I have been asked by a young couple to shoot their son’s bar mitzvah. I would not accept compensation.

I am flattered but very reluctant to accept. any guidance on how to handle such an assignment if I choose to accept?

Thanks.

jsfphotos Loc: New York, NY

My son shot a bar mitzvah and he was asked to keep a certain distance from the altar, which requires a long lens but was also prohibited from using a tripod. He also had to sign papers promising to adhere to specific rules for photographers shooting bar and bat mitzvahs. There were certain portions of the ceremony where there was no picture taking at all. He videoed another bar mitzvah in a very informal setting outside of a synogogue and that was a totally different experience. Also, different rules for shooting the ceremony vs. the party after.

Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida

E.L.. Shapiro wrote:

I am a veteran of many hundreds of Bar Mitzvah coverages.

On the surface, to the uninitiated, it is a religious ceremony celebrating a young man's entry into the Jewish Community coupled with a rather festive and sometimes lavish birthday party. Sounds simple enough but, although I seldom try to discourage folks for try things for the first time, this is no job for an inexperienced photographer.

In many Jewish families, it is an extremely important event, tantamount to the importance of a wedding. Judaism has many denominations from Ultra Othradox, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and more. In the Ultra Othados, there are sects. My point is that the event is celebrated in different ways by different folks. The photographer needs to be familiar with the various customers, rituals, and restrictions of photography.

The ceremony usually tasks place during the Sabith service when photography or any kind of "work" is prohibited. My method is to attend a rehearsal where you man will practice reading from the Torah. There are many important protocols pertaining to handling and reading these scrolls. Usually, the scroll can not be taken from the Arc and opened for any kinda frivolous reason- like taking pictures. It is usually OK if the Bar Mitzvah Boy is reading and studying for his actual reading. This, of course, is done on a non-sabbatical weekday. I will have the family, parents, grandparents Rabbi, siblings reenact a few key parts of the ceremony. I work quickly with multiple flash and available lights. I shoot from angles that do not show empty pews.

I also coordinate this session with the Rabbi and/or the sexton of the congregation. This is not universally allowed in every synagogue or congregation, there may be many variations in permissions and restrictions- you need to find out in advance.

The idea is to record the essence of the ceremony and the appropriate expressions of profound pride and joy in the boy and his family. Sometimes 13-year-old boys can be a handful- you gotta make friends with them!

After the Synagogue session, it's off to the family home for the family portraits, the parents, grandparents and other close relatives. Gettingting all the out of the way means that the party coverage, usually Saturday after sundown, can be covered in a mostly photojournalistic way without pulling the family away from the guests. Somets an hour or so before the part, the larger family group can be set up. The part can take place athe Synagogue's function, a hotel, or another catering venue.

The party can be anything fr a simple reception to a rip-roaring extravaganza! Live music, DJs traditional Jewish music, Rock 'n' roll, Lotsa food, tradition and wild dancing, lifting the kid and his parent up on chairs and dancing to another room with them up in the air. There might be a giant birthday cake with a candlelight ceremony. You gotta be on your toes and be able to shoot fast and accurately.

This is an outline of an average modern Bar Mitzvah celebration but there are many variations. It requires planning and being prepared.

I am a veteran of many hundreds of Bar Mitzvah cov... (show quote)

Amen! And Mazel Tov!

stevetassi

If you’re not comfortable doing it then politely decline and thank them for asking you.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

And explain honestly that "free" means there are no guarantees. They get what they get.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

anotherview wrote:

…..I told the couple that I would attend and take photographs, too. This arrangement worked.

Respectfully, that is terrible advice. Another photographer makes the job far more difficult for the hired pro. Nothing worse for an event pro than “Uncle Bob with a camera.” Cell phones and their idiot users who block access by the hired pro make event photography ever more challenging. Think about standing at the rear of the aisle trying to shoot the newlyweds walking back down the aisle, only to have 50 guests clog the aisle taking pics. Or trying to shoot set family shots (wedding or Bat Mitzvah) with Uncle Bob standing next to you confusing the subjects about where to look.

I have a hard and fast rule. I NEVER bring my gear to an event where a pro has been hired. Not even to my son’s wedding. Even if you plan to shoot party candids only, I would discourage that too. When groups of revelers want their pics snapped, who do they go to? You? I’m sure you think you are a great photographer, but the hired pro will probably do a better job than you will and why risk dissatisfied guests?

I strongly concur that the OP should not accept the job and suggest that you being there with camera (which sounds like a “just in case” comment ) is a bad idea.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Rab-Eye wrote:

Your very first step is to confirm that photography is permitted on the Sabbath. Many synagogues, such as mine, go through a dress rehearsal before the event and photographs are taken then. Traditional Judaism does not allow photography on the Sabbath.

This is very true. Although many don’t understand, photography and carrying objects is considered work. If photography and dress rehearsals are not permitted, photograph on a day other than the Sabbath. Make sure the young man or young woman is well dressed and the Torah is open for all to see. Portraits with the Torah, the pointer and donning the Talis is especially important. Don’t forget the young man should be photographed with a cigar in hand and surrounded by women. Women should also be properly represented.

KenProspero

As I recall, at my Bar Mitzvah MANY years ago, my parents hired a friend's son, with similar experience to do the photography.

I don't recall whether he used the wrong film, or botched the developing, but at the end of the day, I have no pictures from that event.

OTOH -- when we arrived at a step brother's wedding, a number of years ago, we found that they hadn't hired a photographer. I had my camera with me bought 10 rolls of film, and did the honors. The results -- pics were 'ok' -- I got all the groupings and a lot of candids, but to be honest, I didn't have the skills or the proper equipment to do the job a professional would have. Still, they had some nice pictures, and everyone understood what my skill level is.

My point here -- if you're a decent photographer, you can probably muddle through and give some nice memories, but it probably won't be as good as if they hired a professional. If it were me -- as with Step Bro's wedding, if it were me or no one, I'd do it, but otherwise, probably not.

Nicholas J DeSciose

Ask that a friend or relative that knows the ceremony and the procedures designed to help you. This isn’t much different than photographing a wedding. All the guests will be very happy. Everybody will having a good what time