So, my first Bat Mitzvah.

I thought not being allowed to photograph the ceremony would be a bad thing, but it's actually a blessing. When you have to fake it anyway you can set up lights, a tripod, and a ladder to make things easier on yourself. You also have the freedom to roam the stage and use a ladder for a wider variety angles. Beats the pants off of weddings.

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Great shots. Love the freckles.

Very nice set

I need to ask a question of the photographer here. My husband's co-worker just invited us to his daughter's Bat Mitzvah in October. We were planning to go together, no kids, but my sons were complaining that they'd never been to one before and they really wanted to go with us. What is the amount we should give for a gift for each one going to the event? And secondly, should I even think about bringing my G12? Because not bringing the 5D2 or 7D because that would be rude.

BTW, very sweet images. I wasn't planning on shooting the ceremony, just the dinner.

SuzyView wrote in post #14995345
I need to ask a question of the photographer here. My husband's co-worker just invited us to his daughter's Bat Mitzvah in October. We were planning to go together, no kids, but my sons were complaining that they'd never been to one before and they really wanted to go with us. What is the amount we should give for a gift for each one going to the event? And secondly, should I even think about bringing my G12? Because not bringing the 5D2 or 7D because that would be rude.

I have NO idea about gifts Suzy but I can ask. She had gifts but I don't know who gave what and how close the giver was to her.

As far as I was made aware, cameras are forbidden during the ceremony entirely. I didn't even stay, opting to take a break @ McDonald's and review the shots since there was nothing else for me to do until the reception/party. There was a lady with a G series at this one and lots of smartphones so I don't see why you shouldn't. It wasn't much different from a wedding reception.

I knew about the ceremony, just haven't been to one in a very long time. So, it's going to be very interesting.

Hi Suzy, regarding the gift I would suggest a check (or gift equivalent) of at least $50. If you are closer to the people and/or feeling more generous then go higher.......$75 or 100 . A lot of kids will put the check towards a college fund.

Thanks, Stuart! I see in your website you shoot ceremonies all the time. That's great! I was thinking $50 for each of us who are attending, so add $50 just in case, $250 for all 4 of us to go. It's such a good learning experience for the boys, who are 13 and 15. They already have formal attire, suits, to wear and they know how to behave at such religious occasions, but we are LDS, so they've never seen a Bat Mitzvah celebration before. So excited.

Hey Stu do you actually get to shoot ceremonies or are you required to stage them as I was?

cdifoto wrote in post #15024840
Hey Stu do you actually get to shoot ceremonies or are you required to stage them as I was?

Hey there CDI - in general, shooting the ceremony is restricted and the Rabbi really does not like it. Sometimes right at the very, very end they will allow a little but you usually have to stage the shots. However............

In some synagogues, the santuary has doors at the back with a hallway or vestibule. Now and then these have windows and in one particular Temple I tripod mount my camera with the 70-200 + 1.4 TC and can get a great set of pictures throughout the entire ceremony. You are not in the main sanctuary, they can't hear or see you............no foul, no call .

sapearl wrote in post #15025503
Hey there CDI - in general, shooting the ceremony is restricted and the Rabbi really does not like it. Sometimes right at the very, very end they will allow a little but you usually have to stage the shots. However............

In some synagogues, the santuary has doors at the back with a hallway or vestibule. Now and then these have windows and in one particular Temple I tripod mount my camera with the 70-200 + 1.4 TC and can get a great set of pictures throughout the entire ceremony. You are not in the main sanctuary, they can't hear or see you............no foul, no call .

Ah so it's more to do with being in the sanctuary than the photography of the goings on?

As far as my experience with this one goes, we did some portraits and groups and before the ceremony started we staged the photos. I was at McDonald's having breakfast, reviewing what I had so far, and hoping I get more Bats by the time they got started.

Nicely done Don.

Back when I was shooting weddings I had a few that had to be staged as the minister didn't allow shooting during the ceremony. As you said it's easier to setup and get in close where normally you couldn't. I always accidentally managed to get a couple shots that included empty pews where the guests should have been sitting.

Thanks, Mark! Yeah I got empty pews too as you can see but hey at least I could put a light there then clone it out easily.

Nice shots Don. Good to see you still on here . I'm not on DCresource as often.