Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Emily's Bat Mitzvah

PORTRAIT SESSION AT TEMPLE BETH EL -- October 16, 2008
I met with Emily and her family Thursday afternoon, October 16th for pictures. Originally we had hoped to begin outdoors to incorporate the peak autumn colors. But, just as we stepped out of the synagogue it began raining, so we rushed back inside. However, the light coming in through the windows of the lobby was glorious, and just right for this stunning portrait of Emily (above). I loved her necklace, and wanted to be sure it was central to the portrait. It's a Chai made from music notes -- what could be more perfect!The beauty of the sanctuary magnifies when the light streams in through the stained glass windows, and that is just what was happening when I began to photograph Emily on the bima. As always, Rabbi Rosen was so gracious and kind as he posed for photographs with Emily and her family. Below he is blessing Emily in the same way he would during the actual Bat Mitzvah service on Shabbat.By the time we finished the photo session in the synagogue, the skies had cleared and we went outside for a few photographs. I love this last one as it shows the family as I see them: fun, together and enjoying each other. ********************************************************
TIME TO THE PARTYEmily arrived looking so beautiful, happy and ready to CELEBRATE. The rest of the family followed suit.The candlelighting service was very special. There were many moments to remember, including Cantor Ness lighting a candle, and Emily surprising her parents by singing them a song she had written for them that she would sing during the candlelighting service.
The horah was animated. In the below photo Emily dances with her parents and sisters.
Thumbs up for all!!!
To view all of the photos from Emily's Bat Mitzvah, click www.pictage.com and type in Emily's Bat Mitzvah as the title and October 2008 as the date. Register for the "guest book" and you will receive an e-mail with instructions for viewing the photos when they are posted, which will be 4-6 weeks after the event.

1 comment:

MistiPearl said...

Emily at Torah 2788, (the pic with her back to the camera in the sanctuary) is absolutely fantastic!! This picture captures so many aspects of the Bat Mitzvah for a young girl...truly, the story of this photo is wonderful, simple, beautiful, and powerful!
Nice work.
~mp:)