Austin's Bar Mitzvah
On Sunday, October 30, 2022, I had the pleasure of working with Austin and his family for his Bar Mitzvah Rehearsal at Beth Torah. The family arrived looking very sharp in their Bar Mitzvah outfits, and everyone was excited for the photoshoot ahead.
I began with a mini-session of Austin. He looked very handsome in his light blue suit and red tie. He was easy to work with, and we took a variety of standing and seated shots against different backdrops around the shul.
Next, I worked with Austin's younger brothers who were also a pleasure to work with. They were dressed in coordinating blue suits, and they looked very sharp and polished for their brother’s big day.
Once I had finished taking shots of Austin and his brothers, it was time to bring in his parents for some special photos with the Bar Mitzvah boy. It was very moving to see the pride and joy that Austin's parents demonstrated for their son, and I made sure to capture those tender moments on camera.
Next, I took shots of the whole family. Their special bond was a reminder of the power of family and the joy that comes with celebrating simchas together.
After immediate family photos, we moved inside for shots with Austin’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Everyone looked so smart in their formal outfits, and I was able to capture some beautiful family portraits.
After extended family photos, I took Austin inside the main sanctuary for shots with the Torah. This part of the photoshoot is always very meaningful because parents often remember this moment - the moment when their child reads from the Torah - when they think back to their simcha.
After taking individual shots of Austin, it was time to bring in his brothers for sibling shots on the bima. I loved seeing the way Austin’s younger brothers looked up to him (both literally and figuratively) as he read from the Torah. They had an adorable bond which I made sure to capture.
I then invited Austin’s parents to come up to the bima. The candid shots of the family with the Torah were absolutely beautiful, and I have no doubt they will be treasured for years to come.
It was a lovely afternoon working with Austin and his family. Mazal Tov, Austin! Thank you for allowing me to capture your special day.
For Bar/Bat Mitzvah photography inquiries, please visit my website at justineapple.com or email me directly at hello@justineapple.com. I would love to work with you to create lasting memories that you and your family will cherish forever.
I approached the task with my signature style, blending a mix of candid and posed shots to create a comprehensive story of the event and Harry’s style!
Mazal Tov David on your Bar Mitzvah! It was a pleasure working with you and your family to capture your special day.
Austin was a trooper and posed for me against different backdrops around the shul. Next, I took photos of Austin's younger brother who had an infectious smile and was a natural in front of the camera.
I photographed the magnificent decor inside Factory Lounge, including the balloons, branded placemats, water bottles, candles, and cookies.
Austin looked very handsome in his light blue suit and red tie. He was easy to work with, and we took a variety of standing and seated shots against different backdrops around the shul.
The Middle Eastern food was delicious! Everyone enjoyed the falafel platters while they laughed and schmoozed at their tables.
Over the course of the lunch, I photographed the speeches, slideshow, hora, Bar Mitzvah cake, and shots of family and friends. It was a simcha filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.
The service was followed by a scrumptious lunch, including waffles, smoked salmon latkes, and yoghurt with fresh berries. Of course, I made sure to capture lots of detail shots of the food.
Photos began with an outdoor mini-session of Celia. She looked gorgeous in her blue Bat Mitzvah dress and Nike Air runners, and she was a natural in front of the camera.
The session took place at Celia’s home and the family looked stunning in their Bat Mitzvah outfits, and everyone was excited to get started.
We took photos against the different walls, on staircases, and in front of the main entrance. I photographed Lauren’s older brother and we got some cool shots of him posing seriously against a grey wall.
Everyone gathered in the small sanctuary for the morning service led by Rabbi Morrison. Jersey did an excellent job reading from the Torah, making her family and friends so proud.
We started out with a mini-session with Ellie. She looked stunning in her white Bat Mitzvah dress, and she radiated confidence in every photo.
I captured everything from the Aliyot to the speeches to the family reactions. Marlowe did an outstanding job reading from the Torah, making everyone around her so proud.
We then moved into the shul for a beautiful service led by Rabbi Gansburg. Zach did an outstanding job reading his Torah portion, making his family so proud.
The vibrant blue bima cover and the stained glass sections of the Aron Kodesh doors created the perfect backdrop for some stunning shots of Charlotte.
Seth and Lucy did an excellent job reading from the Torah, and it was clear that they had worked hard to prepare for their special day.
I ended the shoot with detail shots of the stunning decor inside The Avenue. Everything looked magical, and I knew Syd would have the best party with her friends and family.
One of my favorite parts of the session was photographing the twins together. Watching them interact and joke around with each other - capturing their bonding moments - was truly special.
Guests started arriving, so we went inside for a beautiful service led by Moshe Saadon. Darren read magnificently from the Torah, making his family and friends very proud.
From taking photos of Nathan’s family at the Ledbury Jewish Centre in North York to capturing photos during his Rehearsal and then photographing his Dinner Party at The ROM, the entire experience was filled with love, joy, and warmth.
Professional photographer specializing in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, headshots, and family photography.
I had the pleasure of photographing Ezra for his Bar Mitzvah. Working with him again brought back special memories of his intimate Covid simcha.