David’s Bar Mitzvah
Capturing special moments in people’s lives is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job as a photographer. Recently, I had the honour of photographing David's Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Bnai Torah in North York. The occasion took place on a chilly fall afternoon on Sunday, November 6, 2022. The family arrived looking very smart in their Bar Mitzvah outfits, and I was excited to work with them.
I started photographing David outside, taking pictures of him against the colourful fall leaves and shul backdrop. He looked very handsome in his navy blue suit and tie, and he posed confidently and with ease.
After taking shots of the Bar Mitzvah boy, I did mini-sessions with his three siblings, who were also a pleasure to work with and had lovely smiles. Next, I took photos with the whole family. As I worked with the six of them, I could see the love and pride shining in their eyes. They were so proud of David and all he had accomplished leading up to this milestone moment. I felt privileged to capture this moment on camera.
Given the chilly weather, we moved inside for more family photos, including some beautiful shots with David's maternal grandmother.
As soon as David’s friends arrived, DJ Kings got the party started with the hora and lots of fun games, including hula hooping, bean bag toss, and the limbo. I went around photographing all the action, taking shots of the kids, food, family, and friends.
The speeches were all very moving, and I could see how much David was loved and admired by everyone in the room.
As a photographer, it was a joy to capture all these special moments. From the candid shots of David having fun with his friends to the more posed shots of the family together, I knew that these photos would be cherished for years to come.
Mazal Tov, David and family! Thanks so much for having me!
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.