A DOCUMENTARY APPROACH TO A MEANINGFUL MULTI-DAY CELEBRATION
This past fall, I was lucky enough to photograph Misha’s bar mitzvah — a series of moments that felt especially meaningful to document, as the Rosin family is near and dear to my heart.
Misha’s bar mitzvah didn’t take place on just one day. It unfolded over three separate gatherings, spread out over a few days, each with its own tone and energy.
The first was an early morning Torah reading at the temple. This part of the day is often quiet and focused, filled with concentration, nerves, and emotion. I’m very mindful during these moments — staying unobtrusive, moving carefully, and paying attention to expressions, small gestures, and the subtle exchanges between family members. This is a moment I truly love documenting. It’s deeply spiritual and intimate, rooted in tradition, growth, and close family. There’s often a mix of excitement and anxiety from the bar or bat mitzvah child, pride on their family’s faces, and a lot of emotion wrapped into a short amount of time.
A couple of days later came the main celebration at Innovative Field. This part of the bar mitzvah felt completely different — lighter, louder, and very fun. Kids were running around the field, adults were hanging out and celebrating right alongside them, and the overall vibe was easygoing and relaxed. There was no pressure, no stiffness — just people enjoying themselves. Photographing this event meant staying responsive and present, capturing the energy and movement as it naturally unfolded
(It also meant running around the field photographing the kids - and almost getting hit in the face by a football. Luckily, no photographers were harmed during the shoot).
The final gathering brought everyone back to the temple for a smaller family celebration. After the scale of the larger party, this part felt quieter and more grounded. It was a chance for family to reconnect, slow down, and be together at the end of a big milestone.
Photographing bar and bat mitzvahs as a full story, rather than a single event, allows the images to reflect how the experience actually feels. Each part plays a role, and together they create a layered record of an important milestone.
