I have been doing mitzvahs now for over 18 years and I have learned a few things that will make your day run smoothly, allowing you and your family and guests to have an amazing day!
And here they are:
1. It’s your event. There is no judgement, only options and considerations. In 18 years, I have seen a lot. It’s your day not mine. I am here to capture the day. I am also happy to share my learned experience with you. Example, I always suggest that we do all the formal photos prior to the party if possible, so that you are not pulled away from the fun. If we can’t, we work out together how best to do them as efficiently as possible to limit the time away from the party. Pick my brain! It may be new to you, but not to me.
2. Communication is key. Please do send the timeline to me in advance if possible. If there are changes, please let me know as soon as possible. No timeline? Let me know that too, and I will get there early and coordinate with the DJ. Anything special happening? I have had surprise guests to choreographed dances – knowing ahead of time allows me to be ready. That being said, I am always reading the room and keeping an eye on things to not miss anything.
3. Know the house rules. From your temple not allowing photography on the sabbath or only allowing temple photography during specific times, to your venue limiting when your vendors can get in to set up – these are all good to know so that not just me, but all your vendors can plan ahead. Example: Some temples allow photography of the service, but from the choir loft and only with a silent shutter and no flash.
4. Photography start times are when we start photography. Please know they are not arrival times. Sometimes we have a very hard out for photography. Be it the service starting or the party starting. Example: If photography starts at 6pm, please arrive by 545pm to say hello to relatives or freshen up, otherwise if you arrive at 6pm, we will have less time for photos and may not get through everything.
5. You know your family the best. If they normally run late…you may need to give them an earlier time…
6. Family dynamics…I need to know a few things to make photography run smoothly. I do NOT need details. All I need to know is who not to put next to who, who can’t be in what photo, etc… Additionally, should there be a health condition that would affect photography, I again do NOT need to know details, only how it may affect how I approach the day. This can mean that a grandparent can’t stand very long, to a child with special needs. I want to give you my very best and to do that it is always best to be prepared. I meet everyone where they are and work with them.
7. Important people – if they are not at the temple session, please point them out to me. Or better yet, assign someone (not you or your immediate family) who knows most of the people. This can be a best friend or a cousin or a brother or sister in-law. This will help me get everyone. Also, you’re not required at all to have a list! It is helpful though.
8. Table shots. The hard truth is your guests don’t like them, since I have to break the party for them or stop them from eating. Additionally, if you’re throwing an awesome party, no one will be seated. Lastly, they take longer than you think. If it is important for you, let’s chat. There are a few ways to do this!
9. Quality over quantity. I do get the question of ‘how many photos do I get?’ I cannot and no good photographer can truly guarantee a number of photos. Why? Because every single event is unique. Events that have only immediate family at the temple, only the motzi and hora with the child only up in the chair, will have less photos than one that has extended family at the temple, a grand entrance, mozti, hora with immediate family, candlelighting, honor dances… My responsibility to you is to deliver the story of your day. Not Cliff Notes nor War and Peace. It’s the sweet spot. Not too few that you think something is missing and not too many that your eyes glaze over. When asked, I tell my clients 60 to 75 images per hour. Could be more, could be less. I photograph for emotion and memories, not an arbitrary number.
10. Let Jesus take the wheel! Let me explain! (A cantor came up with this idea!) It’s simple, trust your vendors. They are professionals. Let them do their jobs. If you are nervous, that’s normal. It’s a huge undertaking, especially if it’s your first! We want you to feel confident with us so you can enjoy the day! Talk to us. Tell us what you’re feeling and we will help you! Really! We get it.
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