Mitzvahs FAQs

Photography — The Universal Language?

Almost everyone loves to look at photos. We are drawn to faces, to something awesome, something beautiful, something simple… something different.

Surfing the web, looking at highway billboards, checking out Facebook, picking up a book or magazine, checking out peoples’ iphones…everyone and everywhere are pictures, pictures, pictures.

No matter where you are in the world or what your are doing, photos are the universal language, and you will understand that person even if they speak another language. For photography has become the number one universal language!

We are drawn to pictures. It is our way of recording our existence. We have been depicting people since the cave man. In Greek and Roman times, only those with high status and money had their pictures done. When photography came in existence, it was no longer relegated to the rich. Everyone could have them now! And more and more, there are billions of pictures circulating all around the globe for us to enjoy and comment upon. How delightful!

Is it important to see keepsake albums when choosing a photographer?

Yes! As many images as possible and as many venues photographed as possible are critical in choosing a photographer for your wedding or bar or bat mitzvah. This will give you a great idea how expert the photographer is in different lighting conditions. In fact, how good the images are in various lighting situations separates out the professional from the less experienced amateur.  Don’t you test drive all the cars you may consider purchasing?

Same with photographers. View as many images as possible whether online, in slideshows, in proof albums or keepsake albums. Not only do you get a great idea of the professionalism of the photographer, but you also get great ideas for poses if you choose to want to duplicate some that you have seen and really enjoy.

Your photographer and you can discuss the types of photos you may want in your album at that time and it is a great way to get to know each other better which will enhance your special day!

Tips on Hiring the Right Photographer for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Your son or daughter will be bar or bat mitzvah shortly and you have no idea who to hire to photograph such an important day. Do I google? Do I ask whom others have used? And when I get a list, meet all those photographers and  am ready to make a decision, what do I do?

The majority choose the cheapest photographer. “Well, why not. All photographers take the same events of the day. And I spent so much money on the venue and food, I really don’t have much of a budget for photos.”

Folks, the only item you will have left after the glory fades will be the photographs. Why not consider a budget for the memories which WILL last a lifetime!

Not only that, why not choose someone with the lifelong experience of being Jewish? She has the complete knowledge of what is important; and can even help you plan your bar or bat mitzvah down to the types of candles to buy. (they are dripless, by the way!)

Why not choose the photographer who has years of experience with bar and bat mitzvah vendors who have worked in Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, NY?

When choosing a bar or bat mitzvah photographer in the Albany, NY area, you may want to consider the knowledge and experience which will make planning your event less stressful and fittingly more joyous.

With years of photographing dozens and dozens of bar and bat mitzvahs, please strongly consider contacting Joan Heffler Photography!

And Mazel Tov

How important is it to consult with my prospective photographer in person?

The rapport that you create with your photographer will make or break your event! Emails convey content but not emotion. Actually sitting down in a meeting with your prospective photographer (my portrait studio is in Schenectady, NY) is the right thing to do to assure a perfect event. Body language, warmth, smiles, personal connections…these nuances can only be created in person. It’s not just the content that makes the day, it’s the relationship that you develop together that makes the day.