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Curtis mentioned that his studio specializes in doing Jewish social events, but that was not all of their
business. He said approximately 60% of their business is weddings, with the other 40% being Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
The first part of the
program was devoted to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and started with an explanation of the two. (Bar is for a boy; Bat is for a girl) Curtis mentioned that Jewish families value portraits highly, so doing Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
leads naturally to doing other family portraits. He suggested using only the best quality products, for Jewish families are quite quality conscious, and by using the best film, labs, albums and frames, you'll have a
good selling point.
Curtis mentioned that there are three denominations of Jewish temples (synagogues) - the Reform (the most liberal), the Conservative and the Orthodox (the most restrictive). It is critical
to know which denomination you are dealing with, because the rules for photos in the temple will be quite different in each.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs usually are photographed in two parts: the family portrait
and temple shots are taken during the week, and the party is on Saturday night. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are generally held during the school year, while summer is the heavy wedding season, so the two complement each
other. And they are great for repeat business, because the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child will be getting married 8 to 12 years later, and if the family liked the photos, you'll have a good chance of getting the wedding.
Because of the restrictions on flash in some temples, Curtis said they often use 1000 speed film to eliminate the need for flash. He said the profit on a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is about the same as on a wedding.
Curtis described several of the photos that are customarily taken. He said it is quite important to show respect for the Torah, not only because of its religious significance, but also because it is often
quite expensive. He said the family group shots at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah are very similar to a wedding - start with the principals, and add more family members for succeeding photos. Next Curtis covered photographing
the party, which is much like a wedding reception, with more party elements than most wedding receptions.
Other suggestions for shooting Bar/Bat Mitzvahs: He always does signature boards. He sells life-size
cutouts of the boy or girl that are used to decorate the party. Don't miss the "grand entrance." Curtis brings a six-foot ladder to the party, so he can take a number of high angle shots. The candle lighting
ceremony is important, and offers the chance for a number of different shots with different relatives. The toasts are not as important as at weddings.
Curtis discussed Jewish weddings, and the numerous ways
they different from Christian ones. Here are some of his recommendations:
* Before the ceremony, catch the "veiling" and signing the "Katuba."
* In the Orthodox ceremony, catch "breaking the plate."
* The bride and groom coming down the aisle with their parents.
* Breaking the glass - show the foot in the air.
* Family shots cannot be taken right after the ceremony, because the bride and groom
disappear for 8 or 10 minutes. You must get those shots before the ceremony, or arrange to take them at the reception.
* At the reception, be ready for party action.
For both Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and
weddings, Curtis lights the whole reception room with flash (takes three to six units for this purpose), and he uses flash on camera to highlight the subject. The "room" flash units are set about 1/2 stop less than
the camera flash, so the people in the background are well illuminated, but subjects stand out well. The effect was a very good one - the photos did not have that "taken outside on a dark night" look. He also will
sometimes use amber gels on the whole room flash to subdue the background slightly more.
Curtis wrapped up his program with a few remarks about getting started photographing Jewish events. Who do you
contact? Talk with the Cantor (especially before a Bar/Bat Mitzvah), or the Hebrew tutor or the head of the school. He said his company has built their reputation in the Jewish community by donating photographs,
advertising in the religious publications and doing complementary portraits of clergy.
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