One of the things people tell me they love most about my work is the candid photographs.
They are the moments you don't plan for, but they're often the ones you'll treasure most. The ones you'll return to again and again.
I never know what to expect, but I do know when I've captured that fleeting moment, preserved forever in time.
There are hundreds of unscripted moments unfolding throughout the day. How do you know which ones to capture?
That's where experience, training, and intuition come in.
To me, a great candid photograph reveals something about a relationship or an emotion. Joy. Sorrow. Pride. Sometimes more than one feeling at once.
I spend the day watching, waiting, and anticipating. And when the moment unfolds, I press the shutter.
My joy is being able to capture and preserve yours.
Here are two of my favorite mitzvah candids.
I love this photograph of a grandmother hugging her grandson. He'd been laughing with his friends for most of the reception, but for just a moment he wandered back to her and wrapped his arms around her. It lasted only a few seconds, but it said so much about their relationship.
Another favorite is this quiet photograph of a father helping his son wrap tefillin before the service. It's a simple moment that could easily be overlooked amid the excitement of the day, but it speaks to the significance of what is about to happen.
As someone who spent more than twenty years making documentary films before becoming a full-time photographer, I'm always watching for those small interactions happening around the edges of the day. While family portraits and photos of the ceremony are essential, I'm also paying attention to grandparents watching from across the room, siblings whispering to each other, parents taking a deep breath before guests arrive, and friends bunched up laughing together.
Those unscripted moments are what give the photographs their emotional weight. They help tell the story of the day as it actually felt, not just how it looked.
If you're planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the Chicago area, I'd love to help tell your family's story. Learn more about my documentary approach to mitzvah photography or get in touch to start the conversation.
