As a photographer, bar or bat mitzvah pre-shoots come up frequently when booking. When I am meeting with clients for a bar/bat mitzvah photography consult, this is a question that gets asked a lot, “Should we do a pre-shoot before our mitzvah?” My answer is always going to be YES, and it isn’t just for the reasons that you think. Let’s chat about these sessions.
A pre-shoot is a photography session with the b’nai mitzvah prior to the event. Sometimes, the rest of the family is involved, and sometimes this is just a special session for him or her. But why do one? There are so many options for these sessions, let’s look a bit deeper and see if I can’t convince you 🙂
- We get to work together before the big day. If we are not doing a pre-shoot, the first time we will work together will be at the temple during rehearsal pictures. Or, at your shul prior to service if I am allowed to photograph it. As you can imagine, there are a bit of nerves, you are all dressed up, maybe a tad uncomfortable, and there is a lot to be thinking about. While the pictures will certain look like you were relaxed, typically this time is anything but. A pre-shoot allows us to meet and connect in a very low-key environment. Plus, they are FUN!
- “But my child hates to be photographed.” I get it, I have one of those too. But it doesn’t just have to be looking at the camera and cheesing. We can incorporate things that they love. Music, sports, dance, etc. And the session doesn’t have to be long in the least. I’ve taken whole pre-shoots at a basketball court in sportswear….or we’ve done half and half where there are a few play shots and then the family comes over, there is a quick wardrobe change, and we finish up with a few family shots.
- “What will I do with these pictures?” Use it as part of the decor at the event! Put a picture in the program for the shul, definitely use the images in the montage, or use it as a chance to update your family pictures for gifts, etc.
- “Does it add to the cost?” Yes, I add the pre-shoots as an hourly rate to your package. So, they are not billed to you as a separate or discounted portrait session, you are a simply charged an extra hour to your package price to help alleviate the cost. And, if you refer me another mitzvah that books with me, I will say thank you by giving you a complementary pre-shoot .
- “Where to do them?” Anywhere is the short answer! Sometimes we go to the venue itself, sometimes we go to your home. And everywhere in between that is either convenient, has the vibe you are going for, or meaningful.
Have I convinced you yet? Contact me today to chat about photography for your bar or bat mitzvah. I can’t wait to hear from you!
