Category Archives: Bar Mitzvah Photography

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer | Pinstripes, Northbrook

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer

Katie S had a fantastic Saturday night party at Pinstripes in Northbrook. As a Chicago bar mitzvah photographer, I have photographed at many different venues. Between the bowling, bocce, and gorgeous party room, the guests at Pinstripes always have a great time.

And as expected, Katie S’s bat mitzvah party did not disappoint!

Before her big shindig, Katie had a beautiful bat mitzvah service at the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston. To see photos from the temple shoot, click here.

Before the Guests Arrived

Let the Games Begin!

The kids started off their evening with bowling and goofing around in their own dedicated space while the adults had cocktails and played bocce in a different area.

Bocce ball was a hit with the adults and littlest guests.

Speeches

As expected, the girls made the sweetest tributes to their big sister during family speeches.

Dance Party

And of course Brandon and his crew from Famos! DJ Entertainment kept the kids and adults on their feet dancing and entertained throughout the night.

I think Katie’s mom, Carrie, was as excited about the chocolate fountain as any of the kids!As the night progressed, the kids and adults kept the energy high and the dance floor hopping!Katie S is a very special girl. She has two moms who love her very much, her mother Carrie who adopted her and has raised her and her birth mother Mary. The whole family got their turn in the chair during the hora.

Interested in seeing more bar mitzvah photography? Click here and here .

I also love doing day in the life sessions with families. If you would like to see some examples of those photo shoots, click here and here.

And my favorite thing to photograph is Grandparent Sessions. There is nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. To see examples of a Grandparent Session and hear why those are so important, click here, here and here.

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Susan Ryan Kalina is a Lake County, Il, Family Photographer, Lake County, Il, Event Photographer, Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer, Chicago Event Photographer, Newborn Photographer, Grandparent Photographer, Day in the Life, Documentary, and Candid photographer servicing Chicago, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and Glenview.

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer | JRC Temple Photography

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer| JRC Temple Photography

The S family was such a treat to photograph at the temple before Katie’s bat mitzvah.

And the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, Il, is definitely one of the most beautiful synagogues I have ever had the pleasure of photographing in.

I started my day by meeting Katie and her family at their home while they were getting ready. After photographing Katie getting the finishing touches on her gorgeous, golden hair, Katie and I went to the temple to take some photos while her family finished getting ready.

After her immediate family got to the temple and we were able to take some photos with her siblings, parents and grandparents, the rest of the family and relatives started to arrive.

You could literally feel the love in the room as Katie, Carrie, Andrew and the family were greeting family and friends.

And while I was not allowed to photograph during the ceremony (this is a pretty typical rule I encounter as a Chicago bar mitzvah photographer), everyone told me afterwards what a touching, lovely ceremony it was and how fantastic Katie did.

Getting Ready

At the Temple

I am so thankful I met Katie’s mom a couple years ago. I did a candid family photography photo shoot for Carrie and her family. After that, she invited me to document Katie’s bat mitzvah.

Carrie is a wonderful blogger and author who writes about adoption and bullying, among other current issues facing girls and women. You can read more about Carrie’s work here. You can read her blog about adoption here.

If you would like to see more of my work photographing Chicago mitzvahs, please click here and here.

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Chicago Mitzvah Photography

I find it to be such an honor when someone asks me to be their mitzvah photographer. I truly enjoy capturing their family story on such a momentous day.

I love witnessing the culmination of all their hard work.

Mitzvah kids study Hebrew for years. They identify and perform a mitzvah project. Doing the mitzvah (volunteer) project is such an amazing way for kids to open their eyes to the world around them and learn about helping others. It’s so beautiful to watch young teens finding a way to give back.

And of course the mitzvah kids have the pressure of preparing their Torah portion and their speech. I can’t even imagine leading a service at the tender age of 13! What an incredible accomplishment for these kids.

Emily did such a great job with all of her responsibilities. She handled her big day with grace.

Party Time

Emily’s party at Austin’s Fuel Room was definitely one to remember. Energy Productions kept everyone out of their seats and dancing all afternoon. And I don’t think I will ever forget witnessing Emily’s little brother Ben singing “Baby Got Back.” Priceless! Who knew he was such a great little break dancer too?!

For many families, having a bar or bat mitzvah is the first time since their wedding that so many of their family and friends are all together in one place. You could literally feel the love in the room.

Winding Down

The entire room got on the dance floor for the last couple songs. Everywhere I looked the crowd was all smiles.

I know I wasn’t the only one who was sad when the party ended!

To see more mitzvah photography please click here. For more event photography, please click here. To see Chicago family photography, please click here, here and here.

Deerfield Bat Mitzvah

Photographing Jessica A.’s Deerfield bat mitzvah was such a treat! From the before photos at Shir Hadash Synagogue to the party at Highland Park Country Club, her family and friends were so much fun. I could tell from the minute I walked through the door that this is one loved, special girl.

Thanks for choosing me to document your big day!

To see more event photos by Susan Ryan Kalina, click here.