I recently had the pleasure of joining Alex Jones to photograph a bar mitzvah at Rodef Shalom and the reception and party that followed. This was a nice change of pace for me as a second shooter and I think it really benefits my wedding photography business to get out there and change things up a bit. Never having been to a bar mitzvah before, I was surprised at how much fun I had. And it was easy to see that the kids were having a blast. What a great year for them! They get to celebrate their own bar mitzvah and then share in the celebration for all of their friends’ bar and bat mitzvahs. Judging by this experience, Jack’s bar mitzvah would be a tough act to follow.

Like I mentioned earlier, we started at Rodef Shalom in Oakland where Jack had some time to practice conducting the service and reading the Torah. Here he is with the Torah during practice.

This photo (below) was taken during the ceremony through a window in the doors at the back of the synagogue. Jack did a great job with his bar mitzvah service.

Following the service, a reception was held in another part of the building. Here’s a view from behind the buffet table.

I couldn’t get enough of these cupcakes. I love the icing colors and they tasted good too!

This room is distinguished with skylights that provide beautiful natural light.

After the light afternoon reception, a party commenced at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club. Some of the details from the reception were incorporated into the kids’ party.

The decor was based on an ipod theme and there was a large poster of an ipod that Jack’s friends could sign.

There were food stations and a dessert table. The desserts were all chocolate-dipped and delicious.

One of the things that surprised me most about this day was that the guys really had fun dancing. I remember back when I was 13, the guys tended to cluster around the perimeter of the dance floor. That wasn’t the case at this party and thank goodness—it’s so much more fun that way.