Bat and Bar Mitzvah Photography

The New Year of B'Nai Mitzvah Photography

2006-08-09T16:22:00.000-04:00

Friends,

The 'new season' is about to get underway. Parents and children alike are getting really excited with anticipation.

My first Bar Mitzvah of the season is Labor Day weekend... and I just KNOW it will be a huge milestone in this family's life.

So, if there is something I can do for you in this 'New Year' of B'Nai Mitzvahs and you are looking for Bat Mitzvah Photography or Bar Mitzvah Photography, please let me know right away.

My calendar for 2006 is nearly filled up and 2007 is going fast.

Best,

Charlie Seymour Jr.
http://www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
http://www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

The Photography Joy Is In The Mail

2006-07-27T08:38:00.000-04:00

Friends,

I'm back from sunny Orlando where I attended the National Speakers Association convention. 1700 members and guests, and when someone takes the stage to speak, you are guaranteed that they can REALLY 'put on a show' (unlike, I'm sad to say, some of my photography friends at my photography conferences).

And what joy to find all of Russell's Bar Mitzvah images were here when I returned. His family will be so thrilled to see all of them! And their memories will be preserved forever.

I hope the summer is going well for you. I've been sooooo busy, and will share some of my new projects with you as they come online in the next few weeks.

Best,

Charlie Seymour Jr.
http://www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
http://www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Let Me Donate To Your Favorite Charitable Groups

2006-07-06T13:12:00.000-04:00

Friends,

I had an idea the other day.

With my time being VERY tight these days and having to turn down working with some terrific people, I thought about the type of people and groups I'd like to work with.

Perhaps YOU know that perfect group!

What are YOUR favorite charitable groups (in the Philadelphia area)? If I'm going to make time to give back to the community that has supported me so well, I want to be sure I'm doing it with groups you really like.

Groups you feel strongly about.

Groups you know that will spend contributions well.

It works like this: I donate my photography services to the group which then holds a charity auction. Someone bids on my photography services and your favorite charity keeps the entire bid amount.

I then complete the photography and the person making the donation has the most emotional, most beautiful Family Portrait ever.

So... I need to know which groups are the best for me to offer my services.

Can you help me?

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.FamilyPortraitPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Referrals Are Always Rewarded

2006-06-21T09:59:00.000-04:00

Friends,

People often ask me how I'm so successful in gaining new families for my Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah Photography business.

Simple!

I work very very hard to please ALL of my clients!

I provide them with incredible service, spend WAAAY more time and energy than anyone else does, and pour my heart and soul into everything I do for them.

And then when I'm finished, I do even more.

Tonight, for instance, I'm seeing a family to review their Bar Mitzvah photography.

All of their images will be PROJECTED so it will be like going to the Academy Awards and THEY are the stars! (If I could only figure out how to roll out the red carpet to my front door and get all those huge lights that light up the sky!)

Mom, Dad, and son will visit to see all of this. And they will leave with specific instructions for WHEN they need to make their decisions about WHICH images they want for Wall Portraits and other displays and WHICH images they want for their Album.

And not just ANY Album. Have you ever seen the Renaissance The Book Albums? Wow, do THEY tell the story vividly.

And once this family has worked its way from Viewing the Images to Receiving their Portraits, Photographs, and Albums, nearly 100% of them will give me a testimonial for my website (you HAVE seen those, right?) and then tell friends.

And when they tell their friends and their friends visit me, BOTH are rewarded with Special Offers. And IF their friends decide that I am the right photographer to provide them their Mitzvah memories, the referring family is rewarded AGAIN!

Contact me to learn exactly HOW I do that and WHAT the rewards are.

Wowow... I love this type of photography and working closely with these families.

Truly, I was BORN to do this!

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream in Israel!

2006-06-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

A friend sent me this information (thanks, Dr. Elliot!):

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream is now available in Israel...

In the following flavors:

Wailing Walnut

Moishmellow

Mazel Toffee

Chazalnut

Oy Ge-malt

Mi Ka-mocha

Soda & Gamorra

Bernard Malamint

Berry Pr'i Hagafen

Choc-Eilat Chip

and finally (drum roll please)........

Simchas T'oreo.

Cute list, don't you think?

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
http://www.batmitzvahphotographysecretsrevealed.com/

Confirmations: Mazel Tov to Alanna, Maddy, and Michael

2006-06-05T13:14:00.000-04:00

Friends,

Mazel Tov to Alanna, Maddy, and Michael.

Wow... can you have reached your Confirmation already?

Where did the time go?

It seems like only yesterday I was photographying your Bat Mitzvahs and your Bar Mitzvah.

And we've become like family.

It's wonderful to see how well you've grown. And to see that the cute kid you were just a few years ago was a great indication of the wonderful young adults you have become.

I wish you all good mazel. And love to your families as well.

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Russell Celebrates His Bar Mitzvah

2006-05-23T11:24:00.000-04:00

Friends,

Russell just had his Bar Mitzvah!

For the first time in my career, I was finally photographing someone I had photographed many times at OTHER people's simchas.

Russell is so well-liked by friends and family, and it was a treat for me to know so much about him before photographing HIS big day.

And what a great family!

First we met in the sanctuary on Wednesday and did some personal photography with just the immediate family. All four of them looked great on the Bimah and showed their tenderness and playfulness with each other.

Then mid-afternoon on Saturday, we gathered on the Swarthmore College Campus for Family Photography with Russell's aunts, uncles, cousins, and those two very special people: his grandparents.

Then, after Russell's service and Shabbat, I photographed the party in the synagogue's multi-purpose room which is directly behind the sanctuary.

And what a night it was.

Celebration, traditions, tons of dancing and games.

We may call it Bar Mitzvah Photography, but truly it is preserving family memories. Preserving them to keep the memories alive now, next week, and for generations.

And I guarantee at Russell's wedding, some of these precious images of his family and friends will once again be on display.

Mazel Tov, Russell.... this is a day that YOU and ALL of your family will always remember!

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
http://www.batmitzvahphotographysecretsrevealed.com/

Funny Bar Mitzvah Greeting Card

2006-05-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

Friends,

When I was shopping for a 25th Anniversary Card for my wife (our anniversary is May 16!), I ran across this card which really caught my eye... and I thought you might like it too.

I purchased it, so I hope they will like that I'm quoting from it (it's the L'Chayim To Life style of the American Greetings Cards)

Top 10 Bar Mitzvah Disasters:

10. You forget how to read Hebrew.

9. Your voice cracks in the middle of your Torah portion.

8. When you finish, the rabbi asks, "What was that?"

7. Your fly is down the entire time.

6. Your friends tape the whole thing and play it back at school.

5. At the party, they drop you from the chair.

4. You have to dance with your aunt - the one dripping in perfume.

3. The band plays the Macarena.

2. Everyone give you gold pens and junk instead of money.

And the number one disaster:

1. They tell you you did such a good job that they want you to do the whole thing over next weekend.

And it finishes by saying: Relax - it's over. Mazel Tov!

Cute, huh?

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Mazel Tov, Allison! Your Bat Mitzvah Is Here

2006-04-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

Friends,

Allison is in for the weekend of her life. Her Bat Mitzvah is tomorrow, April 29, 2006 and it will be a blast!

Yesterday her family and I met in the sanctuary for some "posed" images on the Bimah with the Torah and their Rabbi (who is such a great guy: inviting and friendly to all the children and very supportive and loving to all the adults).

And we can't forget Grandma who was present as well. She'll be so supportive at tomorrow's service and Simcha.

Sam and Ben are great brothers and by the time we finished, I really felt they were comfortable with me and I knew some of their fun side. I can hardly wait to photograph them again tomorrow.

And Mom and Dad had some great ideas for photographs they wanted me to create. And when I could get Dad to put down his video camera (they'll all be glad that Dad brought it!), he looked great in the images.

These are not stiff, move your head a quarter of an inch and look up, type images. Not when I create them. These are "we are a loving family and we want our connections, love, and energy to shine forth" portraits!

In the sanctuary, near the chapel named for Dad's parents, and even outside with the dogwood trees in full bloom.

Wow... what a beautiful way to start off a celebration.

Mazel Tov, Allison. This is YOUR day to shine.

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

A Tribute to David P. Smith

2006-04-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Friends,

The Delaware County Daily Times told the story that many of us were uncovering yesterday after the death of my dear dear friend, Dave Smith.

We worked together at The Players Club of Swarthmore for over 20 years. When I used to create major video productions, he was my second cameraman. And when Cheryl and I had the pleasure of working with large families during portrait sessions, Dave was there with us. He also worked part time for our mutual friend, Tom Covello... one of the world's great floral designers.

Dave loved his friends, his church, his politics, his university, his hometown of Media, The Players Club, and his family.

The last thing he asked me to do was to take a tattered, musty photograph he carried around in his wallet of him and his mom. "It's the only picture I have of the two of us, Charlie," he told me. I fixed it up a bit and gave him a precious gift... a copy of that image for him to display in his apartment.

What does this have to do with Bat and Bar Mitzvah photography? Nothing... and everything.

Dave was like a member of my family, a guy I could talk to about anything. I have called him on his birthday (July 14) for 20 years and he returns the favor on mine (March 16).

So what does this have to do with Bat and Bar Mitzvah photography?

Well... hold your children just a bit tighter. Know how precious your family is to you. And never take them for granted because it can be over in a heartbeat.

You'll be with me forever, Dave. Love you.

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah Photography Before Shabbat

2006-04-18T10:37:00.000-04:00

Friends,

As I prepare for a Bat Mitzvah, I was thinking of all the important images that a family wants.

Oh, sure - the fun times at the Simcha are terrfic and their extended family members will probably look happy, relaxed, and full of energy.

And there are many parts of this Simcha I could focus on, but I'd like to chat just a moment about the posed images that take place sometime prior to Shabbat when the family can gather in the sanctuary, the arc is open, the Torah is out, Rabbi is often there, and the family is gathered around.

I have friends who grew up in the 60s who have images from this time in their albums, and I have found families STILL enjoy them today.

Oh, sure - Michael or Allison might want me to focus on their friends, the dancing, the games they play... and all of that is important.

But when families look back to this most important time, the Bat Mitzvah photography or Bar Mitzvah photography that really speaks to them is when their family was gathered on the Bimah. Connections - FAMILY connnections!

And when I photograph a family for images like this it is usually done the Thursday prior to Shabbat. We gather for 60 - 90 minutes when the family isn't rushing off to see relatives, share a toast, play with a friend.

We have time, even in just this short space, to create some wonderful portraits that will speak to generations about the traditions being continued on this very important day.

Both albums and individual portraits created at this time are precious... and families continue to focus on them as their most important memories of this emotional family time.

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Happy Passover

2006-04-12T08:18:00.000-04:00

Friends,

Last night I attended a beautifully presented feast and educational program sponsored by the Philadelphia-South Jersey-Delaware Chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives).

Clearly I am not a caterer but as a professional photographer, I share ideas with other professionals involved with large events held at some of the area's finest restaurants, hotels, and other dining locations.

Last night we were in the upper room at the Independence Information Center. What a beautiful location. Step out onto our balcony and there is Independence Hall right in front of you. And the weather was gorgeous.

And our program was all about weddings (I'm a wedding photographer too, as many of your know: http://www.WeddingPhotographySecretsRevealed.com) and how we can help our clients to have the times of their lives.

The discussion pointed out again the difference in mindset for those of us who work with families celebrating a Bat or Bar Mitzvah and those working with weddings.

One general manager of a very successful Independence Hall area club said that he really doesn't cater to (sorry for the pun) Bat or Bar Mitzvahs. He is looking for the lavish wedding and working closely with a room filled with families and children is just not his specialty.

So, when you are looking for that perfect location for your simcha, please be sure to explore that with the manager... if they don't immediately say that they do B'Nai Mitzvah celebrations, you should not consider their venue. They really must know how to let the kids enjoy themselves.

And if I can help put you in touch with those professionals who are ideally suited to help you with your simcha, please contact me right away at Charlie@BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

And as we enter this very holy time on our calendar, best wishes for a happy Passover.

Best wishes,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Holy Week for Christians and the beginning of Passover for Jews

2006-04-10T13:38:00.000-04:00

Friends,

This is a tremendous week: Holy Week for Christians and the beginning of Passover for Jews.

We're all reminded of the struggles we've been through and the joys at the other end.

And now ABC has produced a new version of The Ten Commandments.

When I first heard about this, I really wondered who had convinced which big wig at Disney that this timeless classic with Charleton Heston really needed to be updated. The grandeur, the emotion, the story... why touch near perfection.

Well, everything I've read about this new version has been extremely positive, so I'm going to watch.

What did YOU think about it?

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Welcome To Those From Philadelphia's Jewish Exponent

2006-04-07T14:36:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our friends from Mazel Tov in Philadelphia's Jewish Exponent.

What a wonderful issue, and I guess you are here because you saw the information about me in there. And I hope that you'll find this a great location on the Internet to learn more about what to do and not to do at your simcha.

And if you need a DJ, location for your party, videographer, or other professional, please let me know. I have some wonderful contacts throughout the Princeton - Philadelphia - Wilmington and West Chester to the New Jersey Shore area.

Please let me know what I can do to help you with your Bat Mitzvah Photography or your Bar Mitzvah Photography.

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

A Blast From The Past: You Never Know Who Reads These Blogs!

2006-04-05T11:13:00.000-04:00

Friends,

A short and sweet message from a college buddy (Tufts University), now a super-sharp doctor in northern New Jersey:

"I went to your blog just now—boy, you took us literally when Alan and I said you were an honorary Jew."

Hey, hi praise for a goy from the Philly burbs who now has the joy of sharing so many Bat and Bar Mitzvahs.

And "Alan" is a wiz of an attorney in Cleveland and a frequent guest on The Today Show.

Thanks, Elliot!

Best,

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

How Is Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah Photography Different From Wedding Photography?

2006-04-04T11:11:00.000-04:00

Theatre photography and wedding photography have prepared me well for Bat and Bar Mitzvah photography.

Oh, it's not the artistry of it. It's not even the angles and and all the people.

It's being prepared for what might happen.

Though weddings have some kids invited (I can't tell you the number of brides who keep telling me that they put right in their invitations "no kids under 18 invited"), Bat and Bar Mitzvahs celebrate kids.

And there are all the parents and relatives, friends, and co-workers about the parents' ages.

Things happen much more quickly at a Bat or Bar Mitzvah. Forget using a tripod... handheld cameras for me so that I can stay mobile, fluid, ready for everything.

Theatre photography is a bit like that. I've photographed live theatre in Philadelphia, St. Louis, Memphis, Ocala, Kalamazoo, and other locations... and when I'm photographing a production I have never seen before and don't know what is about, I'm on my toes the entire production. The director leads me to see the 'action' the way he or she leads the audience. But I'm always looking for what is going on behind the scenes or away from the ball (to use a basketball analogy).

Bat and Bar Mitzvahs are just like that. Oh it's easy to see the kids having a great time dancing, playing Coke and Pepsi, or even musical chairs. But it's the kids still eating dessert or opening some of the goodies given to them or taking off the shoes that are killing their feet or just plain being 'kids'... now THAT's where the action really is.

And let's not forget the parents. Weddings are filled with toasts and formal dinners, ballroom dancing and small groups chatting. Bat and Bar Mitzvahs have that too, but fewer tears, more parent-children interactions, and just plain more families. And capturing a secret whisper, a reassuring it's-ok-hug, or seeing parents admiring how fast their kids have grown up... now THAT's the action where the adults are concerned.

The Shabbat service isn't photographed. Oh, sure... sometimes we video tape them, but no still photographs, unlike a wedding.

So there are LOTS of similarities... but the skilled photographer who understands Bat and Bar Mitzvahs is looking for the differences, too!

What are some of the most fun differences YOU have seen?

Best,

Charlie
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
http://www.batmitzvahphotographysecretsrevealed.com/

What's Most Important About A Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah?

2006-03-31T19:16:00.000-05:00

Friends,

What a beautiful day it was today near Philadelphia. Bright, sunny, about 75 degrees F. It's been a strange winter here... and no snow in the month of March, which is practically unheard of.

And now the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah season starts up again, for me anyway. Quite a few in the next several months. And every time I photograph one, I get to become a member of a different family. And feel their joy. See how all the relatives share tales of when the parents were just kids going through all of the same presures.

So here's a question for you: What's most important to you about a Bat or Bar Mitzvah weekend. If you are a parent, your thoughts are wanted. Or a child being called to the Torah. Or a professional working on a Mitzvah simcha.

For as many times as I ask that questions of families when we chat in my studio, I get that many (and more) responses. What's most important is such a personal thing... and since my job is to figure out what is most important to the family and then help them get it, I always pay close attention to what is said.

No two celebrations look the same. Feel the same. Smell or sound the same. And isn't that exactly who they are supposed to be?

What do YOU think?

Charlie Seymour, Jr.
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Let's Celebrate Bat and Bar Mitzvah Celebrations!

2006-03-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

Friends,

When I was a kid, I only attended two Bat Mitzvahs and one Bar Mitzvah. I never understood why the goyim dropped this wonderful tradition of celebrating children just as they pass into adulthood.

OK... so I didn't understand everything that was going on (though the site of all those presents sure was great!), but I knew that my friends had spent countless hours getting ready for this very important day.

And then all of their relatives were there. And Mom and Dad were crying when they were so happy to see how well their child had done. And then all those prayers (on what I later learned was the Bimah) near the end of the service - all those prayers asking our maker to bless this child.

Wow... it was all too much to comprehend. But now, after just a 'few' years of getting older (not sure my wife would say "just a few") I appreciate what I learned. And saw. And felt.

And now I have a great joy of attending a lot of them every year.

What are some of the best things that YOU have learned from these? What are some of the most touching moments? What is your earliest memory of your first mitzvah celebration?

Share your thoughts with all of us, ok? Let's celebrate this wonderful celebration!

Best,

Charlie
www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com
www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com

Welcome to the Bat and Bar Mitzvah Photography Blog

2006-03-27T17:42:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,

Welcome to the Bat and Bar Mitzvah Photography Blog! I'm Charlie Seymour, Jr. and I run my own Bat Mitzvah Photography business and my own Bar Mitzvah Photography business (they're really very similar in struction but I approach them differently, as I'm sure you'll soon find out).

You can jet over to my websites at www.BatMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com or www.BarMitzvahPhotographySecretsRevealed.com to check out what I do, but since you are here, already... why not take a look around my blog... hang out... click a few links... put this site in your favorites (or "bookmark it" as we used to say). And be sure to check back regularly to learn what is going on at these major events in the life of a young woman or young man.

Anything to do with Bat and Bar Mitzvahs is fair game on this blog!

And if you'd like to leave a comment for me or others to read so that we can all learn from each other, please do so!