If your family is planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Leo Baeck Temple, I’d love to help you photograph it. This Reform synagogue in Los Angeles offers a warm, inviting community and beautiful spaces that photograph so well. From the light-filled sanctuary to the outdoor gathering areas, Leo Baeck is a wonderful place to mark this milestone in a way that feels both meaningful and personal.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are full of joy, emotion, and deep tradition. Whether your child is putting on their tallit for the first time, chanting their parashah, leading parts of the service, or carrying the Torah, I aim to capture the pride, spirit, and connection in every part of the day. My photography blends editorial, documentary, and classic styles so your final gallery feels dynamic, polished, and full of personality.
We usually begin with portraits about 90 minutes before the service. I start with meaningful moments on the bimah: your child holding the Torah, rehearsing their tefilot, or opening the ark. Then we take a mix of creative portraits that show their personality and style. Family portraits follow, with a combination of traditional groupings and more candid, relaxed moments that show your connection.
If photography is not permitted during the Shabbat service itself, we can schedule a weekday session at the synagogue to document those key traditions in advance. If it is allowed, I’ll quietly document the entire service, including aliyot, Torah reading, blessings, and interactions with clergy and family members.
After the service, it’s time to celebrate. Whether you’re hosting a kiddush luncheon at Leo Baeck Temple or planning a larger party at a local Los Angeles venue, like Hillcrest Country Club or Skirball Cultural Center, I’ll be there to capture it all. That includes dance floor moments, party games, the hora, speeches, the candle lighting ceremony, and all the little interactions that show just how loved your child is.
If you’d like to create custom invitations, a sign-in board, or party decor with personal touches, I also offer pre-mitzvah portrait sessions. These can be done at your home, at Leo Baeck, or somewhere that highlights your child’s interests—from beach sessions in Santa Monica to creative shoots in downtown LA. I love collaborating on these and helping each session feel personal and fun.
Once the event is over and your gallery is complete, I can help you turn it into a custom album. These albums are a beautiful way to tell the story of the day and preserve the milestone for generations to come. I have many examples I can share if you’re curious to see what’s possible.
It’s always an honor to document a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If you’re planning one at Leo Baeck Temple, I’d be thrilled to be a part of your celebration.
Start the Simcha!
Bar Mitzvah Planner: Jessica Gehring - Designed by JG