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Ali – Bat Mitzvah portraits

Ali was recently preparing for her Bat Mitzvah. Her family wanted portraits of her at their synagogue in the lovely blue dress she selected for the occasion. But photos aren’t allowed during Bat Mitzvah services at the Beth El Congregation in Pikesville.

So we met a few days before the services for a portrait shoot. Ali read from the Torah and a prayer book. She twirled outside in her dress. She smiled from the bimah and posed in front of the temple’s magnificent stained-glass windows. All the while, Ali could not have been sweeter or more agreeable, even when her stylists (read: her mom and aunt) dashed over to make adjustments to her hair or dress or posture.

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot:

Ali’s mom steps in to fix her hair.

And her aunt comes over with a brush. Repeatedly told to pull her shoulders back, Ali jokingly over-emphasizes the hunched posture she’s trying to avoid…

Ali, looking lovely and very grown up…

I love this one in the synagogue’s lobby.

A few outside…

The previously mentioned twirling…

And a few simple, beautiful portraits.

Congratulations on your Bat Mitzvah, Ali. It was a pleasure to help commemorate your celebration!