How to Prepare For YOUR Bat Mitzvah Teen Theme PhotoShoot

The time has finally come, your Mitzvah is booked and it’s time to start planning your big bash. Mazel Tov! 

Let the party planning commence and may the odds be ever in your favor! There are a million and one things to check off your list, one of the most important being your teen photoshoot, a.k.a theme shoot. We gotta get that hype up and going! Faster than a chocolate fountain at a Bat Mitzvah, so to speak. 

Believe it or not, the theme photoshoot will set the tone for many of the visuals at your party. It will be used on your social media pages, for the larger than life enlargements of you at your party and mixed into the end of your video montage. The images could also be used for your invites, personalized pillows, on cocktail napkins and what about your face on your own custom made dance floor!? Yup, cause it’s all about YOU!

Having a photographer that can capture your unique vibe and style is key; I have more than 20 years of experience photographing teens and allowing your true beauty and personality to shine through your smile, is my specialty.  

Below are a few ideas to consider when preparing for your Bat Mitzvah teen theme shoot:

Choosing Your Theme - Whether your theme is NYC fashionista, bohemian goddess, or sports star, deciding on the look and feel you want for the party will make planning the rest of the photoshoot a breeze. 

☝🏼Terri PRO Tip: Communicate closely with your party planner or decorator as they can make suggestions on Bat Mitzvah themes that will fit your unique style.

Hannah (@hannah1evy) wanted both a summer and winter vibe as her theme. I photographed her first in August, on Shelter Island at Sunset Beach and we now have our winter shoot planned for November! This late summer day paired perfectly with her sunny smile and the backdrop of sandy surfboards. 

Establishing Your Unique Style - Before your photo session, it's important to choose 3 - 4 outfits that reflect your theme and are appropriate for the location. To make posing effortless and to ensure you are comfortable during your session, try on outfits and matching undergarments at home. Unsightly bra straps, ‘too short’ shorts, and any garment that you must adjust, will take our attention away from the shoot (and the fun we’re having together!) and can mean fewer final images in the end. Modeling is a professional business and can be difficult to master; I will help you to get the most flattering imagery, but it helps if you practice a few poses you like beforehand! Also, remember to add vibrant colors to your wardrobe: accessories like earrings, hats, bags or funky shoes are essential. Props are encouraged too; if you’re going for a sporty look, bring your baseball bat or tennis racket. Get creative!

☝🏼Terri PRO Tip: Get your hair blown out and nails polished, so all of your pictures look flawless. Long, flowing hair is the envy of all, but bring some hair clips to mix up your look and manage your locks against the wind. Hair blowing in your face covering your eyes will not only be annoying, but can ruin portraits.

Choosing a Location - Deciding on the perfect location for your teen theme photoshoot is very important, as it will also reflect in your Bat Mitzvah party theme. I know all of the best locations, from here to New Jersey, and I can marry it with your personal style. Whether you want the graffiti grunge, the Brooklyn vibe, the Manhattan chic, the cafe hopper, or simply a look that embodies your hometown, I can make it happen.

I took these photos of Casey (@caseytolchin) near my studio in Williamsburg on a rainy day. The scaffolding nearby provided the perfect refuge from the unforeseen rain showers. The city streets of Brooklyn, along with the art and graffiti in the area, elevated her edgy look to the next level in these shots.

I really enjoy taking pictures at Tacocina in @DominoPark. This yummy location provides the perfect backdrop of bold and fun colors and adds that little extra pizzazz to photos... And they have great tacos!

Timing - The time of day a photoshoot is scheduled is important as I am always looking for that ‘picture-perfect’ lighting. I prefer to take photos in the early morning or late afternoon, but I know this isn’t always possible. Be sure to book your photo session a few months in advance of your party date to ensure we get the timing just right. As you can see below from my shoot with Annabel (@annabel_levin1208) for her teen photoshoot @DominoPark, the late afternoon sun and a sweet autumn tones bring out her beautiful brown eyes.

☝🏼Terri PRO Tip: Book photo sessions during mild weather months, like May or June or mid-August through October, so it’s not so hot your makeup melts or so cold that you’re shivering in between shots.

Relax & Have Fun - Last but not least, all this planning can get pretty stressful, so remember to enjoy the little moments in between. The more fun you have during the photo session, the easier it will be to have your lovely self shine through in each portrait. Fortunately, I have lots of fun and it’s pretty contagious!

One of my favorites from a recent shoot, Kate (@kate.solomon), showing off her fun side. Kate is a creative and expressive person, which I highlighted with this carefree pose as she nonchalantly swirled her hair up into a bun.

If you are looking for a photographer for an upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah (stay tuned, teen shoots for boys will be discussed in an upcoming blog) or simply need teen portraits, I would love to chat and make your portrait dreams come true! To view more teen photo shoots, click here.

I look forward to capturing the wonderful, authentic, you!

Terri Diamond

New York, NY.