The saying is that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This is the reason why photography is an important part of every event; it captures the memories of your event so that you will always have reminders. These memories are even more important at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, because capturing the rite of passage when a boy or girl becomes a young man or woman is significant to the entire family. And since videography came on the scene, events can no be captured in full play-back format rather than in photographed moments. But Mitzvah photography and videography have evolved over the years, as the tastes and styles of teenagers change and as technology improves.
Model Photo Session
Many Bat Mitzvah honorees would love a chance to dress up and become a cover girl for a day. While the guys are less likely to get in front of a green screen, Bar Mitzvah honorees still want to get their pictures taken in unique locations (unusual or urban settings). Photography studios are now offering packages for honorees to have more personal and distinguished portraits taken. The honorees feel more special in preparation for the big day, and will be comfortable being the center of attention.
Video Invites
Video invitations are all the rage in the Mitzvah world. Instead of a traditional paper invitation, guests will receive a DVD that outlines the event. The DVD can include a picture slide-show of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah through all the stages of his/her life, and can also contain a PDF file that guest can print out with the event information. Guests can also be instructed via the video to RSVP on a personal party website.
Concept Video
Concept videos are being used at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs not only as a vehicle for the entrance, but also to tie in the party theme. These videos are pre-recorded, and can include the the honorees family members and close friends. A Bar Mitzvah who wants a James Bond theme can pre-record footage of himself on a secret mission, ending with the entrance into the party. The concept video gives the honoree a chance to express him or herself, and further develops the event theme.
Photo Booths/Green Screen Photography
Although photo booths have been around for a long time, new technology has created a new breed of the concept. The booths can be constructed at any venue, and, with more room, can fit more people in it at once. This allows the guests to take a greater range of photos with movement and/or props. Green screen photography is also a new concept that, once set up, allows the guests to be shown in a variety of different backgrounds (which can coincide with the event theme). Some companies also have flip book photography, where a 7-second video is turned into a book of pictures (pixels) that, when being flipped through, creates the captured footage.
Capturing Dance Moves
In order to capture the best moments of the party, people are now putting video cameras on the dance floor that will transfer live footage to the big screens. Guests, especially the children, will love seeing themselves on the dance floor, no matter how badly they dance. Clients can also choose to set up cameras to take mugs throughout the night that can then be flashed on the screen.
As Tony Benn, a British politician states, “Most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.” Whether it is capturing that precious moment when the honoree becomes an adult, or capturing the embarrassing moves your uncles are popping on the dance floor, use these ideas to keep those moments as memories forever.
