Why B’nai Mitzvah Photography? From NYC Kitchens to Capturing Milestones
My dream of becoming a photographer started in elementary school, sparked by a vintage Canon AE-1 commercial and the raw storytelling of newspaper photojournalists. Life, however, took me on a different creative path first.
I became a professional cook, cut my teeth in some of the finest kitchens in New York City, and later transitioned into high-end catering. I found myself catering everything from massive events across ten floors of Saks Fifth Avenue and intimate dinner parties overlooking Central Park, to stunning weddings in the Hamptons and vibrant B’nai Mitzvahs at our company loft in Chelsea.
When my first child was born in 2006, I paused my culinary career to become a stay-at-home dad. Now, after raising two amazing kids, I now sit on a massive 10-terabyte archive documenting their lives! I always promised myself that once my kids were driving and independent, I would finally claim that childhood dream and pursue photography as a career.
When deciding where to focus my lens, my time in the NYC catering world gave me perfect clarity.
To put it gently: I learned quickly that weddings can be a pressure cooker. The unrealistic expectations and intense stress often steal the joy right out of the room, leaving couples losing sight of the celebration itself.
B’nai Mitzvahs, are entirely different.
We ask a tremendous amount from these young men and women, and every single time, I am absolutely blown away by their poise, composure, and maturity. While I know firsthand that the planning and preparation leading up to the big day can be stressful for parents, the energy completely shifts when the moment arrives. From the quiet reverence at the bimah to the explosive joy on the dance floor, these teens never fail to impress me.
I chose B’nai Mitzvah photography because it’s a celebration rooted in community, family, and immense achievement. My job isn't just to take pictures; it’s to capture the raw, candid pride of a milestone well-earned—while bringing my years of event experience to ensure your day runs flawlessly.
