It’s been over 2 weeks that I’m back and I’ve jumped right back into work, non stop. Before I post some fun photos from some recent sessions I want to share a couple more photo collages from my Israel trip. Bat Ayin is a beautiful oasis just at the edge of Jerusalem, graffiti in and around Jerusalem, Eilat, Jeeping, it was all a dream come true. Of course visiting the Military base was very special, the soldiers were so appreciative of our support.
A couple of months ago I posted these images of my son putting on his Tefillin for the first time. Well that was just practice. Yesterday we celebrated his big day. It was an emotional and beautiful affair. Stacey Betsalel, my party planner worked on all the details, making his day perfect. Delicious food from Ave R Cafe, music by Yehuda Piamenta, a candy table, dessert table, ice cream bar, chocolate fountain and a delicious buffet that included sushi, cheese tray, focaccia with armenian string cheese – just delish! Best of all the day was recorded on camera by Chaya Tenenbaum of Los Angeles and video by Detti Siklos of NY.
Here are a couple courtesy of Chaya Tenenbaum.
My daughter, Naava.
Today is the last day to be entered in a drawing for a 16×20 canvas gallery wrap. In order to enter you have to book a regular or petite session for anytime between now and Labor Day. Winner will be announced on Sunday. I still have 2 slots available for May 21 petite session.
I was in Chicago for a photography seminar but I managed to get some of the city in as well. Chicago has a great metropolitan feel about it. It’s clean (coming from NY it’s always a surprise to see that big cities can be clean) and plenty to see do and see. I met a wonderful family for a photo session while I was there, funny thing the Mom is from Monsey, what a small world.
It’s been over 2 decades since I’ve been to Toronto, I spent a wonderful summer there but haven’t been back since. Toronto is a great city, with something for everyone.
I started at the beautiful home of my client, the mission was to capture the 5 visiting grandkids (under the age of 2.5), with a little help from ‘Mr. Jelly Bean’, ‘Mr. Bubble’ and ‘Slap me 5’ mission accomplished.
From there I was off to the natural light studio of my dear friend Josee Caza for a session with the funnest (grammar?) family ever. Meirav was celebrating her Bat Mitzvah with her ten year old twins brothers, Avi and Koby, and adorable 6 year old sister, Kayla. They are all pro’s, I was lucky enough to photography them almost 2 years ago in New York.
After that session I went to the Art & Design District with Josee, stopping at the ‘Brooklyn’ bar to make me feel at home, passing the funky Drake Hotel, a lovely boutique hotel and it’s next door ‘General Store’, which sells antique items and just enjoying the outdoors and stopping in various galleries.
While I was enjoying the city scene, my plane was getting ready to take off back to NY, I was scheduled for 20:00 which I didn’t put much thought into, it’s at 10:00pm, right? Wrong!! I realized too late. Travel is not without it’s challenges, being away from my family and it’s totally exhausting but still I love it. I love it so much I will be back on flight out to Chicago this upcoming Sunday. Stay tuned.
This morning my son, Mendel, put on Tefillin for the first time. According to Jewish custom a boy becomes a man at the age of 13, his Bar Mitzvah. Once he is 13 he is required to put on Tefillin every day. As is tradition in our family, the boys start putting Tefillin on 60 days before their actual Bar Mitzvah. This is a very father/son type of experience, but I was up at the crack of dawn with my camera in hand to record this momentous occasion. It was beautiful and emotional. 
Here is Mendel feeling really good after saying a traditional ‘Mymer’ flawlessly.
My kids this Purim…
Happy Purim from my gang to yours.
My travels continued… just 5 days after returning from San Francisco I headed to Ft Lauderdale, FL with my two girls, Ruthy and Naava. They are 11 years apart and an exact imprint of each other. We had the beautiful weather and relaxed poolside and beachside. A week after Ft Lauderdale I went to Atlanta, GA for my nephews wedding, got snowed in and had to stay an extra day. My near future travels include California, Toronto – Canada and Chicago. If you’re interested in booking me in any of those cities contact me by email.
The luckiest Mom in the world… ME… with my girls.
Why would anyone EVER leave this?
Catching the waves
Fun ice cream store, Serendipty.
So quaint, the decor in the ice cream store. (I SPY)
Really… have a cookie 😉
On the Ft Lauderdale boardwalk.