Abby and David
Congratulations to Jack on his upcoming Bar Mitzvah next year.
Second is such a fun and versatile venue, I am certain that it’s going to be spectacular and I would love to be there to play my part in documenting the day
Most importantly – we will create beautiful photos naturally, both in the portrait portion as well as all the meaningful moments throughout the day that make Jack’s day special and unique. You can relax and enjoy the day to the fullest while we take care of capturing the joy, the fun, the details – all of it.
I truly believe that my role at your (and every) event is to be your memory and I always try to capture moments that will remind you of the fun the kids have and how you were feeling when the photos were taken while at the same time giving a meaningful glimpse into the day for anybody who may not have been there. I try to preserve time to let you slow down the day through images at any time after.
Mitzvah parties are such fun – the kids and adults alike meet in such an enjoyable spirit and forget about anything else.
We have a few tricks up our sleeve to make sure that everything on the day will run smoothly.
Here are some concerns I hear frequently about working with other photographers and how we handle them:
“We don’t want lights everywhere that will ruin the mood of our space and the evening”
While we will need some lighting at night to get good quality images, we will not blast the room with spotlights or floodlights. We have low-key on and off camera flashes that will barely be noticed. Being photo/video ninjas is how we get the most amazing and intimate natural photos. Capturing the overall feeling of the mood is an essential part of what I strive for.
“We want to make sure to have everything captured”
we will definitely capture all of it from a variety of angles and visual options, from closeups of details to the wide party shots.
“We don’t want to wait for weeks or months for our photos and video”
Another crucial part of why clients are so happy with us is our fast turnaround. Our on-site assistant/editor will pull 30-100 selects that you will receive the next day – fully edited and retouched. For video, we usually have the highlight edit finished within 2 weeks and the long film within a month.
1-2 hours of photography to get to know each other and for your kid and the family to get used to being photographed. The purpose of the shoot is to get natural relaxed photos of the kid and maybe the family, as well as a few formal and posed images, if desired. Location can be anywhere in or around New York City to be arranged together. Most of the times, these photos will be taken at or around the home – meaningful locations are usually best. If there is a theme, we could also incorporate that into some of the photos. Clients will receive edited and retouched High Resolution image files and a website for sharing and/or print ordering
If we are not allowed to take photos during the actual Service at the Temple, we can arrange for a temple shoot at some point before. This is usually done during the week before on a weekday, like a “dress rehearsal”. We can take family photos and posed photos with and without the Tora, as well as some staged images from the Service, such as reading or holding the Torah.
Consultation discussing and advice on event day details relating to photography: specific timeline, shot list, possible pre-event portraits, client expectations. We will discuss what matters to the clients, how they envision the event to unfold and how it should be documented. It is also helpful to have suggestions from clients for specific groups and combinations not to be missed.
Day of Bar MitzvahUp to 10 hours of photography. Photographer to take photos as specified previously and according to timeline.
Preparation. If desired. These photos will be mainly journalistic capturing the essence of the preparation as well as details as available such as invitations, flowers, and dress.
Service. Frequently we are not allowed to take photos during the actual service. The temple shoot sometime before would still get us some images with the Torah and families. When allowed during the service, we will work within the photography parameters given by the Temple, and make every effort to capture the Service in every detail as well as true emotions throughout. Photographer will be low-key and unobtrusive whenever possible. If there are restrictions such as specific locations only or restrictions to the use of flash, the range and quantity of the pictures may reflect this.
Luncheon/Kiddush. These photos will be mainly journalistic, and we can also take some group photos of families if desired
Formal pictures We will take any combinations discussed previously of all different group shots as well as individual portraits. These photos will be more staged and professionally lit to produce beautiful, natural and professional portraits.
Party. Photographer will capture every moment as it happens trying to interfere as little as possible. The aim is to create a record of the joy and fun and energy of the night. We will also try to photograph every guest in the most flattering way as well as every timeline event from many angles. This can be the time to catch up on some group photos that were missed earlier and all combinations of guests that were not there before.
The videographer will be low key and document all that is happening without much interference. Our style here is just as it is for photography: low key, relaxed and unobtrusive. You will receive a short 3-5 minute long highlight film as well as a longer movie to capture the full day. The length of the longer film will be discussed between us to make sure you get the movie that is perfect for you.
Our on-site editor will edit and retouch 30-100 select images that capture the day from start to finish to be ready by the next day. Clients will receive all retouched images as high resolution image files as well as a web gallery to view images and to order prints. Turnaround time for the full set of retouched images is generally 2-3 weeks. Custom made albums can also be chosen as an additional package. Albums will be designed by André together with client.
For video, Clients will receive a highlight edit within 2-3 weeks after (in most cases in about a week) and the longer film in about 4 weeks. There is also the option to have all of the raw footage for potential later re-edits
option 2
17900
option 1
11900
option 3
9900
album prices a-la-carte
A. 1500 1 small album (8×12)
B. 2500 1 large album (12×16)
C. 3500 1 large + 2 small copies
with anything and everything. We have been documenting weddings for well over 15 years and are still loving it. ‘
Really! Not at events. We’ve seen it all and we can handle any situation or surprise.
having worked here for dozens of events, we are very familiar with creating well lit as well as personal photos
Low-key on-camera lighting ensures that photos will be perfect without destroying the mood and ambiance of the spaces
we know how to deal with people of all backgrounds, ages, religions
we make sure that everybody will feel seen
we will take our cues from YOU and not make portraits with predetermined poses that just feel awkward.
We will make you and your kid(s) feel comfortable and (almost) forget that we are here, so that you will receive photos and video that is timeless, natural and beautiful and most importantly – personal!
of everything
video highlight movie ready within less than 2 weeks.
Full film together with side edits (like speeches, full ceremony) ready within a month after approval of music choices and desired length.
I have photographed Mitzvahs for many years and have 2 sons myself. We know how to make both kids and adults feel comfortable in front of the camera. Even with posed portraits, everybody will become natural and spontaneous very quickly.
André Maier Photography specializes in candid, reportage-style photography for weddings, mitzvahs and corporate events. There to document, not direct – we capture the momentous milestones of your life, so you can continue to relive them moment-by-moment, with as much exhilaration as if it were yesterday.
Natural, beautifully crafted portraits that don’t have to take long to make and journalistic coverage of every moment, emotion and memory. Our role as photographers is to document the complete story with stealth, spontaneity and creativity, for a photo collection that preserves the elation and emotion of the day. We always aim for an deliver a fun, easy, drama-free experience.
“I love what I do,” he says. “At any event, you’re in a very intimate setting where kids and adults come together. I’m very mellow, I’m not directing people or trying to run the show, and so I’m a calming influence on the families, the kids, and the guests. Nothing throws me off; I welcome the day’s little surprises because those unexpected happenings often result in the most beautiful photographs.”
André’s co-photographers and videographers have each been handpicked because their photography styles, personalities, and philosophies closely mirror his own. They are as calm and unobtrusive as they are skilled and experienced. Each has trained and shot alongside André for years. With anyone on our team, couples can access the same relaxed, deliberate, and beautiful wedding coverage.
Jesse H - Mitzvah at Second
Isabella - Bat Mitzvah at Second
Pre-shoot mix
Ready to go? Let’s lock it in and know that you’ll be in great hands starting now, through a drama free day and beyond. Click the button below and email me to put together a contract.