Jewish Wedding Photographer
Being a Jewish wedding photographer is a genuine privilege, to get the opportunity to photograph the history, culture, and community involvement in a Jewish wedding day fascinates me and makes for some truly exciting wedding photography. Many of the Jewish weddings I’m commissioned as a wedding photographer for are in London, though I work all over the UK and Europe.
Whether entirely traditional or a blend of old and new, a Jewish wedding is a captivating celebration, full of energy and emotion. I’ve had the chance to be in the heart of this celebration as a photographer many times now, and I’ve found that each Jewish wedding has its own unique story to convey in the pictures, despite being centred around the same set of customs.
It’s so much fun to shoot a wedding where tradition is at the core because every moment has a meaning. Everything, from to the preparations long before the wedding ceremony to the joyful dancing late into the reception, is steeped in significance and expression, and really is a pleasure to capture.
My love for photographing traditional Jewish weddings lies in the contrast between the privately shared intimate moments, and the vibrant energy of those shared with the wedding party. The Badeken, from the Yiddish ‘To cover’, is a moment not to be missed before the ceremony starts, where the groom veils his bride. The more traditional of couples may not have seen each other for days before their wedding, making this a heart-warming moment to see both in real-time and in the photos, as they see each other for the first time.
If you’re interested in me being your Jewish wedding photographer, get in touch to discuss pricing and availability.
On the other hand, it’s quite an experience to be a fly on the wall at the loud and lively ‘Tisch’, where the men gather around a table filled with food and drink, sing songs and heckle the groom! No Jewish wedding photographer could deny the thrill of capturing the room erupting with a Mazel Tov! At the smashing of the glass, or the beauty in the union of the bride and groom sharing the wine underneath the Chuppah.
If you’re having a fully traditional Jewish wedding, I’ll be there to capture any of the cherished personal moments you want to see in your album – the reciting of prayers, reading of The Ketubah, the seven blessings. All of these marriage traditions that are personal to you deserve to be included in the photography naturally and authentically, meaning that I won’t pose you, or direct you. You and your wedding guests can experience everything the day has in store, as it happens, without feeling like anything is staged, without me getting in the way and importantly without your wedding photographer having any impact on the atmosphere.
Reportage AKA Documentary Jewish Wedding Photographer
My style of wedding photography, Jewish or otherwise, is often referred to as ‘reportage’ or ‘documentary wedding photography’. Behind the jargon, this means that I’m telling a story through pictures. I wait for the moment to happen, and I capture it, rather than manipulating it, or putting you in one of those awkward 90’s style poses you often see in more traditional photographer’s wedding albums.
This style is perfect for Jewish wedding photography because there is just so much going on, so much action, emotion and energy. The best moment for me is the feedback from the bride and groom – often they’ll tell me they had a little tear, or couldn’t stop laughing - that they felt like they were doing it all over again through the wedding photos.
Being a very family orientated event, there’s a real sense of inclusion and community, meaning a bucket full of character - and of course plenty of dancing! Whether you’re a Jewish or non-Jewish guest, you’ll undoubtedly be aware that Jewish weddings involve some seriously energetic dancing.
When planning your own wedding, whether fully traditional or with a touch of the contemporary, it’s great to have a wedding photographer who is understanding of the Jewish traditions and cultural importance of your day. I urge you to take a peek at my Jewish wedding gallery below, to get a better feel of the style, or even just to grab a little inspiration from the stunning events I have already had the pleasure of photographing. Good Jewish wedding photography should be at the heart of the action but practically go unnoticed. I promise to let you enjoy every minute of your wedding day without disruption or direction.
I’m frequently commissioned as a Jewish wedding photographer in London, Surrey, Essex and Buckinghamshire - get in touch if you’d like to chat about your wedding documentary.