Ceremony

• The bat mitzvah ceremony takes place in the sanctuary of a synagogue, usually during a Saturday morning service. On the dais, known as a bimah, are the rabbi, the cantor and members of the temple hierarchy who officiate at the ceremony. Since most synagogues do not allow photography in the sanctuary during a service, take the following staged photographs prior to the ceremony: the bat mitzvah girl in front of the ark that holds the Torah, the rabbi next to the girl as she opens the ark, the girl reading from the Torah and the Haftorah, the rabbi and the girl, the cantor and the girl, the girl with both the rabbi and cantor. A separate formal photograph of the girl wearing her talit and one of the invitation should be taken as well.
  
  

Family Photographs

• The following family photographs should be taken: a portrait of the bat mitzvah girl alone with her parents and one of her with her siblings. These should be both formal and casual as siblings love to tease. Take photos of the immediate family together, the girl alone with her grandparents (both sets, if possible), and one of the entire family and the generations.
  
  

Extended Family

• A photo session should include the girl's extended family. Cousins, aunts, uncles -- all should be included in individual photographs. If there are special family friends who are dear to the girl and her parents, they should be photographed as well.
  
  

Additional Photographs

• Take a photo of the bat mitzvah with the ceremonial challah and staged shots of the sanctuary.
  
  The decorations, sign-in board, centerpieces, buffet table, dessert table, entertainment and special speeches should also be photographed.
  
  

Candle Lighting

• A candle-lighting ceremony takes place during the party. The bat mitzvah calls on 13 individuals who have had an important part in her life to come up and light candles celebrating the occasion. Each should be photographed.
  
  

Candids

• Candid pictures of the celebration illustrate everyone at ease, the pressures of the morning having diminished and everyone enjoying the momentous event. Dancing with family members, siblings, and friends are the fun pictures. Table shots, toasts and cake cutting should be included. The bat mitzvah girl should have photos of herself with her friends as lifelong memories.
  
  

Closing Photographs

• After the day is over, a sentimental photograph of the bat mitzvah girl, exhausted and pleased with herself and her family photographically ends the day. Perhaps the family pet can be included in this one.