Denver & Boulder
TRUE-to-You Mitzvah photography
THat Tells Your Family STory
By Anne Stephenson
Honoring the sacred, celebrating the joy
Photography that sees the heart of your mitzvah day
Welcome to Anne Stephenson Photo & Narrative. I believe every Mitzvah tells a unique story–one filled with tradition, joy, and personal meaning.
My approach is simple: I focus on what matters most to you. Whether it’s the Torah reading, family moments, or a dance floor packed with energy, my goal is to document your celebration in a way that feels true to your teen and your family.
We are so grateful…for the way she captured wonderful memories
It was a pleasure working with Anne to photograph our son’s bar mitzvah! She was very responsive throughout the planning process, charged a reasonable price, and met me on site a few months ahead of time to stake out the best locations and ideas for photos. She took amazing pictures of our family and during the ceremony and party, and she wrote a beautiful blog post about the day. We are so grateful for her time and attention and for the way she captured wonderful memories for us!
Michele Frishman
She listens to what the family wants and will go above and beyond
Anne was a pleasure to work with! She is very organized and thorough with the planning process as well as the day of our event. She listened to my needs, and spoke from a perspective of experience. She was flexible and fun. She is calm and professional. She took beautiful pictures. Was mindful to capture our special event without being noticed. We have images that will be treasured forever. I highly recommend Anne!”
Beth Lehr
MAZEL TOV!
When it comes to capturing the memories of your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah every family’s photography needs are unique. Before getting started on choosing a collection, look into these important considerations:
Synagogue or Temple Policies
Every place of worship implements its own set of rules. Some permit photographs during rehearsals, others might allow a single photo at the end of service, and others do not permit photography during the service at all. Understanding these guidelines is important in creating a photography schedule.
Event Coverage
Would you like photos of the service? Also, the kiddush luncheon that follows? How about capturing the fun and festivities of the evening party, if you’re planning one? Deciding on these helps determine the number of hours you will want for your photography package.
Key Moments
Essentially three key components tell the story of a Mitzvah and sometimes a fourth: Family Portraits, Service, Celebration, Judaic Art. Many Mitzvahs incorporate creative combinations of these areas, sometimes spreading out the event over many days to accommodate traveling family and to turn the milestone into a memorable celebration.
Listed below are several ways to incorporate these elements into your Mitzvah and potential times of the day
Portraits
Pre-Rehearsal
Post-Rehearsal
Pre-Service
Post-Service
Before the Party
Another Day
Service
Rehearsal
Day-of Service All (check on policy)
Day-of Service Partial
Judaic Art
Rehearsal (handmade items by teens or heirlooms)
Post-Rehearsal
Separate Day (combine with Portraits)
Celebration (During the time guests eat)
Celebration
Shabbat Dinner
Kiddush Luncheon
Afternoon Party
Evening Party
Recreational Activity
Sunday Brunch
Next Steps
Once you’ve determined the types of photos you would like to capture and when the activities will take place, think about how many hours you will need and over how many days. Feel free to get creative with the timeline. While many Mitzvahs now take place on one day, it may work out better to create an alternate photo opportunity for family photos on a day other than the Mitzvah ceremony.
Overall, your photos should be just as meaningful, memorable, and personalized as the Mitzvah experience itself.
All coverage includes:
- Photo selection
- Color correction and image consistency
- Optional sneak peek gallery/social posting
- 4- to 6-week turnaround time
- Private online gallery
- Full-size color JPG and selected b/w JPGs
- Print release
- Complimentary site visit
- 3-month file archiving
- Optional payment plans
Continuous Coverage
Hourly coverage for Mitzvahs taking place on one day. If there is time between the events, a rate reduction is available.
| 8 Hours | 2495 |
| 7 Hours | 2225 |
| 6 Hours | 1995 |
| 5 Hours | 1750 |
| 4 Hours | 1595 |
| 3 Hours | 1295 |
| 2 Hours | 1025 |
| Portrait Family Session (1 Hour) | 795 |
Pricing is locked once a contract is signed. If you received a custom quote previously, I’m happy to honor it as long as your date is available.
Multi-Day Coverage
Collections can be customized to fit your needs.
Multi-Day Collection
- Weekday rehearsal (one hour)
- Portraits (one hour before or following rehearsal or one hour before party)
- Party (four hours Saturday or Sunday)
Create your custom collection–Find out more.
Popular à la carte Items
- Highlight albums
- Story albums
- Photo books
- Art frames
- Photographic prints
- USB drives (swivel between USB-A and USB-C)
Hey, I’m Anne
The Storyteller Behind the Lens
Every mitzvah is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, filled with love, tradition, and celebration. My passion is capturing the moments that define your teen’s journey—the pride in their eyes as they read from the Torah, the joy of family embracing after the service, and the pure energy of the hora dance.
With a documentary-style approach, I focus on the real emotions and unscripted moments that make your mitzvah uniquely yours. When you look back at your photos, I want you to feel the joy, hear the laughter, and relive the celebration—just as it happened. Because this isn’t just photography—it’s your family’s story, told with heart.
Tips for the Best Bar and Bat Mitzvah Photography
Helpful ideas and a checklist for photo opportunities at your child’s Mitzvah.
True To YOU
Mitzvah Stories
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Isla’s Bat Mitzvah at Denver Botanic Gardens
Isla’s spring Bat Mitzvah at Denver Botanic Gardens reflected a journey more than a year in the making. From the Secret Garden to Gates Hall and Marnie’s Pavilion, the day felt thoughtful, connected, and entirely her own.
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Eli’s Coors Field Be Mitzvah
Eli’s Coors Field Be Mitzvah combined his love of sports with Jewish tradition in a memorable ceremony and high-energy celebration.
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Noa’s Joyful Boulder Bat Mitzvah: Community and Celebration
Noa’s joyful Boulder Bat Mitzvah brought together family, friends, and community. From chanting Torah to dancing the hora, it was a day filled with meaning and celebration.
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Benji’s Boulder Bar Mitzvah: Heartfelt, Family-Centered
Benji’s Bar Mitzvah at Nevei Kodesh in Boulder was heartfelt and family-centered, followed by a joyful Kiddush Luncheon at Chautauqua Dining Hall.
