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. Every Mitzvah tells a unique story, shaped by tradition, joy, and personal meaning.
Here’s how I work: I focus on what matters most to you. From the Torah reading to family moments to a packed dance floor, I 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!
Because every family plans their mitzvah differently, photography coverage can look very different from one event to the next. Before choosing a collection, consider a few details that will shape your schedule.
Synagogue or Temple Policies
First, check the photography guidelines at your place of worship. Some communities allow photos during rehearsals, others permit a brief moment at the end of the service, and some do not permit photography during the service at all. Once you know what’s allowed, it becomes much easier to build a realistic plan.
Event Coverage
Next, think about the moments you’ll be happiest to have captured in photos. The passing of the Torah through family hands. The huge smile as the chair lifts during the hora. Or, your teen surrounded by friends during a group photo. Once you name the moments that matter most, choosing coverage gets much clearer.
Key Moments
Finally, most mitzvah stories are built from three key elements, and sometimes a fourth. Family portraits, The service. The Celebration. And sometimes, Judaic art, details, or meaningful heirlooms. Since every timeline is different, these elements can happen in one continuous stretch, or they can be spread across multiple days.
Below are several ways to combine these pieces, along with options.
Portraits
Popular times to capture family photos:
Pre-Rehearsal
Post-Rehearsal
Pre-Service
Post-Service
Before the Party
Another Day
Service
Rehearsal/Practice Day
Day-of Service (check on policy)
Judaic Art
Rehearsal
Service Day
Separate Day
Celebration
Shabbat Dinner
Kiddush Luncheon
Afternoon Party
Evening Party
Recreational Activity
Sunday Brunch
Popular Collections
Heirloom Collection
$3295
Up to 8 hours
Designed for fuller timelines, multiple locations, or weekends that include rehearsal, luncheon, and celebration coverage.
- Online gallery for 6 months
- High-res digital downloads
- Print release
- USB Keepsake with custom photo
- 12 x 12 Hardcover Layflat Album (15 spreads/30 pages, up to 60 photos)
Typical schedules:
- 2 hours rehearsal + up to 6 hours celebration or
- Service + Kiddush Luncheon + Celebration Coverage
Up to 8 hours provides flexibility for real event pacing and transitions, and I’ll confirm the plan in advance so coverage matches your timeline.
Storybook Collection
Most Popular
$2495
6 hours
Designed for the most common mitzvah timeline. It’s a great fit when you want coverage of both the service and celebration, plus an album to hold.
Service and rehearsal is typically scheduled as a 2-hour time block which allows time for the full run-through plus a few family photos.
- Online gallery for 3 months
- High-res digital downloads
- Print release
- USB Keepsake with custom photo
- 10 x 10 Softcover Layflat Album (15 spreads/30 pages, up to 60 photos)
Digital Collection
$1695
4 hours
Best for party-only coverage, or an all-in-one timeline where the service flows directly into the celebration, like a Be Mitzvah. This collection includes a short, efficient family photo block during the event.
- Online gallery for 45 days
- High-res digital downloads
- Print release
- Crystal USB with logo
Hourly Coverage
For timelines that don’t fit a collection, hourly coverage is available and priced separately. Most families choose a collection from above as they offer the best overall value and include finished keepsakes. Hourly coverage galleries are hosted for 45 days.
| 8 Hours | 3595 |
| 7 Hours | 3195 |
| 6 Hours | 2795 |
| 5 Hours | 2395 |
| 4 Hours | 1995 |
| 3 Hours | 1395 |
| 2 Hours | 1125 |
| Portrait Family Session (1 Hour) | 725 |
à la carte Keepsakes
- 10×10 Softcover Layflat Albums: $895
- 12×12 Hardcover Layflat Albums: $1195
- Additional spreads: $60 each
- Crystal USB with Logo: $225
- USB Keepsake with Custom Photo: $250
- Additional Coverage: $400/hour
Hey, I’m Anne
The Storyteller Behind the Lens
A mitzvah is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and it holds so much in a single day. Pride. Tradition. Community. Joy.
That’s why I photograph with a documentary approach. Instead of forcing moments, I focus on what is real and unfolding. Everything from the quiet glances to the hugs after the service, to the energy that builds once the celebration begins.
When you look back at your photos, I want you to feel the day again. You should be able to hear the laughter, remember who was there, and see your teen the way you see them. 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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Zach’s Sports-Themed Mitzvah At Folsom Field
From a Torah service rooted in family history at Congregation Har Hashem to a ski-themed reception at Folsom Field, Zachary’s Bar Mitzvah weekend in Boulder was personal, creative, and true to him from beginning to end.
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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.
