I love photographing my Mitzvah clients a month or so before their big day, for a number of reasons. It’s fun getting to know them a bit before I photograph them celebrating their Bar mitzvah, it helps them to become more comfortable in front of my camera, ensuring natural photographs from their day, and it allows me to capture that special 12 year old / almost 13 year old -ness that is such a special time in a tween’s life.

It’s also really fun when the family decides to join in, allowing me to take some great family portraits that aren’t rushed before a Bar Mitzvah service.

The Arden Family chose Grand Central Terminal for their portrait location, which is a big favorite of mine! The lighting can be tricky, but the architecture and history of the place is unbeatable – classic New York!

Check out Maya standing still in the middle of all the hustle and bustle!

Maya has such poise for a 12 year old; she really blew me away with how mature she acts! I had such fun photographing her!

I love these family shots outside! Especially with the busy NYC background.

These photos give me such a pre-teen feeling. Isn’t she a gorgeous girl?

Did I mention how much I love Maya’s personality? She wasn’t shy to showcase the range of her personality, and my camera loved it!

Maya and her dad have such a great relationship; I love the picture below of them dancing in the middle of Grand Central.

This family went along with all of my posing suggestions and this might be one of my favorites. They are so chic and cool, standing against the ticket windows.

Of course we had to take a few iPhone breaks… she IS a teenager after all!

Thank you so much, Arden Family, for meeting me at Grand Central for Maya’s special portraits! I can’t wait to photograph her becoming a Bar Mitzvah later this month!