Shock. Disbelief. Fear. Numbness. Second guessing your entire career. You know, normal thoughts…

Here we are nine months in and welcome to sort of normal.

Being an event and family photographer, the closures hit my industry hard. While many of my events have moved to next year, a few figured out a way to have at least the service this year.

One way is to hold the service outside – as J’s family did. They lucked out with a warm November day in the 60s. But what would have happened if it rained? I believe they would have moved inside. Outside was preferred by all. And the temple even had great heaters at ready if needed. The total number of guests and support staff, myself included, was under the state’s limit for indoor gatherings. Additionally, the sanctuary is a huge open space with several doors to the outside that could be opened.

All of this is important. Because no one wants anyone to get sick.

Another ‘plus’? I get the opportunity to photograph the service. Normally I don’t. It’s mostly not allowed. But because of the pandemic, some temples have been making adjustments. This means that the family receives photos they wouldn’t normally get.

The weather was good. The light was nice. The bimah was shaded from most of the direct sun by a sail shade. But since it’s late fall, the sun isn’t rising as high as it does – we get more of a side lighting situation. Which can work well with a bit of fill flash.

We were able to get a few family photos, some just with J by himself. And many of the ceremony.

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While it wasn’t what was planned, it turned out to be just right for this moment for this time. Life is what happens when you make other (many, many other) plans. This family did a great job rolling with it.