Sara's Bat Mitzvah | Photography by C Brown Photo

While I was an Associate Professor of Photojournalism at the University of Southern Mississippi, I worked on a long-term documentary project documenting religious diversity in Mississippi. I continue to be passionate about documenting the amazing religious pluralism evident in this country. Near the end of October, I finally had the chance to photograph my first bat mitzvah--Sara's Bat Mitzvah celebration. The rehearsal and religious ceremony took place at Bet Haverim. Rabbi Josh Lesser, along with Sara's grandparents, who are both cantors, helped Sara prepare for the day when she would accept the responsibility for following the mitzvot, the commandments.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the rehearsal:

Hug at Bat Mitzvah

Photgraphy from Bat Mitzvah Rehearsal

Beth Haverim Bat Mitzvah

Bat Mitzvah Photographer C Brown Photo

Bat Mitzvah photographer

Bat Mitzvah Torah

Bat/Bar Mitzvah Photographer in ATlanta

Bet Havarim

Atlanta Bat Mitzvah Photographer

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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.