meet rachael
Rachael Spiegel is the only photographer in the country who focuses exclusively on Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. By dedicating herself entirely to this milestone, she brings a depth of experience and understanding that few can match.
The unique combination of capturing a family’s joy while conveying the significance of the service is what made Rachael fall in love with photographing B’nai Mitzvahs.
After earning her degree in photojournalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications, Rachael began her career as a newspaper photojournalist. Covering assignments from breaking news to professional sports, she learned to anticipate moments, work confidently in fast-paced environments, and create compelling images as events unfolded.
mitzvahs are our favorite!
Today, she brings that same journalistic instinct to B’nai Mitzvah photography. With a deep understanding of the rhythm and significance of the day, Rachael captures timeless portraits that reflect the meaning of the service, as well as documentary images that showcase the joy and energy of the celebration that follows. From the pride of standing on the bimah to the excitement of celebrating with family and friends, she preserves the moments that matter most.
For families, a B’nai Mitzvah is more than a party. It is a milestone that connects generations, honors tradition, and marks an important step into adulthood. Rachael considers it a privilege to preserve these moments with care, artistry, and a deep love for what she does.
photo by Amanda Summers
meet JOEY
Associate photographer Joey Pulone worked as a graphic designer until the birth of his children changed his outlook on everything. In one instant, Joey fell in love with children and decided to get serious about his lifelong love of photography.
As a staff photographer with the Baltimore Ravens, Joey is a pro at capturing action both on the field and on the dance floor. He brings a boundless energy to each simcha he photographs.
As the father of three, Joey is a natural with kids and adults, instantly making everyone he meets feel at ease, which shines through his images.
Joey lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with his wife, Deb, and kids Max, Liv, and Sofie.
Associate photographer Joey Pulone worked as a graphic designer until the birth of his children changed his outlook on everything. In one instant, Joey fell in love with children. He also decided to get serious about his lifelong love of photography.
As the father of a freshman at the Berklee School of Music and two daughters who are 16 and 14, Joey learned how to relate to wildly different personalities. Joey is a natural with kids and adults, instantly making everyone
ON THE FIELD AND ON THE DANCEFLOOR!
he meets feel at ease, which shines through his images.
As a staff photographer with the Baltimore Ravens, Joey is a pro at capturing action both on the field and on the dance floor. He brings a boundless energy to each simcha he photographs.
Joey lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with his knockout wife, Debbie Ruth, and three kiddos Max, Liv, and Sofie.
MEET RACHAEL »
Rachael grew up in Baltimore and lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland with her husband Ryan, son Jack, daughter Dalia, and puppy Charlie. They rented a chicken coop for one month every summer when the kids were in elementary school and love picking fruit at Butler's Orchard.
photo by Amanda Summers
jack rogers
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things that bring us
joy
why mitzvahs?
Rachael’s photojournalism background combined with a Jewish day school education, as well as a mitzvah planner parent (yes, it's true!), makes mitzvah photography the perfect fit and her true passion. She captures images of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families that take a parent's breath away.
