Jessica Kaplan Photography

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Evanston, IL
Jessica Kaplan Photography

I click with people. Headshots, family portraits, and bar/bat mitzvah photography - serving Chicago + the North Shore

portraits | headshots | bar + bat mitzvahs | fine art prints

06/07/2026

One week ago, Sammy wowed his friends and family as he became a kabbalat mitzvah. The weekend all went so fast, and already some of the little moments may be starting to fade, but the photos bring it all back. The energy, the laughter, and the pure joy of being surrounded by the people who matter most.

That's why I love photographing bar and bat mitzvah celebrations. Long after the party ends, the photos help you relive not just what happened but how it felt. Here's a look back at Sammy’s unforgettable celebration from last weekend. I’m so thrilled to have been a part of it!

05/30/2026

It's finally your turn, Sammy! Mazel tov on becoming a kabbalat mitzvah in front of your loving family and friends and your large supportive community. I have loved photographing your crew for so many years - what a privilege to watch you grow up and show everyone what you can do! Now it's time to celebrate!

05/10/2026

Mazel tov to this proud Michigan fan, who brought plenty of maize and blue spirit to her bat mitzvah today - right down to her toes! 💛💙 Hava's confidence and poise really came through during her rehearsal, and she made her family so proud!

04/23/2026

Abby’s bat mitzvah celebration was pure joy from the second the music started. The dance floor was packed with incredible energy, nonstop dancing, bubbles floating through the air, an epic hora, and so much ruach (spirit), you could feel it in every corner of the room.

Thank you to Abby’s family for trusting me to document your simcha, filled with the kind of happiness that makes a night unforgettable. This crew came ready to celebrate, and they absolutely delivered!

Special thanks to Gabby Realegeño for joining me as second photographer and helping capture all the energy and emotion of the day.

Event planner: Anderson Celebrations, LLC
DJ/Emcee: Bizar Entertainment, Inc.
Decor: FreeLance Studios
Venue: Hilton Chicago/Northbrook

04/19/2026

Mazel tov to Abby, who wowed her family and friends yesterday as she became a bat mitzvah! Her hard work absolutely paid off, and she brought such warmth, confidence, and joy to the day. One of the most delightful teens I’ve had the pleasure to photograph - sweet, spunky, and completely herself. Truly a joy, and it shows in every image.

03/16/2026

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing the team at the Querrey InQbation Lab at Northwestern University.

The Lab supports science-driven startups emerging from Northwestern’s research community. Through mentorship and collaboration, they help faculty, researchers, and students move promising innovations from the lab into the real world.

I set up right in their workspace, and team members signed up for quick time slots throughout the afternoon. In about two hours I photographed the entire team, and everyone received their retouched images the very next day. That's always my goal for busy teams who need great photos without losing half a workday.

It was a pleasure spending time with such a thoughtful and enthusiastic group. Thank you for the warm welcome.

03/12/2026

Event photography starts long before the event itself. Most people only see the photos from the big day.

But much of the real work happens beforehand. Before every event, I ask organizers about three things:
- the key people who should be photographed
- the key moments that matter most
- the key deliverables they’ll need afterward

Then once the event begins, my focus shifts to something else entirely. I’m watching closely for authentic expressions and working with whatever lighting the space gives us, which is often more challenging than it looks.

That combination of preparation and attention in the moment helps ensure nothing important slips through the cracks. And often makes the photography the easiest part of the day.

For those of you who plan events, what’s the one moment you always want photographed?

02/27/2026

One of my favorite parts of a bar mitzvah weekend is this moment – when the pressure lifts and the celebration settles in. It might be the first chance to really exhale after all that hard work… and to enjoy seeing every detail come together – the colors, the food, the favors, and most importantly, the people. This luncheon was full of joy, from a lively hora to meaningful, laughter-filled moments with extended family. Relaxed, full of connection, and the perfect fit for this crew.

Venue: Hometown Coffee & Juice
Desserts: Oh Happy Day Confections
Decor: Bow Bear Balloons

02/24/2026

Mazel tov to Jacob, who became a bar mitzvah this weekend and showed everyone what hard work and commitment can make possible. Getting to document this family’s simchas three times over the past two years has been a truly special experience, and I’m so grateful to be part of their meaningful milestones.

02/18/2026

Mazel tov to Mira, who was poised, confident and wise as she became a bat mitzvah this weekend! The celebration that followed was pure Paris and très chic — magical lights, the Eiffel Tower, crêpes on the menu, and a rocking dance floor that went all night long. This simcha truly was a reflection of Mira’s joie de vivre. So happy to be part of this family’s warm, joyful celebration!

Catering: Pear Tree Catering
DJ: Marz/Charizma Entertainment Group
Event Planner: Joyce's Event and Party Planning
Decor: Centerpiece Productions

Address

Evanston, IL
60201, 60202, 60203, 60204, 60208, 60209

Website

http://JessicaKaplanPhoto.com/

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