Emily Petway
https://givenkind.org

I found Annette on the Chicago Mitzvah Chit Chat Facebook group.  From our first phone conversation, I knew she was the right fit for me and my family.  Annette was easy to talk to and extremely helpful with her experience and knowledge of all things Mitzvah related.  As a parent going through the process for the first time, I found this to be very comforting and was happy to have some hand holding, guidance and recommendations.   Fast forward to our Mitzvah date—Annette was awesome!  Her personality made everyone *of all ages* happy to be photographed.  That willingness to help that she had shown me during our early stages of Mitzvah planning matched what she brought to our event that day.  Annette was fun, flexible, cooperative and friendly to everyone.   The photos…the photos are a WOW! Annette did not miss a single thing.   So many real emotions captured in both her posed shots as well as the endlessly entertaining candids!! The HUGE collection of photos we received from Annette, absolutely tells the story of this remarkable day for my family.  
I can’t stop smiling every time I look at them.  We’re so grateful to have found Annette and are thrilled to have her already booked for our next Mitzvah in 2022!!

Erin Gross
Am Shalom

I found Annette on a mitzvah website where she had received numerous wonderful reviews and she more than lived up to those reviews. Annette was a pleasure to work with and did not miss a picture. We had around 275 guests and I think she somehow was able to capture all of them on film. The quality of the pics she took were first rate and we received all our pics almost immediately after the event. I feel very lucky that we had Annette to capture such a special day!!!

Holly Spiegel-Miller / Private Service

Annette was an amazing photographer. She kept everyone at easy, including 4 generations! Annette makes the photo sessions fun and relaxed, while capturing every detail.  During the party, Annette makes it around to everyone, making sure all of your friends and family members, as well as groups, get in some shots. The photos turned out stunning and with quick turn around.   Annette didn’t miss a beat.  I already booked Mitzvah Photography for my younger child’s event.

Marcie Kleinman / North Shore Congregation Israel

I wanted to thank you SO much for all your work this weekend.  You are so calm, easygoing, good at what you do and made our whole family feel so comfortable with everything being just fine.  Many people came up to me too and said how nice and good you were.  I hope it leads to more business for you!  And, I liked Victor’s comment the best when a bunch of us were complimenting you he said, “She really likes what she does!”

Anya Victor

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

What a wonderful experience we had working with Annette. She truly captured the essence of our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and her party. The pictures turned out amazing. Abby felt so beautiful and relaxed at her photo shoot that EVERY picture turned out. It was so hard to pick what we wanted. Truly an incredible experience for all of us.

Staci and Michael Levi

Beth Judea

If you are looking for wonderful photographs and and easy-going photographer, look no further! Annette provides great service. She’s responsive, easy to work with and produces fantastic memories.  We really appreciate her skill and warmth and can’t recommend Annette enough! Your photos will be available before you know it, and her albums are superb too.

Amy Shriberg
Or Shalom

Annette, the pictures are amazing! So much to smile about; you are so wonderful at seeing realy special authentic moments.  It’s why we came to you in the first place.   Thanks you so much for your professional, easy-going, unceasingly warm approach to our event.  We KNEW we would love working with you!! A million thank yous for capturing the neshama (soul) of our village.

Emily and Adam Crane
Lakeside Congregation

Annette is the photographer you want for your mitzvah!  Not only did she take amazing photos, but we cannot thank her enough for all her help throughout the mitzvah process.  She designed the perfect logo for our daughter.  Annette was a lifesaver on the day of the event.  I had forgotten to make arrangements for our banner to be hung.  Upon arriving, Annette realized our banner was not hanging, located it, and came up with a creative solution to make sure it was in place before we arrived at the venue.  Clearly this is going above and beyond her job description.  Annette is the best!

Hannah Alterson
Congregation Or Shalom

Annette is the most patient and engaging photographer I have ever seen!  She made my daughter feel special with a photo shoot at the beach, made a gorgeous sign in book for the bat mitzvah party, knew what important moments to capture at the synagogue and captured the true spirit of the importance of family and friends at the party.  Thank you!!!

Eve Levin
Beth Hillel

If you want a spectacular photographer for you Mitzvah, I hope you will consider Annette Leibovitz of Mitzvah Photography.  She has photographed both of our sons Bar Mitzvahs and we are so pleased with the magnificent photos and memories of these special days.  Thanks Annette!

Gabrielle Jacobson
Congregation Solel

There are many photographers who can take beautiful pictures, but Annette is one of a kind in the way she captures the special moments.  I can’t say enough about our experience with Annette.  She is warm, friendly, funny and makes everyone feel at ease with her bubbly personality.  The photos of out daughter on her Bat Mitzvah are stunning.  We will cherish these memories for a lifetime.

Robin Altschul
 Congregation Solel

This letter of recommendation gives me the opportunity to praise the outstanding work by Annette.  At this point she is part of our family.  She has seen my children grow up the last 10 years.  It started with my son who is now 23 at his Bar Mitzvah.  I could not have been happier with the portraits before and pictures at the day of the even.  She has been my B’nai Mitzvah photographer for all four of my children, the last in November of 2017.  It was amazing to see how the kids had grown through the years especially my youngest who was 3 at the first photo shoot.  Annette takes the time to capture the smallest moment.  She has an eye to see the way the sun hits the subject at just the right moment to make the most unforgettable image or see how the youngest child looks up at the oldest child at just the right angle that makes you cry with pride as a parent.  But the best part of Annette is that she makes the entire shoot stress free for everyone.  Thank you, Annette, for everything!!  I am looking forward to a continuing relationship from engagement pictures, wedding photography, to hopefully a lot of pictures of the next generation.  We love you!

Susan Jones
BJBE

Annette Leibovitz, you are a gem!! We want to thank you for the amazing pictures of our son’s Bar Mitzvah.  You captured our event and our family so beautifully.  Not only were you easy to work with, but you went above and beyond throughout the  whole journey.  You kept us calm, and our kids comfortable and all of us happy!  You’re a talented photographer with a true gift.  You caught all of the important moments big and small.  Thank you so much for giving us this stress-free experience with such beautiful memories to treasure always.  We look forward to working with you again!

Michelle and Ryan Edley
Temple Chai

I wanted to take the time on behalf of the entire Shomrim Society of Illinois (Law Enforcement Officers of the Jewish Faith) to extend a THANK YOU to Annette Leibovitz for her work the past few years for our Man and Woman of the year Gala downtown.  Annette goes above and beyond to capture the essence of our event.  I just can not thank you enough for all you do for us and how happy the organization is with not just your work but also your easy accessibility pre and post event.

David Appel
Event Director
Shomrim Society of Illinois

Annette made the entire Moran Center team smile from ear-to-ear during our recent staff photo shoot. We are so happy with the photos taken by Annette, and blown away by her turnaround. We may have to have you come back out to the Moran Center sometime soon for a whole team photo, since our staff keeps growing!

Patrick Keenan Devlin
Executive Director/Staff Attorney
James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy

Annette,

Thank you so much for photographing my daughter, Mollie’s, Bat Mitzvah.  It was an honor to work with you.  The pictures are fantastic.  I couldn’t ask for better.  Not only are you an exceptionally talented photographer, you are a delight.  You are a calming influence at the party – you actually helped keep me sane. And, my daughter loved working with you and you respected and understood her.  Thank you for your amazing pictures and for your wonderful personality.  We can’t wait to work with you again.

Joyce Pollack
Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah

Mitzvah Photography has been our family photographer for over 10 years.  Annette is dependable, kind and easy to work with.  She’s a talented, creative photographer with great ideas for unique photos as well as an understanding of what is needed for a more traditional photo shoot.  My family has used Mitzvah Photography many times for simple family photos, and also for large group events.  Annette always gets all the photos I request, and then some I didn’t know I wanted until she took them.  Be sure to book well ahead of time. You’ll be delighted with your results.

Ben and Wendy
Buffalo Grove

Annette,

Extending a HUGE thank you to Annette Leibovitz for these fantastic pictures which captured the moment of Isabel’s Bat Mitzvah! We love the pictures you took of Isabel from the outdoor photo shoot which you made into her sign in book and all of the photos from the synagogue and party truly are fantastic! Many thanks for giving us a beautiful way to look back at one of the most memorable days of our lives. You have been a true pleasure to work with!!!

Abbey Carney
North Suburban Beth El

Dear Annette,
Thank you so much for the amazing pictures you took of my children’s B’nai Mitzvah. They were not only lovely but they also captured each of my children’s unique and special personalities so well. You were warm, relaxed and so easy to work with, which helped me stay relaxed and confident throughout our event. I can’t wait to work with you again when it’s my youngest turn at the bimah.
Warm Regards,

Rachel
(Or Shalom in Vernon Hills)

Annette,
It was a pleasure to meet you and your assistance throughout the AWALCS Installation Dinner was greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support, your time and your photographs.  You are truly a talented photographer.  I have added you to my contacts and will recommend you for your services.  Thank you again.  Best regards.

Kathleen
Association of Women Attorneys – Lake County, Illinois

Annette,
It has finally quieted down enough for me to think.  I wanted to thank you for y our work with Rachel’s party and temple pictures.  You are an absolute joy to work with.  Everyone was commenting on how you always say thank you after you took a shot, and got excited when you saw what you liked.  Always had a smile on your face.  So sweet and fun.  You added to the atmosphere.
By the way, they are great!!!!

Donna
(Temple Chai)

Annette,
We all love the album! We already knew that your pictures captured the spirit of our family and the joy in our hearts, but the way you arranged the album shows the energy of our simcha. It is laid out in such a fun way that is perfect for a mitzvah – not too formal like a wedding, but showcasing our relationships with family and friends. Thanks again!

Jaimy
(North Suburban Synagogue Beth El)

Dear Annette,
Thank you so much for the great photos from the BJBE photo shoot and Holly’s Bat Mitzvah party. After Tyler’s big celebration, we thought we’d challenge you to an even larger crowd for Holly’s and you did such a wonderful job capturing every moment and every guest. Our album is gorgeous! We are truly grateful and can’t wait to work with you again for Darren’s Bar Mitzvah in 2018.

Thank you!

Pam (BJBE)

I had an incredible experience with Annette Leibovitz and Mitzvah Photography. She was so easy to work with and knew exactly how to work with my 13 year old daughter.  She was flexible with our schedule and very accommodating.  Her work is amazing and her fees are so reasonable! Our photos are stunning and I could not be happier

Anat (BJBE)

Annette was a true pleasure to work with from start to finish! She goes above and beyond in customer service, attentiveness, and most importantly, in her eye for the details. Her work is remarkable! She is able to capture pictures that are both formal and casual and yet somehow manage to make everyone look good no matter the angle. She is a true professional and a gifted artist and we were beyond honored to have her talents share our special day. I proudly recommend Annette/Mitzvah Photography to all!

Cynthia Zarkowsky (Temple Chai)

Hi there, just wanted to say thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts, for making our weekend so special. You are beyond talented, and the few pictures that you put up already, have taken our breath away at how amazing they are!!

Thank you again for being vested!!

Cynthia

Thanks again Annette for your down to earth and personal service for Sofia’s bat mitzvah. I truly appreciate your assistance and advice throughout the entire mitzvah planning process. It took me a month to pick up the pics that were ready only days after the event, and that long to figure out how to make an album on FB with the photos you posted. But now we have the prints, FB photos and photos on CD and can view and share our amazing memories from Sofia’s milestone. I’m looking forward to working with you again for Jacob and Ava!

Jayme

WOW!!!!!!
Thank you SOOOO much. They were stunning pictures. You really captured it all so well.  It’s going to be so hard to make an album and actually pick and choose.

Ilana Kopinsky (B’nai Tikvah)

My family has said that my photographer, Annette, was wonderful!!   And my sister who said so is very particular so its a big compliment.

Regards,

Diane Brazen Gordon (Congregation Beth Judea)

Annette never failed to amaze us. Very early in our relationship with her, we realized that she was much more than just a photographer. Annette is an artist. She took our raw ideas and turned them into remarkable pieces of work. She did a sign in board for us that was so beautiful that we didn’t want to let anybody write on it. I offer her my strongest recommendation.

Thanks,

Bryan Halpern (BJBE)

I had seen samples of Annette Leibovitz’s work on her website, and was impressed with the warmth and natural “family feeling” of her photographs,  which was what we were looking for.  She was a pleasure to work with from start to finish.   Annette has a very easing going personality and is professional, experienced, and reliable.  She brands her service as “stress free photography” and she did not disappoint!   She was great with my son, family and all of the guests.  Everyone felt very comfortable around her and I received a number of comments on how pleasant she was.  She engaged everyone without being intrusive and I think her style was reflected in the quality of the photos; the story and ambiance of our special occasion was captured without anything looking “posed”.

The proofs were on her website to view within days and we received prints within a couple of weeks; she even put them in photo albums for us.  We LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos and can’t stop looking at them! Best of all, I think her prices are quite reasonable for the high quality of her work.  We couldn’t be happier with our choice of Annette Leibovitz/Mitzvah Photography for our son’s Bar Mitzvah and highly recommend her to others

Susan and Wayne Shapiro (Temple Beth El)

Annette was great with our photos. Not only did she capture the essence of the day, from the pre-service pictures to the party following, she got my 94 year old grandfather to smile. Too me, that alone, was worth all the money in the world.

Hope this helps!

 Deb Gates (BJBE)

Annette- You did an amazing job for my sons Bar Mitzvah. The pictures are awesome!
Jay and I couldn’t have been more pleased to have such a great photographer
documenting Noah’s BIG Day! You are terrific and easy to work with. You helped make the day very stress free.
Thank you again,

Maida & Jay (Congregation B’nai Shalom)

I  worked with Annette at Mitzvah Photography for my son’s Bar Mitzvah in 2011 and I would highly recommend her services!  She goes above and beyond to help and makes every part of the mitzvah easier.  I will use her again for my next son’s Bar Mitzvah in 2013 and will definitely for my daughter in the future as well.

Amy (Or Shalom)

We have been very happy with Mitzvah Photography. Annette is creative and gets great shots , she knows what’s she’s dong and it shows in the beautiful pictures she makes. She is also someone that will help you with plenty of recommendations if you need them and gets everything to you as promised .

Peggy and David Weil (Temple Chai)

Annette
I would like you to know how impressed myself and the  On Your Toes families are with your outstanding dance shots.
Action shots are very difficult but you captured the dancers at the exact moment.
Thank you for working so efficiently to get the pictures up online so quickly

 Louise Taitz
On Your Toes Academy of Dance

Annette did an amazing job at both of my sons’ Bar Mitzvah parties.  She caught magnificent candid pictures of people having a joyous time.  In addition, her posed pictures at our temple came out wonderfully…you would not have known that she did not take them during the service.  Finally, she put together such creative Albums for us – we proudly display them and get so many accolades from everyone who view them.  I highly recommend Annette – she is truly an artist!”

-The Dolson Family (Beth Tikvah Congregation)

Annette from Mitzvah photography is stress free photography. We just received our proofs and could not be any happier. Annette made our entire family feel comfortable while capturing the excitement of the day.

Weis Family  (Congregation Beth Am)

Annette captured my family and my event beautifully. Everyone at the party loved her enthusiasm, it was like she was a guest at my party. I can’t stop looking at the pictures, I feel like I am reliving the fabulous day every time I look at them. Thank you, Annette. The Brauer Family

Debbie Brauer (Congregation Beth Am)

Mitzvah Photography did our wedding pictures, and Annette was awesome at taking them. She met us at my parents’ house where the wedding also took place.  She took photos inside and outside on a beautiful evening. We got the pictures back in a very quick and timely manner. The photos of our friends and family were fantastic, and everyone loved the work that Annette did. The prices were just right too.  Annette is AMAZING and very personable!  She’ll work with you to create the pictures that last a lifetime.  We will be making many more memories with Mitzvah Photography again for my daughters’ and son’s Bat/Bar Mitzvah in the upcoming years.

Lisa and Dave Dlugger (Temple Chai)

Annette, I just finished going through all the pictures from the Bat Mitzvah.  They are wonderful – thank you so much for the beautiful work you guys did.  Now comes the hard part, the picking out of the favorites.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Annette Leibovitz is a wonderful all around photographer.  Not only are her pictures the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, but her personality is just right for Bar-Mitzvah kids, parents, grandparents…  She knows how to make everyone comfortable, happy, and smile. I would highly recommend her for any event, from small and private to very large.
Naomi and Sam Sitzmann (Congregation B’nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove)

Annette, You have made our events amazing. Our family looks forward to seeing you again for Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah.  The pictures you take capture every special part of our day. You have a great eye and are so patient, and easy to work with and incredibly kind. Thank you.
Lisa Bleichman  (Temple Chai)

Annette,
The pictures are amazing! You truly captured the essence of the whole event.  I love your work…  Thanks for the fabulous memories.  And thanks for all of your help you truly are a treasure.
Sheryll Crider  (Congregation B’nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove)

Annette Leibovitz did a fantastic job on the photography for both of my girls’ Bat Mitzvahs.  She was excellent to work with. She quickly learned everybody’s names – even the grandparents!   She even got fantastic shots of my difficult-to-get–to-smile daughter!  The photos were magnificent.  The hard thing is now figuring out which of the MANY great photos to pick!  I would highly recommend Annette for any Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Laura Gammons  (Congregation Beth Am)

Annette,
What a night!  The evening was warm and wonderful and FUN!  We’d hire you again in a heartbeat.  Get ready for November 2012…
When I came out of the service and saw the waiters in the t-shirts and bandanas, I almost lost it – they looked sooo cute.  You exceeded our expectations.  You had such a nice, calm demeanor during the photo session before the service.   During the party, you were EVERYWHERE and always seemed to be capturing the important people in our lives.  We never needed to approach you during the party – it was seamless.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Caryn, Harlan, Reid and Jocelyn Kahn  (North Shore Congregation Isreael)

Annette,
The pictures are great! It’s so amazing to look at them and see everyone smiling and having so much fun; it’s like we are there all over again.  You did an awesome job capturing the vibe of the party.
Thanks again,
Cindy and Garry  (Am Yisrael)

Annette,
I just wanted to let you know that we got the photo album and you did a MAGNIFICENT job!!! Thank you so much. Everyone’s extremely impressed!
Thank you again!-
Talia and Daniel

Annette,
Our experience working with you was amazing.  Not only are the pictures spectacular, the entire experience was a pleasure.  You made my family feel completely at ease not only during our photo session at the temple but during the entire time leading up to the bat mitzvah and during the party, you made sure that all of our needs were met.  My next daughter’s bat mitzvah will take place sometime in 2012.  Once we have the date, we will let you know.
Sincerely,
Jeff  (Am Yisrael)

Dear Annette,
Thank you so much for photographing our special event. You did a great job keeping everybody at ease and getting the most natural smiles.  It really is a Mitzvah that you shared your talents with us and helped us save these memories. We will call you when we plan our next event!
Joan

Annette,
You have a real talent for capturing the moment.  You are an expert in the Bat/Bat Mitzvah process and have a talent for developing a rapport with children and teens immediately.  Seeing you photograph 2 bar/bat mitzvahs in a 2 week period, I was very impressed with how high energy and fun you make the whole process! Also, thank you so much for coming to my rescue with such short notice when I was suddenly without a photographer 3 weeks before my daughter’s Bat mitzvah.  You certainly could have charged me extra for the short notice, yet you treated exactly the same as if I had booked long in advance.   I look forward to doing other happy occasions with you!  Thanks again!
Laura

Annette,
Thank you so much, Annette, for the wonderful photos! I have started using them on my on-line marketing already.  Thanks for making “the sitting” so much fun!
Una

Annette,
The pictures are beautiful…as my husband said, there isn’t a bad one in the bunch…..Thanks again.
Best  Jill

Annette,
I wanted to pass along to you all the compliments I received on your behalf!  Everyone raved to me about how wonderful you were.  Fun, friendly, outgoing, great with the kids, personable…these were just a few of the words I heard.
…thanks again, so much, for your services!
Peggy

Annette, Thank you SO MUCH for the photographs.  They are absolutely beautiful!!  I already have them in proper frames and my family just loves them. Thank you for all your help.  I will be in touch.

Victoria

Annette,
Thank you for helping with the BEAUTIFUL framed collage for my Aunt & Uncle.  They called and were positively overwhelmed with surprise & joy.  These pictures not only are heartfelt memories but since my Uncle could not attend the event he has pictures of family sharing a simcha, (which everyone needs today).

You are an amazing photographer and from Breana’s Bat Mitzvah your personality is exactly what happy congenial families look for when everyone is having such a great time…. you fit RIGHT IN not intrusive like “some” photographers…
Best Wishes
Be Well
Ila

Annette:
I have been passing out your website like chocolates.  Everyone loves the photos you did for us!
Wendy

Annette:
These pictures and the way you set them up are amazing! We love the coordination of the bridge picture inside with the one on the back. Thank you so much for going above and beyond!
Talk to you when we return.
Sheryll and Greg

Annette,
Thank you very much for all your help!  It was wonderful working with you.  You are such a pleasure!  My whole family really appreciates all your had work and outstanding effort!
Thank you!
Jocelyn

Annette,
I wanted to tell you how much I love the photos, esp. the nursing photos! You captured a beautiful moment in my life that I’ll treasure forever!
Hugs
Sandy

Annette,
You did an awesome job. Thank you for your patience. The photos are great.
Phil

Hi Annette
Thank you so much for the Walk with Israel photo you took of our Or Shalom group. It is a beautiful photograph.
Marcia Cohen
Education Director
Congregation Or Shalom

Thanks Annette
My mom was just in town and I am probably going to be ordering some photos for her from Callie’s Bat Mitzvah. Everyone who sees the photos thinks they are fantastic! By the way, if it helps you to get more business, you are welcome to use me as a reference anytime.
Cara

Annette,
Thank you for helping us capture Jessica’s special day!  I’m sure we will treasure your pictures for many years to come!
With gratitude,
Lynne

Annette,
Last Friday I went to the Wheeling Library because I had to see your exhibit before it closed down at the end of Sept.  I liked your colorful photos and compositions which no one could pass up.  A very nice exhibit and congratulations on some wonderful and creative photography.
Bert

(From a client’s mom forwarded to Annette)
Dear Wendy,
Thank you so very much for the wonderful surprise!!! I am so excited to have photos of all of you.  They are gorgeous!!! I love each and every photo you sent.  I really love the newest one of Dalya, with Wendy.  I can see what an adorable baby she is .  The previous photos did not do her justice.  All I can say is “Wow.”  I love the family photo. It is great of everyone!!!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Love,
Mom

Annette,
Thanks for taking pictures of my party. The pictures of my service were great. We can’t decide yet what to order. Can’t wait to see the pool pictures.
Samantha

Dear Annette,
I took a look at all the pictures you took at the August picnic. They are lovely.  I really wanted to thank you for donating $2 from each one purchased to LLLI.   Thank you so very much for that.
Sincerely,
Jane Tuttle

Call Annette at Mitzvah Photography to discuss all of YOUR photography needs! 847-913-5588
Professional services, professional pictures, all at reasonable prices.