In the spirit of the Thanksgiving feast I hope you enjoyed yesterday, here’s an out-take from darling little Caylee’s photo session last week. In the many years, we’ve been shooting portraits of babies in our gowns, 4 out of 5 definitely agree, our christening slips are just too tempting to resist!
I could stare into baby Marco’s soft, beautiful brown eyes forever…I think we can all agree he looks like quite the charmer in his customized Virginia Gown. His mama, Gessica, says:
“Thank you again for your wonderful service, everything was perfect, the service, the delivery, the gown. Many thanks all the way from Australia.”
This is the second in a two-post series about christening photography–see the first here.
Photographs tell stories, and planning your christening event includes giving some thought to the images you want to have your photographer capture on your special day. Arpi Pap, a master at shooting baptismal ceremonies, advises:
“Imagine that your best friend missed the event and you want to show what happened with all things…not just the ‘VIPs’.”
I love that advice–it’s a great perspective to have in mind, and a good way to inspire creativity. How would you document the day for someone who couldn’t be there?
“Look for details: a hand, a bracelet, shoes, a cross, a bible, stained windows…all are part of the story and they build up to the culminant moment/picture. Candid moments are all around, just let the moment happen, [think beyond subjects looking] at the camera. Look for emotions [and interactions:] a joke told by the grandfather, a kid running, annoying the priest, etc.”
At a minimum, it’s important to make a list of the shots you for-sure have to have. Here’s a comprehensive list of ideas:
-‘Before’ shots: hanging dress/outfit, accessories, child being dressed, invitations
-Venue: exterior, interior (as allowed by the church), service folders, flowers or event decorations
-Ceremony details: parents/godparents with baby around the font, clergyman w/baby (as allowed by the church)
-Individual shots of baby held by: mother, father, Godparents (singly), siblings, grandparents
-Group shots of baby with: parents, Godparents, siblings, grandparents, all attendees
-Close-up details: dress/outfit, baby’s feet and hands, crosses or religious jewelry gifted to the baby, baby with a bible
(Be aware that each church has its own guidelines and policies on photography. Many denominations and/or clergy do not permit actual photos inside the church or of the ceremony itself. Be sure to consult with your officiator to know what is correct for your service.)
Wow, Thanksgiving is next week! I hope you are looking forward to time with loved ones–I know I am. I absolutely love this time of year…and though I’m generally uber-busy, I love the opportunity the holidays present to enjoy my amazing family & friends.
Speaking of friends, I’d love to spend some time with YOU!
If you’re local, please stop by our Holiday Open House: Wednesday, December 1st through Friday, December 3rd. We’ll be here from 10 am to 6 pm. There are some major deals to be had on our closeout and irregular racks, and everything is first-come-first-serve. Absolutely no sales will be made prior to Wednesday at 10. Gotta be fair to everyone!
If you’re not local, be sure to drop by our Facebook page and click our ‘Like’ button. We’ll be offering our Facebook family some amazing deals on holiday appropriate dresses and outfits for your little ones–some things you’ve never seen before, and the prices will definitely be worth your while!
