I have been requested to photograph a client's baby's baptism Thanksgiving weekend. It's not a high paying gig and the client isn't picky at all, but I would like to give her and her husband some really nice photos. The problem is I've never actually been to a baby baptism (our church baptizes in the gulf of Mexico). So I don't know what to expect. It's at the main Catholic church in town, and I don't plan to use flash - so I'm getting my low light gear together.

What should I expect? How do you shoot this? I've shot three weddings as a second, one event as a second/assistant, and one wedding on my own. I've only shot a handful of portraits. But I know weddings - I go to a bazillion. I don't know Baptisms. Should I shoot it like a wedding?

I'm not sure where this post belongs -- People or Weddings? I'm posting in both since I figure there are similarities between weddings and baptisms, but it's technically a People post...

A crowd of people.

Mixed light temperatures.

A little water.


My Simple Suggestions:

1. Why not visit the church prior to the event and speak to a priest and take a light meter (or your cam) with you and check the light levels (same time of day) and look at the baptismal font (or place they do the sprinkle) and ask how they suggest photography be handled during this special ceremony.

2. Consider an alternative location in the church grounds for a 'group shot'

3. Pick your favorite lens and test it in the light of the church. Consider the field of view you need to capture the moment (and some people).

That is what I would do.

It will introduce you to the priest and he will feel more comfortable with you and you will feel more comfortable on the special day...since you have 'been there.'

Good luck and light to you.

Make sure to talk to the priest beforehand. He will tell you how not to interfere with what is going on, and he will let you know beforehand what to avoid doing. Some priests don't mind photos at all, but some can get very annoyed by things you wouldn't even understand as being offensive. And yes, no flash. Probably the 5D and your 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 will be best. if there is enough light then the 70-200 will allow you to give them a lot of space.

Yeah -- I'm definitely planning on talking to the priest. I suppose I will call first and then hopefully go in during the same time of day. I'm heading back to the house with the family for photos later that day (um, outdoor florida photos at noon... ugh). So I'll do pictures of them then, if I can. Might do some formals at the church, though.

I'm also getting a 28 1.8, so I figure the 85 and 28 should get most of the action. the 70-200 should be helpful as well. Thanks for the advice!

Quick advice: Bring your flash.

Most of it doenst requre flash, but a lot of times they set up group shots with the priest and the parents, godparents and baby... If you are stuck at f/2 you may not have enough depth of field... I would be ready to shoot that shot afterwards, even if its with direct flash, just in case!

I'll have my husband ready with the lightstick ;-)

It will be similar to a wedding ceremony as far as lighting and location go. They say some stuff, sprinkle the baby and say some more stuff. Treat it like you would a catholic wedding ceremony.