Any Advise? - I've been asked to shoot a Christining

[astalemind]

Hiya All,

I have been asked to shoot a Christening for a friend of mine. I would really like to do it for them as they are such a nice couple. I have not shot a Christening before, (or a wedding) but I have about 6 weeks to tweek my shooting style to do the best I can for the day. My current experince is in portraits, editorial/environmental portraits etc.

Does anyone have any tips on what I should consider, look out for, common do's and don'ts, common restrictions etc.

I plan to visit the venue this week to check it out and to a scout around. This will include heading up there at the time of the day I will be shooting to check out where the best light and locations are. If I can I will speak to the vicar to check what I can and can't do during the service itself.

At the moment, I have only shot primes, 35mm, f2, 50mm, f1.4, 85mm f1.8, I think I may borrow a 24-70 f2.8 or 70-200 f2.8.

Thank you for any advise you can give me.

Regards
Matt

 

[Photodiva]

Hi Matt. I did a christening shoot for some friends a while ago. Things to note: inside churches are often lacking in light, and often the vicar doesn't want photography during the ceremony. I took my 70-200 and took a few shots from distance and then there were the posed groups after the ceremony. Mostly you need fill flash. Most annoying was that there were lots of babies/kids being christened at the 'same' time, so it was busy, difficult to get everyone in the right place after as so many were milling around. Good luck!

 

[Little John]

As Carol says the vicar often won't allow photos during the ceremony. I shot one a few months ago in a church I had been told no photos in the past, cranked the ISO up and put the 70-200 on and shot long still moving about the church quietly and the vicar after said no problems as I wasnt using flash. Turns out the whole reason for no photos at this church was to stop everyone getting up and flashes fireing all the way through the service.

 

[markgrif]

I have had the lucky task of shooting a few christenings and lack of light will be your main issue. Try and utilise the natural window light as much as possible when taking posed shots.
I found that finding an elevated spot from distance and using my 18-200 mm lens with a high iso keeps you out of sight and mind allowing nice natural shots. Get some step ladders I think they are an essential part of a photographers kit handy for getting above the heads and great angled shots. Group photo's should be taken outside weather permitting.
Good luck!