|
| Author | Thread |
|
|
01/17/2005 01:54:27 PM · #1 |
A friend of mine asked if I was interested in shooting some photos of the christening ceremony of his daughter (few months old). Well, it might be a good experience and he said: "think about it".
I have never ever been at a christening ceremony, hardly ever come in churches during services and have little experience with photographing people.
What are the important moments? Sure, the priest does the christening act, but are there other good moments?
Does anyone have any samples so that I can check out what might work (angles, positions etc)?
Don't know how close I can come and how the light will be. I think I might prefer the 70-200 VR or is it better to use the 18-70? I fear the 18-70 is too slow or I will have to use a flash and diffuser.
Usually such a ceremony has a very slow motion, so perhaps the 70-200 on a monopod is a good choice, this has worked before. Depends on the distance I guess. I prefer available light myself.
I'll put the camera in burst mode to increase the chance of open eyes and good expressions.
Well, I'll ask him tomorrow about the ligth and distance. Any advice besides that?
|
|
|
|
01/17/2005 01:57:23 PM · #2 |
Lots of times you might not know the event details beforehand, don't panic, trust in your abilities and be ready for the shot at any moment. Real life isn't posed, you just gotta anticipate and be at a cat-like state of readiness. hahahaha
That's what I do anyway.
|
|
|
|
01/17/2005 02:30:38 PM · #3 |
Take your fastest lens. Bring the 18-70mm along for a post christening shot (whole family).
I'd make sure to bring your flash even if they tell you that you are not going to need it. Better prepped than sorry. If you can, get there a bit early and try shooting a bit to get a feel for the light.
Some shot ideas: Close up of the christening gown detail
Closeup of godparents hands on the munchkin
I'd also make sure to get pre christening shots of the baby. Depending on, she's not gonna be too happy after. ;)
Hope this gives you some ideas. Let us know how it goes!
Clara
|
|
|
|
01/17/2005 03:11:49 PM · #4 |
Here are a couple of shots:
Baptism 2003; Baptism 2004
I haven't done much post-processing on these, and it shows. But these would be "moment of truth" kind of shots. The other recommendations above are all good, too.
Try talking to the priest ahead of time to find out what is allowed, and maybe he'll tell you what some of the prime moments are. It would help if you could see what the lighting is going to be like a day (or a couple of hours) prior, too, so you can figure out camera settings.
Otherwise, follow your instincts on nice shots of the family. |
|
|
|
01/18/2005 02:43:16 AM · #5 |
|
|
|
01/23/2005 10:09:26 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by blemt:
Hope this gives you some ideas. Let us know how it goes!
|
The priest had it setup quite well, with some good natural light from one of the windows at the side. Not enough to do everything without the flash, but enough to do some natural light at ISO 1250 f5 1/25s as well.
I only used the DX 18-70, combined with the Nikon SB600 and a Lumiquest Ultrasoft diffuser. I got the flash specially for this occasion (else I would have waited a few months, the prints will be paid and I'll sell the old one), because I was so annoyed with my old manual flash. i-TTL is a blessing. With the old one I had to continually adjust all settings to compensate for distance and a 2 1/3 stop light loss because of the diffuser. Now I just set it the way I wanted and the camera controlled the output.
Got some nice shots of the water on the head, her brother lighting the candles and filling the bowl with water, the grandmother anointing the child, the godfather and godtmother & baby. Also some great available light (slow shutter wideangles) shots of all the kids lighting the candles at the alter of Mary, the priest giving the final blessings with all the people that where there on it, children blowing out the candles at the end of the ceremony. At the end some 'official' portraits as well with available window light and ISO 1000.
I discussed it with the priest and father in advance. I had permission to go everywhere and flash everywhere. Tried to do it respectfully and afterwards they said that they hardly noticed me.
The results aren't top (composition), but pretty good. I think they will be happy with them. Unfortunately I cannot share them, because they don't want their pics on the net. Their good right.
It was hard to find the right gap when everyone stands around the kid or sits in front of it. Had little room to play with.
|
|
|
|
Current Server Time: 08/09/2025 02:20:57 PM  |
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/09/2025 02:20:57 PM EDT.
|
