Baptism

I have a baptism coming up, my first one, and wasn't sure if anyone had any tips to share...or a must have shoots checklist. I do have one already made for weddings, just wanted to see what ideas others wanted to share.

baby baptism/dedication or regular baptism?

Regular baptism - its good to ask the minister which direction he faces and which direction they dunk. I have the habit of choosing the wrong side to photograph from, and end up getting people's backs. but then again I wasnt being paid. : )

It's a baby baptism. Good tip msfvirginia !

deirdreann wrote in post #10468505
It's a baby baptism. Good tip msfvirginia !

Well baby dedications are a bit different, but it depends on the Church and denomination how its done. The ones ive attended its mostly done on the stage area, so you will probably want to get a seat on the front row with the family to make sure you get a good spot/perspective. And by taking the pics from the front row, your probably not going to block the family that are also on the front row.

How did it go?

It's scheduled for this Sunday. I am going to meet the family and children this Thursday and also to get the signed contract.

What lens do you recommend? 70-200?

I think I generally used my 50mm F1.8 prime on my 1.6 crop factor body. But depending where you are sitting that might get you a bit to close. At the church that ive photographed such things, I was usually only a few yards from the pastor and family while I sat in the front or 2nd row.

if you have reign of the baptismal area, use a zoom. depending on the denomination, there may be a bunch of people up there. baby, both parents, priest and godparents. you will want shots of the baby being baptized and pullback shots of all of the people involved.

and have a back-up body with you. my mirror fell off of my 5D in the middle of the service as the baby was actually being baptized.

CosmoKid-i definitely will have a backup as I do not what that to happen, or anything else go wrong. so, I have my 50mm...talked to the priest and he said that if he's in the way, move him. and if he isn't smiling, tell him, and that flash doesn't bother him. Lucky for me he's flexible. So you recommended zoom....suggestions?
The baptism is Sunday and I'll definitely post pix to share.

So much depends on the priest. Sounds like you have it figured. I liked my old 70-200 2.8 when I shot a baptism.

-F

I just wanted to thank all of you for your suggestions. If you check out my blog, i posted a few pictures from the baptism.

got shots. : ) I wouldnt have thought to setup some pics like that, I would have just focused on the ceremony stuff. Good thing to keep in mind for next time.