5 small things that make a big difference in your baptism photos
Over the last 5 years of photographing christenings across Melbourne, we’ve noticed the little things that keep everything calm and help your photos look their best. These simple tips take almost no effort, but they make a big difference in how smooth the day feels and how happy your child looks in the photos.
We’re Shadowfax Photography, and we specialise in Greek Orthodox, Macedonian Orthodox, Lebanese Christenings and Catholic baptisms across Melbourne. Our goal is to make your child’s special day feel stress-free and captured beautifully, so you can treasure the memories for a lifetime.
Natural smiles with help from family
Eva’s Christening captured by Shadowfax Photography
Big days like this can feel a lot for little ones. New faces, loud noises, and a lot happening around them can easily lead to tears. If your baby is crying - don’t stress, it happens at almost every christening.
One way to help them settle is to keep the relative they feel safest with close by. We’ve found it’s often a grandparent. That familiar face can calm them - even make them laugh and gives us the best chance of bringing out the natural smiles for photos. A gentle game of peekaboo or waving their favourite toy near the camera can make a big difference!
2. Capture the getting ready at home
Ellie’s Getting-ready captured by Shadowfax Photography
This is honestly one of our favourite parts of the day to capture! Baby is in their own space, they feel safe, and you get far more chances of those happy, smiley moments before they get tired.
It’s also the best opportunity to get beautiful portraits of them in their christening outfit, and family portraits too before the rush of the day arrives. At home, everything is calmer, and the photos always show it. Our tip - it only happens once, so don’t skip on the getting ready!
3. The highchair trick
Eva’s set-up captured by Shadowfax Photography
A highchair works so well because it lets us capture sweet solo photos of your baby with their cake and set-up. It keeps them in one spot, helps them feel secure, and makes it easier to get clear, happy shots without them crawling or running off. It’s such a simple trick, but it always gives lovely photos.
4. Arrive early to the church
Vincent's Baptism captured by Shadowfax Photography
Getting to the church fifteen minutes early gives your child time to settle into the space. They warm up and you breathe before guests arrive and the noise picks up.
Arriving early also gives us time to photograph the christening box and all the special items you’ve chosen for the day. The cross, candles, oil set, towel, outfit, and little touches from godparents. Even before the priest starts, these items get moved around, so capturing them early keeps everything neat and beautifully remembered.
5. A little space goes a long way
Damiano’s Christening captured by Shadowfax Photography
During the ceremony, especially when your child is getting changed, the front of the church can fill up fast. Everyone wants to help, but when too many people gather, it becomes hard to get clear photos. Keep your helping crowd small, so in those key moments it’s easy for your photographer to capture the expressions you’ll want to remember, without anyone blocking the view.
Bonus tip - Have a Content Creator
Having a content creator on the day is a game changer! Here’s why:
You get to relive the day through videos, especially the moments that went by too fast.
Clips are airdropped to your phone at the end of the day, so you have content to share straight away.
You get simple, natural video coverage without needing a full videographer.
A warm record of the day that feels real and personal.
If you’re planning your child’s baptism, we hope these simple tips help the day run with less stress and more smiles!
At Shadowfax, we specialise in christenings and baptism photography - from getting ready at home to the ceremony and cake cutting we have you covered. We’re a team of 2, so you also get all the benefits of having a content creator! Our goal is to capture the day truthfully and timelessly.
If you’d like us to photograph your child’s day, you can send us an enquiry through our contact page. We’d love to be part of your day.
