Hiring a professional photographer for a christening - What to expect?
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing baby Rían’s christening, and I believe my experience could help parents or guardians considering hiring a photographer for such a special event in their child’s life. Let’s break down the whole experience into three key moments: finding and hiring a photographer, the day of the ceremony, and the delivery of the images.
There are multiple ways to find photographers online. Google searches and social media groups are probably some of the most common methods. For example, Shauna, Rían’s mum, posted a request on a Facebook group for wedding photographers, and that’s how we met. Whatever approach you use, I recommend asking for the photographer’s portfolio to see examples of their work before making any decisions. Furthermore, I suggest talking to them to ensure they are not only professional but also friendly and relaxed. Family celebrations can be very stressful, and the last thing you need is a photographer making things even more tense!
I also recommend asking if the photographer is insured to make sure both you and they are covered in case any accidents happen during the shoot.
Once you are ready to hire, make sure you both sign an agreement outlining your responsibilities. A signed agreement protects both parties in case of any issues or disagreements. Do not hire a photographer who takes payment without signing an agreement first.
Many photographers, myself included, will ask you to pay a deposit to secure your booking. This is common practice and protects the photographer if you cancel the christening and they are unable to book another job.
A few days before the ceremony, I recommend having a quick chat with your photographer to review the day together, align expectations, and discuss all the key pictures that are a must-have. For example, a portrait with grandma!
What would be a good timetable for the day? I suggest allocating 30 minutes before the ceremony for family portraits. A Christening is a great opportunity to take photographs with your child while looking your best at a beautiful venue. If you do this before the ceremony, you won’t have to worry about entertaining your extended family during the event, allowing the experience to remain intimate and special.
Personally, I arrive even earlier to introduce myself to the priest, inquire about any photography rules, and take a few images of the venue.
During the ceremony, you want a photographer who knows how to navigate capturing all the key moments without blocking everyone’s view. I recommend you discuss your expectations in advance and, of course, the rules of the venue that may affect the photographer’s work. For example, many churches don’t allow the use of flash during the ceremony. The time after the ceremony is great for group portraits with family and friends. If you have a big family, I recommend making a list of all the different portraits and combinations of people you want to have.
When signing the agreement, you should be informed about delivery times, which vary greatly from one photographer to another. You should also discuss how many images you will receive. Some photographers provide a specific number (for example, 100 pictures), while others offer a range (for example, between 100 and 200). Personally, I don’t like to give a specific number; instead, I deliver all the images that I believe you will like. For Rían’s christening, for example, I delivered 214 pictures. I like to use Pic-Time to send your images. It’s a password-protected gallery that allows you to download all your images, share them with family, and even buy prints of your favorite photos.
This is the basic process behind hiring a photographer, and it’s fairly straightforward. What I think matters most is that it is definitely the right decision. Your images will become memories that last a lifetime. Furthermore, you can focus on experiencing the day and enjoying time with your family and friends, rather than seeing it through the camera on your phone.
