A christening without staged photos (or stressed parents)
Kids being kids, grandparents crying quietly and a baby with strong opinions about the font water. Plus tips for a newborn session.
In Romania we don't say 'congratulations on the christening', we say 'may they live long!'. And that's how I see christening photos too: warm, simple, no frills.
I know what goes through your head before a christening, because almost every parent tells me. What if the baby cries the whole time? What if the church is too dark? What if we don't get to spend time with our guests because we're busy with photos? Short answer: it's fine. Babies cry at christenings, it's almost part of the tradition, and those tears look beautiful in photos.
Churches are often dark, and a flash in a baby's eyes is not a good idea. Over the years I've learned to work with the light that's there, from the windows and the candles. It comes out warmer, more intimate and much closer to how it really felt.
Kids are kids in a church. They run, get bored, stare at the candles. I don't stop them and I don't arrange them. The genuine, unpolished moments are the ones that stay.
And you, the parents, have just one job: be there. You don't have to look around for me, signal me or organise group shots. I stay with you all day, from getting ready at home to the cake, and I know when to come closer and when to disappear. The best spot is one step from the godparents and parents, where you can see the looks, not just the ceremony.
Many parents also ask me about newborn sessions in the first weeks of life. If you're thinking about one, here's what my smallest clients have taught me:
Book it in the first two or three weeks, when the baby sleeps a lot and deeply. Warm the room well, because little ones are often unclothed and need to stay cosy. Feed the baby right before we start, a full baby is a sleepy baby.
For yourselves, pick simple clothes in neutral colours, without big logos. And don't rush: a newborn session moves at the baby's pace, with breaks for feeding, changing and soothing. Their safety always comes first, before any photo.
If you want modern, natural christening or newborn photos, write to me. I work in Brașov and wherever the family calls me.