Christening Photography: Why should I consider hiring a professional photographer?

I have recently had the pleasure of photographing some beautiful christenings and several people have been pleasantly surprised that they are able to have high quality images similar to that from a wedding, at their child's christenings. I am surprised at the number of people who don't realise this service is available and opt to have blurry low resolution mobile phone snaps of their child's special day. I wanted explore the reasons why you should consider hiring a professional photographer, as it is something that is often overlooked when planning a christening or a naming ceremony. 

A christening happens once in a child's lifetime. More than likely, they will be too young to remember it, so having photographs they can treasure and look back on is a precious thing.

All of your family are dressed up  and the ladies often have their best hats on – having photographs of this occasion means you have some lovely family portraits in more natural setting than in a studio.

Compact & mobile phones cameras do not generally work in low light in the church, and flash photography is often prohibited, meaning your images are generally blurry. A  photographer has a professional kit, and the knowledge of making the most of the lighting conditions,  meaning they can get gorgeous images in low light.

A photographer has experience and 'the eye' of all the creative ways to take your photographs, meaning your images have an arty and stylish feel.

Having a photographer there will ensure the christening is a relaxing experience as your main focus can be on your child and your family, whilst knowing the photographer is capturing all of the special candid moments of your day.

A professional photographer usually has experience in events, weddings and christenings and quietly blend into the background of the day, ensuring they are unobtrusive in their approach.

You will not have to worry about your camera being fully charged or whether you cleared your memory card, your photographer will not only have their main kit, but a back up camera and lenses, should any equipment stop working or become damaged. 

A photographer may also offer professional album design of the images from the christening, which is a fantastic precious family keepsake, and something that will last a lifetime. 

Careful planning, effort and expense goes into a christening ceremony, and this is a once in a lifetime event for your child. Having a professional photographer means that you have a permanent record of your day for all of your family to look back on for years to come.

 "I've just had a quick look at the photographs and they're fantastic!! I've been so looking forward to seeing them and actually cried when i looked at them.... Thank you for doing such a wonderful job I love them all!! " 

Copyright Katie Byram Photography, and must not be used without permission.

If you are interested in hearing more about the packages I offer for christenings, please do get in touch via the website. 

Newcastle Christening Photographer: Peter William's Big Day!

I love to photograph christenings and this special day at the beginning of October was no exception! 

Little boy Peter, at 22 months was full of energy and excitement for his christening day. The ceremony took place at St Helens Church at Low Fell, which is a beautiful church with a stunning spire, I have recently photographed a wedding there and was looking forward to returning. 

Parents Julia & Simon welcomed their guests of close family & friends outside in the lovely autumn weather. After the short service there was time for some group photographs outside, and then everyone moved onto to the fabulous Eslington Villa, just down the road for a slap up Sunday dinner and a relaxed afternoon.

 Eslington Villa is a gorgeous little venue, tucked away in leafy grounds with some quirky features such as a colourful collection of bird boxes on the tree, hanging lanterns and even a smoking shack with various decorations. The staff were brilliant and I'd thoroughly recommend it as a venue for functions and weddings. I hope to return to photograph a wedding there sometime.

 A family member had created a beautiful cake for the occasion and the children were kept entertained with presents from the family. After lunch, I had the opportunity to take some more portraits of Peter & the guests.

It was rather challenging capturing a shot of 6 wriggly toddlers & babies in one photograph, but with the help of a bit of crazy face pulling and putting some random toys on my head to keep the children interested, I managed it. 

I am available to photograph christenings and naming ceremonies, and offer a range of packages including albums and canvases. Please contact me via my website Katie Byram Photography for more information. 

All photography copyright Katie Byram Photography 2013 and must not be used without permission. 

The Christening of Heidi-Louise

Back in November, I  had the pleasure of travelling back to my hometown of Huddersfield to photograph this lovely christening. Heidi's Mum & I were at the same school, and by co-incidence, the christening was not only at the same church that I was christened at:

a) It was the same vicar that conducted my ceremony when I was 5 months old

b) The girl who was christened at the same ceremony as mine was in attendance as a guest!

c) The lovely vicar, Phillip got out the huge christening register book and showed me the entry. 

So it was even more of a special day!

There was a real Christmas feel in the church with several trees and decorations already in place. Beautiful hymns were sung and prayers were said. 

Then the guests and family moved to the back to the font, where the baptism took place.

The family and Godparents then moved to the front of the church to say some final words and prayers, and Megan (the big sister) carried the candle. 

We then took a few family photographs, which we did inside the church as Heidi was only 2 months old and it was rather cold outside!

 We then moved to the White Hart Pub, in Denby Dale,  which is a lovely cosy village pub, for the celebrations to continue. 

How gorgeous is this cake? I believe even the little bootie shoes were edible! 

At the celebrations, I got the opportunity to take a few individual photographs of little Heidi, we sat her on a chair with a lovely knitted blanket and with lots of noises and smiling got these cute photographs of her. I love her eyes, so big and blue :-)

Congratulations to Heidi and her family for this special day, It was an honor to be part of it and capture it on camera.

If you are planning a christening, and are interested in booking a photographer to capture the special day, please drop me a line! katie@photographybykatie.co.uk

Or if you're still not sure about having a photographer there, have a read of this blog entry I posted last year:  Why you should consider hiring a photographer for your child's christening.