Help needed for communion photo shoot!?

ellepixels

Friends would like me to photograph their sons communion on July 4th.
This would be my first session of this kind, and not sure what to propose
for a session.
they said, they dint really want the traditional poses of the child on its
knees with hands in prayer...:scratch...

they want to know, how many pictures i would take, how much i would charge, and would like me to explore a more modern to photographing religious cermonies.
I have done sessions before, but they have mostly been children portraits, either in studio, or candids.

Would grealty appeciate help, and input....:rolleyes

ellepixels

ellepixels wrote:

Friends would like me to photograph their sons communion on July 4th.
This would be my first session of this kind, and not sure what to propose
for a session.
they said, they dint really want the traditional poses of the child on its
knees with hands in prayer......

they want to know, how many pictures i would take, how much i would charge, and would like me to explore a more modern to photographing religious cermonies.
I have done sessions before, but they have mostly been children portraits, either in studio, or candids.

Would grealty appeciate help, and input....

hmm.... no one with first communion tips, eh

Raff

ellepixels wrote:

hmm.... no one with first communion tips, eh

Hi. Not that I'm an expert at this...I'm not! However I have been in the same situation. What your clients say they want and what they will like are 2 different things. Take all the shots you think are necessary. Then just show them the best of everything you did. Chances are they will love seeing their child no matter what the "pose". When in doubt...shoot. This will be a learning experience for you, but all it really is is taking pictures, and you already know how to do that.

Shay Stephens

Ask questions

ellepixels wrote:

hmm.... no one with first communion tips, eh

Well, you could start by doing what they are looking for:

1) they said, they dint really want the traditional poses of the child on its
knees with hands in prayer...
2) would like me to explore a more modern to photographing religious cermonies.

So take those two things and extrapolate a photojournalistic approach too documenting the event instead of staging it.

This is also where the consultation is invaluable. If they are asking for something, and you don't have a firm grasp of what "that" is, ask questions. Don't leave until you can repeat back to them what they are looking for in your own words. Photographers don't have all the answers and can't read minds, so don't feel like you have to. If you don't know, ask.

Too many times, people get themselves into trouble because they don't want to look stupid by asking questions or admitting that they don't understand. And they are usually the ones who wind up with unhappy customers after the job is done.

So based on the two things they said they wanted *and* didn't want, formulate a plan, propose it to the couple, and then modify as they respond. The only real people who can guide you here are the couple, not us

ellepixels

Shay Stephens wrote:

Well, you could start by doing what they are looking for:

1) they said, they dint really want the traditional poses of the child on its
knees with hands in prayer...
2) would like me to explore a more modern to photographing religious cermonies.

So take those two things and extrapolate a photojournalistic approach too documenting the event instead of staging it.

This is also where the consultation is invaluable. If they are asking for something, and you don't have a firm grasp of what "that" is, ask questions. Don't leave until you can repeat back to them what they are looking for in your own words. Photographers don't have all the answers and can't read minds, so don't feel like you have to. If you don't know, ask.

Too many times, people get themselves into trouble because they don't want to look stupid by asking questions or admitting that they don't understand. And they are usually the ones who wind up with unhappy customers after the job is done.

So based on the two things they said they wanted *and* didn't want, formulate a plan, propose it to the couple, and then modify as they respond. The only real people who can guide you here are the couple, not us

You would be surprised Shay, how much you actually did help.
Indeed, the only people that can actually help, are the people in
questions. But you gave good and postive advice.. and you gave good and on the nose tips. thank you for taking the time to asnwer an insecure, new photographer.

StevenV

If they want pictures during the ceremony, make sure you've talked with the Priest who will be presiding, not only to ask permission but see where he may or may not want you to be but also if he might have any suggestions. They can picky but they can be creative guys too, you never know.

ellepixels

StevenV wrote:

If they want pictures during the ceremony, make sure you've talked with the Priest who will be presiding, not only to ask permission but see where he may or may not want you to be but also if he might have any suggestions. They can picky but they can be creative guys too, you never know.

wonderful tip! thank you bunchess.......

Fred Maurer

As mentioned above, be sure to check with the priests, teachers, etc. to see what is permitted and where you are allowed to stand if shooting during the ceremony. If possible, shoot RAW, and expect difficult lighting, (white dresses, stained glass windows,etc.) Watch backgrounds!

ellepixels

Fred Maurer wrote:

As mentioned above, be sure to check with the priests, teachers, etc. to see what is permitted and where you are allowed to stand if shooting during the ceremony. If possible, shoot RAW, and expect difficult lighting, (white dresses, stained glass windows,etc.) Watch backgrounds!

thanks Fred, for the picture and tips!

saurora

If you have never been to the church before and have the time, a quick visit to check out the lighting would be a good idea, and it will also give you a chance to plan some possible shots in advance. Good luck!

jdfaith

I took no photos during the Mass but here are some from my daughter's first communion a couple of weeks ago. Good luck with your assignment.

audi

I would definately pay a visit to the church and ask someone where the ceremonies would take place. Like saurora said, pay close attention to backgrounds. I would try to take a few with some type of background that would identify where it is (for instance, a cross or religious symbol in the background). Never done such a shoot, but thinking about churches I have been in, the possibilities seem endless.

Good luck !

Diane S

....Use different angles and catch close-ups of their facial expressions if possible. And close-up shots of their hands holding special communion items such as a bible or other religious items. I have only shot a baby's christening and also a pre-communion photo shoot for more formal protraits. You can check out the two galleries I have posted on my website.. just email me for the passwords.
http://dianes.smugmug.com/gallery/1377057
http://dianes.smugmug.com/gallery/1135240

Good luck.. all the above suggestions are great.
Diane

ellepixels

Diane S wrote:

....Use different angles and catch close-ups of their facial expressions if possible. And close-up shots of their hands holding special communion items such as a bible or other religious items. I have only shot a baby's christening and also a pre-communion photo shoot for more formal protraits. You can check out the two galleries I have posted on my website.. just email me for the passwords.
http://dianes.smugmug.com/gallery/1377057
http://dianes.smugmug.com/gallery/1135240

Good luck.. all the above suggestions are great.
Diane

JD...Sweet Pictures!!! Thank you for the inside tips!

Audi, ....Thank again, for the wonderful tips, and things to be concerned with!

Diane....your site is great, and your pictures are simply wonderful!
Thank you for taking the time, to answer my question...

thanks everyone, for the tips and advice.........

ellepixels

ellepixels wrote:

JD...Sweet Pictures!!! Thank you for the inside tips!

Audi, ....Thank again, for the wonderful tips, and things to be concerned with!

Diane....your site is great, and your pictures are simply wonderful!
Thank you for taking the time, to answer my question...

thanks everyone, for the tips and advice.........

So, the 4th of June came and gone, and I am very happy with the results!
I got up early in the morning and crossed my fingers, that it would not rain.So that the photos can be taken outside.
And it was a great shoot, with 3 great little boys.

This is the young man that did his communion-


2.jpg

ellepixels

ellepixels wrote:

So, the 4th of June came and gone, and I am very happy with the results!
I got up early in the morning and crossed my fingers, that it would not rain.So that the photos can be taken outside.
And it was a great shoot, with 3 great little boys.

This is the young man that did his communion-


2.jpg

the man of the hour and his 2 little bros walking-

1.jpg

Diane S

Congrats on a successful day and shoot.. I like the happy look on his face walking with his brothers... looks like a great day.

USAIR

Yes congrats and it looks like you did a good job

Fred

saurora

You did a great job! Both shots are adorable, but I especially like the shot of the brothers.

ellepixels

saurora wrote:

You did a great job! Both shots are adorable, but I especially like the shot of the brothers.

Thanks everyone for the kind words!