Christening photography at St Peter’s Italian Church
It was a real delight to photograph this christening at St Peter’s Italian Church on Clerkenwell Road. Stepping in to this beautiful church, it’s incredible to think of the hustle and bustle left behind outside.
I love the building, with its beautiful ceiling and milky light seeping through the windows. I love the crazy chaos of several families being christened at once, and the challenge of photographing one family without including any other family in the photographs.
As I often do, I photographed both the service as well as the start of the reception afterwards – capturing both the key moments as well as the quiet, emotional moments. I was there in good time to photograph the church and meaningful details before the family and their friends arrived – these details play an important role in storytelling, and remembering the whole of the day.
At this church, photographers aren’t allowed too close to the action so it’s essential to have the right lenses, that allow me to take close-up photographs even from far away. Equally, with other families being baptised at the same time, I need lenses with me that mean I can keep the other families out of the photographs. It’s a technical challenge, but one that I really enjoy!
Italian christenings are so lively and emotive, they’re always such a pleasure to photograph. The priest at this church is so charismatic and gentle with the babies, and there’s a great sense of occasion there every time.
After the service, I accompanied the family and friends to an Italian restaurant nearby – photographing everyone walking over and laughing together. Although no one wants to be photographed whilst eating, having some photographs of the reception venue and the social interactions there really help complete the overall story. It’s so important that the photographs from a christening bring back memories of the whole day – all the little details that have taken such careful planning and consideration.
Update: their second child’s Christening
It was such an honour to be asked to photograph another christening for this family.
The service was held at the same church, and the reception at the same restaurant.
Here are some photographs from the day:
Discreet christening photography
I offer timeless photography that will capture the beauty of your baby’s special day.
About you
- You love classic photography with a little bit of a twist
- You can’t wait to have your friends and family together
- You treasure your wedding photos, and want to create a beautiful record of your baby’s special day too
- You’ve spent hours planning this event, and want elegant photographs to document it
- You’re looking for an experienced christening photographer who will be discreet and sensitive
- You’re drawn to reportage photography but would still like some portraits in the mix
