Communion Photography

ksphoto

I've just been booked there to do two communions, I've done several weddings to date but as of yet haven't strayed into the world of communions. What should i expect? Obviously its different from a wedding but how does the day pan out and what are the shots people are after most?

Any links or anything would be a great help.

Thanks.

PCPhoto

im sorry ..... but you took on a couple of jobs without knowing how to do them.... how long have you been working as a wedding photographer ?

Do you have any nephews/nieces ? or other neighbours you could ask what happens for a communion.

My recollection of communion is that you get a pic with the bishop/priest outside the church, you should check with the churches if they allow photographs inside (if they do ...find out if flash is allowed) - the pivitol shot would be the child receiving communion for the first time ....eyes closed, tongue out - ideally with priest clearly visible as well as child visible.....we have a similar shot at home with my dad having his tongue out to the pope (the last guy)

best of luck with it.

In an ideal world you'd get a lovely shot of the child getting communion, as per PCs post above, but in reality it's likely you'll be told to stay out of the church.

Communions are essentially just portrait sessions. If you want to do it in the church, bring a lightstand and umbrella. Do a bit of portraiture with the child and family on the grounds of the church and then, about half an hour later when most people have left, head inside the church for a shot or two (don't go straight in, as everyone will be taking photos then, and your photos will be ruined by too many people in the background wandering around.


That's my overview, anyway (that's based on a church that's fairly close to me though, I'm sure all churches have their own rules and such).

ksphoto

Well, I have been working as a wedding photographer for the last year and half/2 years and been doing photography for longer. While not in the same league as some photography veterans I'm a proficient and professional photographer and have only ever gotten good reviews from my clients and anyone else who i have photographed. I took two jobs doing communions because like a lot of people at the moment i am trying to make money to live on as well as expand upon my expertise. While not having first hand experience doing communions I feel i am more then capable of shooting one with some research and planning. The people who hired me certainly didn't seem to have a problem.

Thank you both for your advice, it is greatly appreciated and i will continue to research it and plan accordingly.

LeoB

As stated above there are a few shots you will need to get. I made out a little list and told parents what what I wanted and they were happy enough.
The child with the priest bishop
Child on their own
Child with sponsor
Child with teacher
Child with some classmates. Some have a class photo taken on the alter so a little word with the teacher before hand and then a few family shots.

I think if you have your list made out before the day and discuss your plans with parents. Some schools invite families back to school for tea after ceremoney and some have an area set aside for photographs.

Best of luck

ksphoto

Thanks Leo, having discussed it with the parents they've said they are only looking for shots before and after the ceremony, which seems to fit nicely with your list there.
So portraits and group shots im guessing! Thanks again.

ksphoto

Iv been asked to do two communion over the next few weeks, the parents requested i just shoot before and after the ceremony, am i right in thinking this will mostly be portraits and group shots? Any particular shot i should be on the look out for? Also, bit embarrassing, but its been awhile, how long do communions usually go on for?

kensutz

ksphoto wrote: »

Iv been asked to do two communion over the next few weeks, the parents requested i just shoot before and after the ceremony, am i right in thinking this will mostly be portraits and group shots? Any particular shot i should be on the look out for? Also, bit embarrassing, but its been awhile, how long do communions usually go on for?

You already have your answers here

4-age

LeoB wrote: »

As stated above there are a few shots you will need to get. I made out a little list and told parents what what I wanted and they were happy enough.
The child with the priest bishop
Child on their own
Child with sponsor
Child with teacher
Child with some classmates. Some have a class photo taken on the alter so a little word with the teacher before hand and then a few family shots.

I think if you have your list made out before the day and discuss your plans with parents. Some schools invite families back to school for tea after ceremoney and some have an area set aside for photographs.

Best of luck

Good luck getting a picture with the Bishop. Bishops usually only attend confirmation ceremonies.
Also a sponsor is only for Confirmation.
You may also want to get a photo of the Boy/girl walking down the aisle with his/her partner. This usually looks like a mini wedding and is quite a cute shot.