Photographic perspective of a Greek Orthodox Christening

As a Greek Orthodox, I fully understand the importance of the baptism for a person’s life. For this reason, my photographic perspective of a Greek Orthodox Christening is characterized by great respect and unobtrusive coverage. I would like to give a few photo examples which illustrate my work and approach.

Before the ceremony

I arrive at the church 30-45 minutes before the start of the baptism. If I have not photographed an event at the church in the past, I allocate some time in understanding the direction of natural light. I also make the final selection of prime lenses that I will use during the event. Apart from my main lenses, a 50mm 1.2, a 100mm 1.4 and a 200mm f/2, I sometimes need to use a 20mm 1.4 or a 16mm 1.8 to show the architectural beauty of the church. I have extensive experience as an architectural church photographer. You may view my portfolio by clicking this link: Yannis architectural portfolio

At this particular Christening ceremony I decided to use three camera bodies with a 20mm 1.8, a 50mm 1.2, a 100mm 1.4 and a 200mm f/2 lens. As the family and the guests are waiting for the beginning of the ceremony, I walk around them aiming to capture authentic moments. I try to show their feelings and isolate the subject through the use of wide aperture or the direction of natural light. Having a 200mm f/2 lens is highly convenient as it allows me to capture emotions from a distance even in the dark environment of the Narthex of the church.

The renunciation and the acceptance

The first part of a Greek Orthodox Christening is the renunciation and the acceptance. The person being baptized will be with the Godparent (Nouno or Nouna in Greek) as he/she stands in the Narthex of the church. The prayer is followed by three Exorcisms and yet another prayer, the prayer of acceptance, at the end of which the Priest asks God to drive out and banish from the person to be baptized, any and every evil and impure spirit. The Godparent, will then be asked to face west and renounce Satan and all his works. Then the Godparent, will face east again and affirmatively answer the Priest who will ask him/her (three times) if he/she has pledged his allegiance to Christ. After doing so, the Godparent will recite the Creed, the Symbol of Faith (‘To Pistevo’ in Greek).

I walk around the Narthex of the church in order to capture reactions and gestures from the most flattering or interesting perspective. I consider myself a storyteller with images and the story includes other moments, such as the reaction of the mother, the grandmother capturing video, the Presvytera and aunt of the baby cherishing the moment from a distance. I photograph all these moments using only available light.

My photographic perspective of a Greek Orthodox Christening aims to differentiate my work and create works of art.