Yannis Malevitis

Category: Orthodox Life

Traditions, churches, baptisms, and the enduring beauty of Greek Orthodox life.

  • Wedding photojournalism

    Wedding photojournalism

    My favorite genre of wedding photography is wedding photojournalism with the intention to capture emotions.

    It could be defined as a style of wedding photography that focuses on capturing authentic, candid moments that tell the emotional story of a couple’s wedding day. It blends the techniques of traditional photojournalism with a deep sensitivity to the feelings, connections, and atmosphere of the event. 

    Preferred techniques

    a) Candid Photography
    Rather than staging shots, I observe and capture moments as they unfold. This allows for genuine, spontaneous reactions to be recorded. This is an image of the bride with her father walking down the aisle. For a split second they stopped, looked to each other and smiled.

    Wedding photojournalism

    b) Attention to Details
    Emotional moments are not limited to faces. Small details — like a bride’s face, a parent’s tearful gaze, or a child’s playfulness – can evoke powerful feelings.

    Wedding photojournalism
    Wedding photojournalism


    c) Use of Lighting and Composition:
    Creative use of light, shadow, and framing enhances the mood and drama of emotional moments.
    Tight framing on expressions or wide shots showing the ambiance adds layers to the story.

    d) Empathy and Observation:
    I aim to connect with the emotions of the day, intuitively sensing when and where meaningful moments might occur.

    Wedding photojournalism
    Wedding photojournalism

    The wedding ceremony took place at the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, CT.

    Why it matters

    The wedding photojournalism matters as a photographic approach because it offers a timeless appeal.
    Emotional photojournalism creates images that feel authentic and resonate deeply, making them timeless treasures.

    It also creates a personalized story. Each wedding has its unique emotional journey, and this style ensures that the couple’s story is told in a way that reflects their individuality.
    Emotional wedding photojournalism requires a keen eye, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of human emotion. The result is a collection of heartfelt, meaningful images that encapsulate the true spirit of a wedding day.

  • Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox

    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox

    Two weeks ago I photographed a baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville, NY.

    Being a parishioner of this church, Fr. Panteleimon is my spiritual father. The church has a unique architecture with the rays of sun light illuminating the faces from various positions. It is my task to see the light and capture the story from the most interesting position. I use a mix of wide shots to capture the ambiance of the church and close-ups for intimate moments. I try to position myself discreetly near the font or other focal points without intruding.

    As Greek Orthodox I am familiar with the sequence of events in a Greek Orthodox baptism. Key moments include:
    – The anointing with holy oil.
    – The immersion in the font.
    – The cutting of hair (tonsure).
    – The dressing of the child in a white garment.
    – The lighting of the baptismal candles.

    I typically carry three full frame camera bodies and use 4-5 prime lenses. The prime lenses allow two times more light to enter the camera sensor compared to typical zoom lenses. Greek Orthodox churches often have beautiful but dim lighting. I use natural light where possible to preserve the atmosphere.

    I stay unobtrusive and avoid blocking the view of the congregation or disrupting the priest. I give particular emphasis to capturing the key moments:
    a) Arrival and preparation of the family.
    b) Close-ups of the font, candles, and oil.
    c) The immersion of the baby in the font.
    d) Expressions of the family and godparents.
    e) Post-baptismal moments, such as the child dressed in white.

    It is always a pleasure photographing a Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville, NY.

    Christening photographer, Baptism photographer, Greek Orthodox photographer, Long Island photographer, NY photographer.

    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
    Baptism at the Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church
  • Photographing Camp Saint Paul

    Photographing Camp Saint Paul

    Photographing Camp Saint Paul was a great experience. Camp Saint Paul is located on the shore of beautiful Bantam Lake in Litchfield, Connecticut. The site offers the peacefulness and tranquility of nature. It is a full service facility equipped with everything from a vibrant waterfront to a warm sense of hospitality.

    I visited camp St. Paul to document the visit of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America. All campers greeted enthusiastically His Eminence.

    I used a number of prime lenses. My favorite lenses were the Zeiss Otus 100mm 1.4, the Canon 35mm 1.4 L II and the Canon 200mm f2 L IS.

    Photographing Camp Saint Paul was a great pleasure as I had the opportunity to understand the great role of the community.

    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America
    Photographing Camp Saint Paul
    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America
    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America
    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America
    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America
    Photographing Camp Saint Paul