The baptisms at Saint Jude Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Miami are something else. Between the gold iconostasis, the stained glass, and moody lighting, it's one of my favorite churches to photograph as a Miami baptism photographer. Here's a look at how I shot my most recent baptism, from the christening gown to the baptismal ceremony.

Baby in a white lace christening gown sits on a church pew as women in white help with the baptism ceremony.
Family gathers in a church during a baptism ceremony as a man in a plaid suit holds a baby in a white gown beside two women in white.
Baby in a white heirloom christening gown with lace trim and embroidery, wearing a matching bonnet while an adult adjusts it.
A young woman in a white dress holds a baby in a white bonnet and gown during a church baptism ceremony as family members gather around.
Man in a plaid blazer gestures near church pews as women and children in white baptism gowns sit together in a sunlit chapel.
Baby in a white lace christening gown and bonnet is held by an adult with red nails and a ring during a church baptism ceremony.
Two smiling women seated in a church pew hold a baby in a white christening gown while other guests sit in the pews behind them.
Smiling family members laugh together in a church pew while a young boy looks on and a baby in a white cap is held in the foreground.

I always Start with the DEtails


This little one wore a lacy christening gown with white embroidery and satin ribbons, plus a matching lace bonnet and a gold religious medal. I always photograph the details first and the family getting ready; these tend to be the moments when the family acts their most natural before the ceremony begins.

Smiling couple in white holds their baby in a christening gown inside an Orthodox church with ornate icons and wooden pews.
A smiling woman in white holds a baby in a lace christening gown and bonnet during a baptism inside a church with arched windows.
Family of four adults and a baby in white christening outfits pose inside an Orthodox church with icons and wooden pews.
Smiling mother and father in white garments hold their baby in a christening gown during a baptism inside a church with wooden pews.
Smiling couple stands in an ornate church aisle holding a baby in a white christening gown, with golden icons behind them.
Smiling man in a white shirt holds a baby in a white lace christening gown and bonnet inside a church with wooden pews.
Parents kiss their baby dressed in a white christening gown inside an ornate church with wooden pews and religious icons on the walls.
Smiling parents hold a baby in a white christening gown and bonnet inside a church with colorful stained glass windows behind them.
Smiling parents hold their baby in a white christening gown inside a church with colorful stained glass windows behind them.
Couple in white dress and green blazer hold a baby in christening gown inside a stone church with stained glass windows and wooden pews.

Parent and Godparent Photos



I always grab the large family baptism photos at the end of the service. But I prefer to get more intimate photos with the parents and godparents before the ceremony (if time allows).

Congregation members in white attire sit in pews holding hymnals, lit by sunlight from stained glass windows in a stone church.
Congregation members in white clothing stand in prayer inside a church with stained glass windows and religious paintings on the walls.
A priest in white vestments speaks from a wooden lectern to a seated congregation inside a church beneath a religious painting.
Worshippers in white and light clothing stand in church pews beneath three tall stained glass windows during a service.
Woman in a church pew holds up a smartphone to film a ceremony, its screen showing a couple at the altar.
A priest in white vestments blesses a baby in a white christening gown held by a man in a suit during a baptism in a stone church.
Priest in white vestments reads from a prayer book beside a baptismal font as a baby in a white christening gown and bonnet looks on.

The In-Between Moments


After the mass begins and before the baptism, not much happens. That doesn't mean I'm not shooting. I take this time to give my clients unexpected photos. These are the shots that often have my clients saying, "Whoa."

A smiling woman in white holds a baby over a stone baptismal font while a priest pours water and relatives watch in a church.
Baby in a white christening gown has a tiny hand held by an adult during a baptism ceremony while smiling family members look on.
Family members gather in a stone church around a baptism font as a man holds a lit candle beside a woman cradling a baby in white.
Priest in white vestments blesses a baby in a white christening gown held by a man in a gray suit during a baptism in a stone church.
A baby in a white christening gown rests peacefully in a parent's arms as a priest in vestments performs a baptism blessing.
Smiling family in white gowns gathers around a stone baptismal font as a baby is baptized in a church with religious paintings.
Smiling woman holds a baby in a white christening gown during a baptism ceremony as a bearded priest reads from a book inside a church.
Smiling family and friends gather around a baptismal font as a mother in white holds her baby during a church christening ceremony.
Smiling man in a white shirt holds a lit baptismal candle during a church baptism ceremony as a woman holds a baby in a white gown.
A mother in white holds her baby over the baptismal font as a priest's hand and a wooden cross rest beside an open prayer book.
A smiling priest in white vestments holds a cross and reads a prayer while a mother holds her baby during a church baptism ceremony.

The Baptism


This one's obvious! It's what everyone's there for; and it's an incredibly important moment for the family. I always make sure to get the baby and a documentary-style photo of everyone huddled around the marble font. Oh, and I'll take photos of the lighting of the candle afterwards, too.

Large family in white clothing gathers for a group photo inside an ornate church with icons, arches, and golden decor after a baptism.
A smiling man in a plaid blazer holds a baby in white while two women look on during a baptism in an ornate church with religious icons.
Family in white attire poses with a priest in vestments and a baby in a christening gown during a baptism ceremony inside a church.
Family of five adults and a baby in white and light outfits pose together inside an Orthodox church with golden icons behind them.

Family Portraits


I take the final 10-15 minutes to take photos of everyone. If that means arranging 30+ adults, kids, and babies, then it means I'm taking my time to make sure everyone comes out. Depending on the family's requests, I may even mix in a combination of regular poses and ones with a little more movement and fun.

 

Book A Miami Baptism Photographer


Planning a baptism at Saint Jude Melkite Greek Catholic Church or anywhere in Miami? I'd love to help. Get in touch to book your baptism photography.

 

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