Capturing Christenings at the Greek Church of St Peter and St Paul in Bristol
There’s something deeply special about photographing a Greek Orthodox Christening — the timeless rituals, emotional moments, and joyful celebration all unfold in a setting rich with history and tradition. One of the most stunning locations for this in Bristol is the Greek Church of St Peter and St Paul.
⛪ The Church: A Stunning Backdrop
Tucked away on Lower Ashley Road, the church’s architecture is a dream for any photographer:
Warm, ambient lighting 🌞
Ornate details and religious icons 🖼️
Soft-toned walls and rich colours that create stunning contrast for white baptismal gowns
As a photographer, it's an honour to document these once-in-a-lifetime memories in such a beautiful and sacred place. 💒✨
🕊️ A Ceremony Full of Emotion and Meaning
Greek Orthodox christenings are incredibly visual events — full of symbolic rituals, expressive emotions, and candid family moments. From the anointing with holy oil to the immersion in the baptismal font, each step of the ceremony tells a powerful story through imagery. 📷
You can learn more about the service on a blog post I wrote: Nine Steps to Greek Christening
At St Peter and St Paul’s, these traditions come to life in an atmosphere of reverence, warmth, and celebration.
Every corner of this church offers an opportunity for meaningful, artistic shots — whether it’s the priest blessing the child, the quiet prayers of the Godparents, or the smiles exchanged between generations.
📷 My Approach to Christening Photography
As your photographer, I focus on:
Documentary-style storytelling — capturing the ceremony as it naturally unfolds
Candid family interactions — hugs, laughter, tears of joy
Creative portraiture — beautiful, timeless shots of your baby, Godparents, and guests
Discreet presence — respecting the sacredness of the service while getting the perfect angles
I’ll work closely with your family to understand the flow of the day, coordinate with the priest, and make sure no moment is missed.
💷 How Much Do I Charge?
My Christening Photography Package is priced at £595. This includes full coverage of the ceremony and family pictures, plus around 200 high-resolution, professionally edited digital images delivered via file transfer. 📁✨
No hidden fees — just beautiful, timeless memories captured with care. 💙
🎉 After the Ceremony
Many families choose to celebrate with a reception, either in the church hall or a nearby venue in Bristol. These relaxed gatherings are a fantastic time to capture candid group shots, detailed photos of the decor and cake, and the energy of the celebration. Whether you’d like me to pop in for just an hour, or capture the whole afternoon or evening reception - get in touch for a quote!
💌 Ready to Book Your Christening Photography?
If you’re planning a Greek Orthodox christening at St Peter and St Paul’s in Bristol, I’d love to help you preserve every special moment. Let’s create a collection of images that will last a lifetime — full of love, heritage, and joy.
📅 Now booking 2025 christenings and beyond
📍 Location: Greek Orthodox Church of St Peter & St Paul, Bristol
📞 Contact me today to check availability and pricing
Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church | Christine Constantine Photography
BECOMING A GODPARENT IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church is both an honour AND a responsibility. The Godparent (or nounos for a godfather, nouná for a godmother) plays a crucial role in the child’s religious life. Firstly the Godparent is responsible for providing the priest with the items he will use during the baptism ceremony. These include the cross, the Christening gown/Christening outfit, the olive oil/soap, baptismal sheet and towel, and the lambada (Christening candle).
Christening Gowns/Outfits
Traditionally white/cream in colour, Christening dresses and outfits are the first outfit the baby will be dressed in following their baptism. There are a variety of shops and retailers that sell such outfits and they often come with the cutest matching shoes!
Christening Candle (Lambada) and Cross
Check out my guide to London-based Greek Orthodox Christening suppliers for all your Christening needs!
What happens during the Christening?
The priests generally guide you bu there are various steps to the Christening service. These are:
Renouncing Satan and Declaring Faith – The Godparent stands at the entrance of the church with the baby and recites the Creed (Symbol of Faith) on behalf of the child.
Anointing with Oil – The Godparent rubs the baby with the scented, blessed olive oil.
Holding the Child During Baptism – The priest immerses the child three times in the baptismal font, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.
Clothing the Child in White – After the baptism, the Godparent dresses the child in white, symbolizing purity and new life.
Receiving Holy Communion – The newly baptized child receives their first Holy Communion, often assisted by the Godparent.
Following all of this the child is passed back to the parents, and traditionally the parents must give thanks and kiss the Godparent’s hand.
Moving forward from the actual baptism, the Godparents are responsible for overseeing the newly baptized child’s spiritual growth and development. This includes making sure he/she attends church, learns about the scripture and Greek Orthodoxy, and participates in sacraments such as Holy Communion on a regular basis.
3 Tips for Choosing a Photographer for your Greek Christening | Christine Constantine Photography
CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR BABY’S CHRISTENING
In the life of a Greek Orthodox Christian, the Christening is a very important milestone. It not only brings family and friends together in celebration, but it also marks the official beginning of the child’s lifelong spiritual journey.
Obviously most people don’t remember their Christening because they were too young. Photographing the event ensures these memories can be preserved, not only for the Christened child, but for future generations to come.
As a Greek Christening Photographer in London I can share some tips that will help you find the best professionals for your baby’s Baptism and some questions that are worth asking. As a Greek Cypriot myself I have lots of experience with Greek and Greek Cypriot families and baptism traditions!
ALL IMAGES BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Greek Christening Photography
Does you Photographer have Greek Orthodox Christening Experience?
Does your Christening photographer have experience with Greek Orthodox Christenings? The ceremony is fairly unique and it takes knowledge of all the crucial parts to understand the important moments that require a photo or a close-up. Not only that, but without prior knowledge they may get in the way of the priest during crucial moments of the Christening. They should also have respect not just for their clients but for the priest and other members of the church. They shouldn’t interfere with the service, but just quietly observe taking natural pictures along the way.
If you want a photographer who has never worked a Greek Christening before they should be briefed in detail about what is expected of them to photograph. For example, they may not realize that after the baby is submerged in the water and dressed in their Christening outfit, or when they have their hair cut that this part actually has significance and should be photographed. Make sure they know what is important well before the actual day so you don’t need to worry about them missing those moments when they happen!
Do I need a Videographer too?
Most people who hire both are very pleased because they not only have beautiful photographs to capture the moment but they also have a video to watch again and again. Having a video is especially nice because you can show it to your child as he/she gets older, although it can increase the cost substantially. Videographers also have several packages so make sure you discuss this with your chosen videographer before the event so you know exactly what to expect for your investment.
Another major decision you need to make is whether or not you would like to hire the videographer and photographer as a package deal. Some larger companies have teams that work together and this can save you some money. However, you may compromise a bit of quality if you choose this route. Some parents like to choose them individually as a way to control the quality.
Hiring both a videographer and photographer for your child’s Greek Christening offers a great way to preserve the occasion for the future. Since the child likely won’t remember the Christening, this is also a great way to share the moment with them as they get older.
Do I feel comfortable with my Christening Photographer?
Lastly, your photographer is present in a very special and intimate part of the Christening day and it is essential that you feel comfortable with having them around. Choose a photographer you feel at ease with! One you trust and can communicate well with. And also one who respects the nature of the day and its significance.
ALL IMAGES ABOVE ARE BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Jude's Christening Photography | St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Dulwich
St Barnabas' Church, Dulwich, is in the parish church of Dulwich, and is dedicated to Barnabas, one of the disciples of Jesus. The original church was built in 1892–95, and the parish church for the new Parish of Dulwich, is now known as the Parish of St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel, Dulwich.
St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Dulwich is a popular church for Christenings but Christening photographers take note as photography is only permitted before and after the Christening itself.
Christening Photography in St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Dulwich
As Christening photography is only permitted before and after the Christening, I waited in the wings until the baptism was over, before taking advantage of the wonderful well-lit church for some much-loved family and godparent photographs.
Jacob's Christening Photography | St Giles the Abbot Church | Farnborough Village | Bromley
Jacob’s Christening took place on a beautiful sunny morning at the popular Anglican church of St Giles the Abbot in Farnborough. Farnborough is less than 2 miles from Orpington, and within the London Borough of Bromley, as it has since the creation of Greater London in 1965. The church is popular amongst the local community and is a friendly and diverse place, offering many services.
Jacob and his parents, Godparents and friends and family were all there to witness this baby boy’s Christening and South London Christening photographer Christine Constantine mingled discreetly among them and took some natural pictures.
Inside St Giles the Abbot Church
See more Christening photography here..
Christine Constantine Photography
Christening Party at Chapter One Restaurant, Orpington
St Mary's Greek Orthodox Church Christening Photography | Camberwell | South London
St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral is one of the oldest Greek Orthodox Church in South London. It was originally built for the Catholic Church in 1876, and the original structure was much larger than it is today. Sadly much of it was destroyed in the Second World War. In 1963 it was taken over by the Greek Orthodox Church and as a Greek Orthodox Christening Photographer based in nearby Clapham, I was delighted to be asked to capture baby Tommy’s Christening there. Here are my favourite images from the day..
Christening Details
Christening photographers LOVE details and I’m no exception..
Greek Christening Photography in St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
I was also delighted to be asked to be baby number 2’s Christening Photographer too!!
