Candlelight Baptism | Chicago Baptism Photographer, Naperville Photographer

I was asked to photograph little Miss Lauren’s baptism downtown Chicago at Saint James Episcopal Cathedral.  It was a full mass as well as the service before Easter from 8-10pm.  I can’t believe this little baby girl was up for almost all of it!  I had not met this family before, so as I waited in the church, I got to enjoy the friendly families coming in for both baptisms and confirmations.  The family was so sweet, and I really enjoyed chatting with them. The service was beautiful and so unique.  Seriously, it was impressive.  But I’ll get into one of the interesting parts later.

For you photographers out there, get ready to be amazed at the low light images I caught.

First, we did some family pictures out front, as it was dark within the cathedral proper. Even though we were in the better lit area, I was not using any flashes or lights, so my ISO was 3200.  And no noiseware was used to reduce grain.

 

 

 

Then it was time for the service. So do you want to hear a photographer’s worst nightmare? I already knew there would be no flash photography allowed.  I was prepared. I knew it would be night outside, so no filtered light coming in the windows.  But the best part? Over half of the ceremony was going to be in candlelight!  As in, absolutely NO LIGHT source except for candles.  Yeah….  it as actually awesome. 😉

 

These next images were at ISO 6400 with no noise reduction.  Take that low light situation!