Communion Photo Shoot Tips
communion photo shoot tips
HOW TO GET READY FOR YOUR CHILD'S FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PHOTO SHOOT
FOR GIRLS:
Dress:
- order as soon as you can because it can take 8-12 weeks to arrive
- don’t forget to factor in alterations
- white or ivory
Shoes:
- ballet flats, Mary Janes, simple or embellished flats
Gloves:
- sequin accent, rhinestone or pearl cross, embroidered, satin, tulle, or lace
Stockings/Socks:
- white or ivory - ruffled, lace, embroidered socks
- white plain or with crystal cross stockings
Jewelry:
- earrings, cross necklace, or bracelet
Hair:
- schedule appointment with hair stylist ahead of time
- styles: braided hair, loose hair, pinned up on one side, twisted on sides, all up, a bun, straight, or curled at ends
Hair Accessories:
- hair trials with hair accessory
- sometimes the hairpiece can be too large and falls off during photo shoot or can be too tight and be very uncomfortable
- options: bow hair clip, crown and veil, pin, tiara, hair comb, or headband
Finger Nails:
- polished and/or cleaned
Baby Powder:
- Some say it helps prevent itchiness
Prayer Book:
- mother of pearl, pink pearlized, silver cross & chalice, or Heirloom
Rosary Beads:
- white pearl, silver. amazonite, gold, birthstone crystal, or personalized beads
Bouquet:
- a flower or bunch
FOR BOYS:
Suit:
- white or black
- linen or wool fabric
- wear light colored underwear to avoid showing through white pant
- order as soon as you can but hold off on altering because boys can do some last minute growing
- suit can take a week or so to get fitted properly
Shoes:
- white or black
- oxford, penny, or slip-on
Tie:
- white or black
- can be personalized
- matte white, satin white, white with subtle stripes, embroidered, or diagonal satin stripes
- seen zipper ties but I personally like the traditional tie
- show up with necktie already tied
Socks:
- white or black
Belt:
- white or color to match shoe
- I've had parents forget on the day of shoot so this one is a biggie
Shirt:
- ironed
- I like to photograph without the jacket during the last 5 minutes of the shoot
Hair Cut:
- schedule appointment at least a week before
Finger Nails:
- trimmed and cleaned
Rosary Beads:
- wooden (my fav), silver or blue
Prayer Book:
- mother of pearl, wooden, or silver cross & chalice
Armband:
- white, embroidered, satin, or linen
Communion Cords with Cross:
- white, silver, or gold cross
Please note that your church will provide you with recommendations for First Communion attire and by no means are you obligated to show up to the shoot with all the items recorded above. These are just some tips that will help you prepare for your photo shoot. I’ve had clients who used all of the items listed and I’ve also had clients who arrived in only their dress with loose hair. I love and welcome all styles. With that said, I do tend to lean towards the more simple style approach.