Capturing a Special Day: Photographing the Christening of Jude at St. Andrew’s Church, Shildon
On a bright, beautiful Sunday, the historic St. Andrew’s Church in Shildon set the scene for an utterly heartwarming occasion—the christening of little Jude, son of Scarlett Moffatt. It was a true honour to be invited along to capture such a deeply personal day for their family.
There was a wonderful warmth in the air from the very beginning. St. Andrew’s is was a pleasure to work in, with its striking architecture and quiet, peaceful atmosphere providing a timeless setting. The gentle, natural light filtering through the stained glass windows gave every moment an extra touch of magic, adding so much depth and feeling to the photographs.
From the moment Scarlett, Scott, and their family arrived, you could feel the excitement. Scarlett was absolutely radiant, bringing her signature warmth and infectious smile to the day, while Scott and little Jude looked brilliant in their outfits—a lovely family that made for some fantastic photos!
Photographing a christening is always about so much more than just taking pictures; it’s about telling the story of a family’s love, faith, and connection. Throughout the service, I focused on those tender, fleeting moments: the proud, quiet glances between Scarlett and Scott, the gentle guidance of the vicar during the baptism, and the beaming faces of loved ones who came together to celebrate.
Once the guests headed off to continue the celebrations, Scott, Scarlett, little Jude, and I stayed behind in the quiet churchyard to capture a few intimate family portraits against the stunning backdrop of St. Andrew's.
Without the hustle and bustle, the atmosphere was beautifully relaxed. Jude was such a star, and having that quiet time allowed us to capture some genuinely candid, tender moments—the easy laughter between Scarlett and Scott, and the quiet awe of just the three of them together. These serene, unhurried portraits, where the love and connection were completely front and centre, are often the ones cherished most.
Documenting Jude’s christening was a absolute privilege from start to finish. It was a joy to craft a collection of images that tell the story of such a special chapter in Scarlett and Scott’s lives—capturing memories they, and Jude, can look back on and treasure for a lifetime.
Thank you Scarlett and Scott x
