Capturing a Special Day: Photographing the Christening of Jude at St. Andrew’s Church, Shildon
On a bright and joyous Sunday, the historic St. Andrew’s Church in Shildon became the setting for a heartwarming celebration—the christening of Jude, the son of beloved television personality Scarlett Moffatt. As a professional photographer, I had the distinct honour of capturing this deeply personal and meaningful event.
The day was filled with warmth, love, and a sense of tradition that permeated every moment. St. Andrew’s, with its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for such a significant occasion. The soft, natural light streaming through the church’s stained glass windows added a timeless quality to the photographs, enhancing the emotional depth of each shot.
From the moment Scarlett and her family arrived, the air was thick with excitement and anticipation. Scarlett, known for her down-to-earth charm and infectious smile, was radiant in a classic, yet modern ensemble, perfectly complementing the day’s significance. Little Jude, the star of the day and Dad Scott, were dressed in matching colours which made for picture perfect photography.
Photographing a christening involves more than just capturing images; it’s about telling the story of a family’s love and faith. As the ceremony unfolded, I focused on the tender interactions—the proud glances from Scarlett and Scott, the gentle hands of the priest as she performed the baptism and the beaming faces of family and friends who gathered to witness this special moment.
One of the most poignant scenes was when Scott held Jude close, whispering words only a father would say, as the priest anointed him with holy water. It was a moment of pure connection, one that will resonate in the photographs for years to come.
As the ceremony concluded and the family exited the church, I captured the joyous smiles and laughter that filled the churchyard. These candid moments, where the love and joy were palpable, are often the most cherished in any event photography.
The christening of Jude Moffatt was a day filled with love, tradition, and new beginnings. It was a privilege to document this milestone in the life of Scarlett Moffatt’s family, and to create a collection of images that will be treasured for generations.
For a photographer, it’s days like this that remind us of the power of our craft—to freeze time, to capture the essence of a moment, and to create a visual narrative that speaks to the heart.
