To portray boys and girls dressed for their First Communion occupies most of my time during the spring term. Communion photography is a variety of studio photography whose treatment I have polished over time until I have reached the conclusion that what works and lasts is simplicity. We mainly use a plain colour background, without painted landscapes, where the child and his expression do not compete against other elements of the photograph. If a painted background is ever chosen, it will be discrete.
The treatment of the child is basic. My objective during the photographic session is that the child does not get bored, therefore I use different resources to keep the child interested and entertained.
Technically speaking, I tend to use classic lighting, with lighting of the hair and trimming light, using a big box as the main light to soften the image. The high key (white background) is one of my favourite techniques, and I consider photos of girls dressed in white on a white background especially elegant.
I make two different types of photos during each session. Some are posed, classic with a background; and others less traditional and fun, which you can also add to the blooper section of the album.
Nevertheless, during the 2010 campaign, I have used some resources such as textures, paintbrushes and other objects to create virtual backgrounds to complement the composition of the photograph, widening the variety of techniques that we can offer to our customers.
Also, another possibility introduced in the last campaigns is the exterior session, which can be completed with another session in the studio if the customer wishes so.