9 keys to taking the best communion photos in 2025

If there is one thing that defines the best communion photos we have seen in recent years in photographers’ portfolios, it is the naturalness of the smiles of the protagonists. Capturing that spontaneity in nine-year-old children, who in many cases don’t know you, is key for your communion portfolio to stand out and make families who are looking for a photographer for 2025 fall in love with you.

To make this year’s communion pictures even more original and fun, in this article we are going to share with you a series of tips and recommendations that will help you to get some endearing and perfect photos for those families who are already looking for the ideal photographer.

 

 

Get ready to take the best communion photos of 2025.

 

 

How to organise a communion photo session?

 

Communion photo sessions are a unique opportunity to capture a special moment in a child’s life. However, for the result to be truly unforgettable, it is essential that there is good prior planning on the part of the photographer. From the initial contact with the family to the final delivery of the work, every detail counts and as we want to help you to organise the whole process with your clients in the best possible way, below we are going to share with you a small step-by-step guide to organise a communion photo session in a professional and effective way.

Communion photo shoots: 9 keys to get unforgettable images

 

Whether you are a family photographer considering offering communion photo shoots this season or you are a seasoned professional with years of experience in this type of session, it is essential that you plan your campaign well so that the 2025 communions and future campaigns are a real success.

Although photographing communions may seem like a simple task for a family photographer, the reality is that, despite the collaborative attitude of the children, you don’t always get those natural and emotional images that you would like to highlight in the gallery of your photography website. To differentiate yourself from other photographers, it is important that you connect with the young protagonists and offer families an attractive and versatile service.

To help you in this process, we are going to give you a series of recommendations that will help you become a communion photographer who makes memorable and captivating images for families.

1# Add a special touch to your first communion photos with an outdoor session

For many parents, studio photography is the favourite option when their children are preparing for their first communion. This is a fairly classic and safe alternative that guarantees that the images are very elegant and elegant, where you don’t have to worry about any possible accidents that may occur with the costume before the big day.

However, if you want to set yourself apart and offer families a more original experience, outdoor first communion photos are an excellent alternative. Communion photos in more natural settings, whether in the countryside, the mountains or the beach, with the golden light of the sunset, are a classic that you will always love. But, in addition to this option, you can innovate with pre-communion sessions in slightly different settings. Here are some ideas:

Urban communion photo shoot

A walk around the most emblematic corners of the city, capturing the essence of the surroundings and the child’s spontaneity can be a fantastic alternative to traditional studio photos.

A day at an amusement park

No doubt this will be a session full of fun and emotions. For greater comfort, you can take the first few photos in costume and then continue with a more casual outfit.

Double session with friends, cousins or siblings

You can organise individual mini-sessions on the same day and finish with joint photos, creating an unforgettable memory for the little ones.

Fine art style photo shoot

This is a much more artistic and elaborate approach where fantasy and creativity know no bounds, with special costumes, unique scenery and careful lighting.

First communion photography at night

In this mode you can start the session at dusk and then experiment with lights and shadows at night to achieve magical and original images.

Report with the grandparents

This will undoubtedly be a very emotional session where you will be able to highlight the special bond between generations and leave a precious memory for the whole family.

The options for communion photos are endless. The important thing is to offer a personalised and unique experience that will become an unforgettable memory for the children and their families.

2# Find the perfect location for a very special first communion session

When designing your packs for this communion season 2025, an excellent option could be to offer your clients the possibility of having the photo sessions on location, as we mentioned in the previous section. Choosing an ideal location can make all the difference in the final result and guarantee a large part of the success of the photo shoot, especially if you are looking for a more natural and spontaneous style. If you want to surprise families with unique settings, here are some ideas.

First communion photos with a sea view

If you have such a privileged setting as the sea within your reach, don’t waste it. The beaches, the dunes or even the promenade can become the perfect backdrop for a first communion photo reportage. With the sea in the background, taking advantage of the golden light of the sunset and highlighting a big spontaneous smile, you will achieve communion photographs full of magic and freshness. You don’t need anything else.

Communion photo shoots in charming inland landscapes

If you don’t live near the coast, don’t worry, there are always lovely options close to your photo studio, you just need to do a little research to discover them. Look around your community for a nearby forest and if you can locate a small stream, all the better. You can also try to locate a field of poppies, lilacs, sunflowers or even a beautiful park can provide a natural and welcoming environment for a colourful first communion session.

Organise mini-settings also in outdoor sessions

To add a unique and charming touch to your communion session, you can incorporate some decorative elements even in outdoor shoots. If you are near trees, you can hang several garlands of lights, lanterns or delicate tulle fabrics. In this simple way you will create a cosy and romantic atmosphere. You can also choose to bring a teepee, a very popular option for children’s parties, which will give a bohemian and magical air, transforming the surroundings into a fairytale setting.

Take advantage of public spaces such as botanical gardens

If your city has a botanical garden, a palace with a garden or any other natural space worth visiting, this will definitely be an excellent option to recommend to families for outdoor first communion photos. With its peaceful paths and rich variety of plants, you will be offering a unique environment, full of beauty and charm, ideal for creating unforgettable memories in an outdoor communion session.

Search for locations with abandoned buildings

If you are looking for a more original approach with a vintage feel, a disused train station or the surroundings of an old factory can be a surprising and characterful location for a photo shoot with 9 year olds.

Explore and find unique spots near your photo studio

When looking for outdoor locations for your communion sessions, the most important thing is to choose a place where the child feels relaxed so that the session flows naturally. The key to authentic and exciting photos is creativity and connection with the environment, which will make each communion image capture true and lively moments.

Check the weather forecast for the day of the photo shoot

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year for outdoor photo shoots. The days get longer, the temperature is warmer and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. However, sudden storms and weather changes can also be an unexpected surprise.

If you already have an outdoor First Communion session scheduled and rain is forecast, it is essential that you always have a plan B. One option is to suggest to the families the possibility of rescheduling the session, although this could disorganise your reportage schedule. Another alternative is to offer to take the photos in the studio or look for a closed location that allows you to be sheltered from bad weather and that can be just as interesting, for example: a sports centre, the hall of a museum, the greenhouse of the botanical garden, among other options.

3# Create pre-Christening photos in your own studio with all the care and attention to detail

 

When planning a pre-communion photo shoot in your studio, if your aim is to offer a unique and differentiated product, an excellent idea is to conduct a brief interview with the parents beforehand. This will allow you to personalise, as much as possible, their child’s photo session. This does not mean that you should make each session completely bespoke, as this could take away from your preparation time and make your communion sessions unprofitable. However, what you can do is to offer several scenarios with different tones, props, decorations and styles, so that the parents can choose 1 or 2 options (depending on the package contracted) on the day of the photo shoot.

In addition to the possibility to choose between different sets, here are some additional ideas that you can offer as extras:

• Communion photos with the family: include parents and siblings in the report, creating an unforgettable family memory.
• Pet portrait: many families love to include their pets in their photos, which adds a special and unique touch.
• Costume change: offer a change of clothes with a more casual look for the child. This small detail can increase the number of photos that families acquire when viewing the images in their private galleries.
• Mini session at home: although the photos at home will not always have the same quality of light as in the studio, you can offer this option as a complement to the main session. This mini-shoot can capture special moments such as the child’s preparation for the big day, showing details such as the outfit, accessories and the family atmosphere.

These are just a few ideas that can add value to your offer and allow families to take away even more complete and personalised souvenirs.

4# Communion photos à la carte – why not?

A much more exclusive option within the outdoor first communion photo shoot is the possibility of organising a completely personalised session. You can present it to the family as a unique gift for the child who is going to make his or her first communion.

Talk to the parents and help them surprise their child with a double gift. You can talk about their passions, hobbies or dreams and help them create a photo shoot that includes a special surprise. The idea could be to take your child horseback riding, to their favourite team’s football field, to a skate park, to a place that is meaningful to them, or even design a uniquely themed photo shoot. The images from this type of session will be spontaneous and full of joy, and we assure you that they will become the most memorable communion photos for the family.

5# Plan your first communion report in detail and ensure a flawless result

Although communion sessions are temporary, it is essential that no detail is left to improvisation. If you are doing the shoot in the studio, make sure you have everything ready before the families arrive. Carefully select sets and props, choose accessories that will appeal to the child and be prepared with the right lighting and all the necessary equipment. Also, don’t forget to bring a good dose of patience so that the session flows naturally.

If the communion reportage takes place outdoors, it is crucial that, days before the start of the 2025 campaign, you check the locations you have selected to make sure everything is to your liking. Take games, props or accessories with you to keep things fun during the session, and don’t forget to have extra material to avoid any last minute unforeseen events.

6# Organise an afternoon of games for communion children

For shy children, who may feel insecure or find it difficult to let go in front of the camera, it is essential to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. A great way to do this is to set up a series of simple games to help them gain confidence and forget about the camera, allowing their naturalness to shine through in the photos.

You can use items such as a ball, a diabolo, a balloon or even a jump rope. These objects will attract their attention and divert the focus of the camera, allowing them to feel more comfortable and spontaneous. Also, if possible, organise a little chat with the family beforehand, where you can get to know the child’s hobbies and interests. This way, you could incorporate elements related to their hobbies, such as toys, sports or activities that excite them, which will make them feel more connected to the session and will be reflected in the images in an authentic way.

Remember that the key is to make the child feel special and understood, making the atmosphere as relaxed and natural as possible. The more they enjoy the moment, the more genuine the pre-communion photos you will capture, and the easier it will be to get that sincere smile and those excited looks.

7# Adding extra services to your communion photos for 2025 is a great way to stand out

For sessions such as a communion session where the family photo is almost indispensable, you can offer a series of additional services that will be very useful for the parents. Some ideas are: hiring a professional make-up artist for the mums, allowing a special family member such as the aunt, grandparents or the child’s best friend to be invited to the session for a fee, or even organising a double communion photo shoot with the child’s best friend.

In addition, before the day of the report, it is advisable that parents can consult your communion dossier, where you should include all the products and services available for the big day. This can include communion reminders, signature books, copies and enlargements, a photo booth for the celebration, or even special packs that include several reports.

And, after the photo shoot is over, don’t forget to keep the doors open for new product sales. If you share the photos through a private gallery for clients, parents can not only select their favourite images, but also purchase additional photos beyond what they initially booked and share access to the gallery with close family members so that they can purchase their photos as well.

8# Photographic report on the great day of the first communion

A few years ago, photo shoots on the day of the first communion were the most common and almost the only option offered to families. However, nowadays, due to time constraints and the fact that many churches already have photographers on assignment, it is becoming more and more common to have communion sessions before the day of the event. Despite this trend, many families still miss the memory of that special moment when their children receive their First Communion.

Here you have several options to adapt to this demand. Church photography, like weddings, tends to be “exclusive”, with only one photographer covering the ceremony. If you do not have the opportunity to work in the church, you can offer families a range of alternative shoots on the day, for example:

• Pre-session at home: while the child is preparing for communion.
• Photo shoot at a location near the church: before or after the ceremony, with the rest of the family.
• Post communion mini session: in a location close to the banquet venue, similar to that of weddings.
• Communion photos in the restaurant: during the celebration of the meal.

Offering these alternatives will allow you to differentiate yourself from other photographers, opening new doors for your business. Take advantage of the opportunity and make your communion portfolio for 2025 stand out among the best.

9# 9-year sessions for families not celebrating communion

Nowadays, a growing percentage of families are choosing not to celebrate their children’s first communion. However, so that the little ones do not feel different from their friends and classmates who do celebrate, many parents are choosing to organise a special party for their child’s 9th birthday.

For those families who wish to commemorate this important moment in their children’s lives, you can create a special pack adapted to them. This session can be similar to a traditional pre-communion photo shoot, but with street clothes and without elements or postures that allude to the religious ceremony. It is a way of capturing the essence of pre-adolescence in a fun and authentic way, without losing the opportunity to immortalise this special moment.

Are you ready to capture the best communion photos of 2025?

Sometimes, getting great communion photos doesn’t just depend on the extra training you have or letting your creativity flow. In most cases, when you present a product where every detail is carefully thought out and planned, the results will be much more satisfying and appreciated.

At Arcadina we offer you a series of tools and business solutions for photographers that will help you in your communion campaigns and in the rest of the photo shoots you do. If you want to find out how far you can go, you can try our services for 14 days for free.

 

 

This time we want to share with you the interview of Gema Romero from Ilusiones Art Photography.

>> Gema Romero: ‘I love what Arcadina looks like’

And to say goodbye for today, we would like to ask you a question: What factors do you think are the most important and work best when it comes to creating communion images? We would love to read your ideas in the comments.

 

Arcadina goes with you

Fulfil your dreams and develop your career with us. We offer you to try our web service free for 14 days. And with no commitment of permanence.

Arcadina is much more than a website, it is business solutions for photographers.

If you have any queries, our Customer Service Team is always ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We listen to you.