BTS: First Holy Communion
A Devoted Mom’s Very Special Request…
Back in February, I was approached by an incredibly enthusiastic mom with a very special request: Her daughter was about to receive her First Holy Communion in a few months, and she wanted to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with beautiful, faith-filled photos. She asked if I would be willing not only to photograph her daughter, but also the entire second grade class of nearly 80 students.
This request touched my heart — I had never attempted anything on this scale before. As a Catholic family photographer, my sessions are usually one-on-one with an individual or family for about an hour. But this mother’s extraordinary trust and desire for meaningful sacramental photos inspired me to step outside my comfort zone and serve the entire second-grade class. I eagerly accepted the challenge!
A Crippling Setback
Unfortunately, just as plans were starting to take shape, we hit a major roadblock: the parish informed us that photography during the Mass would not be allowed.
My heart sank. While I completely respect the sacredness of the liturgy and the importance of prayerful focus, this meant that I wouldn’t be able to capture the moment the children received the Eucharist for the first time — something that I knew many parents would cherish. I knew how much these families were looking forward to having that precious moment documented. These are moments that only happen once, and to not be able to preserve them in photos felt like a huge loss.
A Creative Solution, Powered By Teamwork!
Instead of giving up, I teamed up with that devoted mom, the amazing second-grade teachers, and a wonderful group of room moms. Together, we brainstormed a way to still provide families with meaningful images that honored the spirit of the sacrament, even without capturing the Mass itself.
The solution? I ordered a beautiful floral arch backdrop from Kate Backdrop that subtly evoked the serenity and grace of a church setting. The color palette was soft, warm, and elegant without being overly “girly,” which was important since the setup needed to suit both the girls’ white dresses and the boys’ suits.
The dreamy floral arch backdrop from Kate Backdrop. This won’t be the last time you’ll see this. It’s very versatile and appropriate for a number of different scenarios, including engagements, maternity, family, baptisms, and more!
I also invested in a softbox for my off-camera flash to ensure flattering, gentle light that brought out each child’s expression with warmth and clarity. Add in a few timeless props, such as a rosary, an icon, a Bible, and prayer books, and we created a pop-up studio that radiated reverence.
The results were absolutely beautiful. I was able to capture quiet moments of folded hands, joyful smiles, and proud families — all without disrupting the liturgy or intruding on the sacredness of the church space. Each child had a moment to step in front of the backdrop and feel celebrated.
My simple, one-light setup with the beautiful backdrop and a table of props.
Some Photos I Can Share
Due to privacy considerations and out of deep respect for the families, I won’t be sharing any identifiable photos from this particular shoot. Since the communicants are minors and I did not receive explicit permission from their parents, it would be both wrong and unethical to share their images — no matter how much I would love to, or how proud I am of the results. That said, I can share a few non-specific shots: details like the backdrop setup, the props, and some close-up crops that don’t reveal anyone’s identity. These glimpses offer a sense of the care, reverence, and beauty that went into the session, while fully honoring the privacy of the children and their families.
A New Way to Celebrate the Sacrament
This experience reminded me that there’s always a way to honor both the sacred and the practical. With a little creativity, collaboration, and a lot of heart, we were able to mark this beautiful step in these children’s faith journeys with dignity and joy.
I want to thank everyone involved for their extraordinary efforts in making this possible: the second-grade teachers, the dedicated room moms, and especially that incredible mother whose devotion and vision made it all happen.
If you're planning a First Holy Communion and facing similar restrictions, know that there’s always a respectful path forward, and I’d be honored to walk it with you!
