Kapa’s Blog

Today I arrived early at the Greek Orthodox Parish of ‘St. Catherine’ in Mascot for Williams christening. While I was outside talking to his parents John & Joanne, I was grabbing candid photo’s of them and their guests and this totally natural shot of the three of them is a great way to start this entry.

Soon the service of the Catachumen began where I managed to capture the page with the image of Mary & Jesus on the page next to where the priest was reading from.

The baptism itself, William immersed in the baptismal font.

William showing of his two tiny teeth.

With the first glance at this photo I was disappointed by the fact that the second priest got partly in the way of the photo, however, I was also pleasantly surprised by what I had captured, and yes, I admit, it was a fluke. William and his godmother were standing in the only direct sunlight that was coming into the church from the window, the way they glow and the shadow they cast on the floor gives them an angelic appearance.

Family social events is a great place for relatives and friends to catch up, and an even better opportunity to grab a photo with them. This one of Joanne and her two sisters with the afternoon sun providing a rim light over their shoulders is one that would proudly be displayed in their parents home, (at least I think so).

Today is the name day of Agios Haralambos (St Harry) and what better day to have the christening of young Harrison than on his name day.

For my first image, I couldn’t decide which of the three to choose. In all three, I liked the way Harrison was following the priests hand, so in the end, I decided to create an animated gif showing all three. A sequence of three images like this looks great in an album.

Harrison in the baptismal font, he was so relaxed and calm.

The reception was held at Aesop’s Greek Restaurant where guests were greeted by this amazing cake, made by Crumb Cake Art.

The kids were entertained by a magician that had an albino rabbit as part of the act.

Live entertainment provided by bouzouki player Tommy Tsonis.

Harrison’s parents Eleni & Kosta dishing out plates for breaking
(apologies for really bad pun).

The final image, a family portrait.

Many would have heard of Aesop, or at least be familiar with Aesop’s Fables with his inspirational stories of life and moral education. In the heart of the city of Sydney, there is fine Greek restaurant that goes by the name of Aesops.

Aesops pride themselves on two things, great food and a great atmosphere. Here are some random images taken at Harrison’s christening.

If you looking for a venue that provides plates for breaking, look no further.

Plenty of room to dance.

And the wall have some great murals painted which make a great background for portraits.

Aesops
131 Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9247 5422
http://www.aesops.com.au/

If you’re ever wondering how to liven up an event, let’s make that a Greek event, there’s no better way than to bring in a talented bouzouki player like Tommy Tsonis. I’ve seen him a number of times in my travels and he never fails to entertain and bring in some kefi (atmosphere) to an event.

Here he is with both Harrison & the godfather.

Here is what typically happens during his performance, everyone is dancing and note what’s on the floor, dozens of broken plates.

Tommy Tsonis
Ph: 0438 279 547

As an event photographer cakes don’t really do much for me. I normally take a few shots of it on its own, some when it’s getting cut, sometimes I may even get a piece. Today I was amazed by the level of detail and uniqueness of this baptism cake for Harrison’s Christening and ended up taking over a dozen frames on it’s own, definitely a first for me.

At a glance this doesn’t look like anything special, all they did was write a few words with icing. Now have a look at what’s underneath, the base is also make of icing and has been intricately detailed to give a cobblestone effect.

Closeup of the church steeple, a bell and the Icon.

The church domes, each unique.

The view from the right hand side, note the stained windows again as well as a bench to sit on.

The view from the left, a door handle, cross mess on the windows and vegetation growing from the flower box.

Crumbs Cake Art
http://www.crumbscakeart.com.au/
Ph: (02) 9679 1808

Today at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Marrickville, I was fortunate enough to photograph the christening of a gorgeous little doll called Kleopatra.

The godmother was from Mexico Melbourne, you know what I mean, south of the border. Anyway, she was lovely and one of my favourite pics of the day was this candid just before the service started.

The timing of the christening was late afternoon, right about the time she should have been napping. Moments after I took this picture she had fallen asleep.

The oil used in the service was special, all the way from Greece.

Of course, the one shot I always try to get, the baby immersed in the baptismal font.

Finish of with proof she’s a little doll, one grandma holding her, the other putting the final touches to her outfit before being returned to the godmother for the remaining of the service.