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Iowa · Baptisms, Christenings & First Communions

Baptism Photographer in Des Moines, IA

Our own crews, not a marketplace: baptism, christening or First Communion photography and video in Des Moines, retouched photos in about a week and the same price for every family.

MacroSnaps in Des Moines

Baptisms, Christenings & First Communions in Des Moines: photography & video

Baptisms, christenings and First Communions are quiet, meaningful ceremonies, often with godparents and extended family gathered in church. MacroSnaps photographers and videographers cover the ceremony with care, along with family portraits and the gathering or brunch afterward, so you have a full record of a day that happens only once. We also photograph the small things families tend to keep, such as the gown, the candle and the certificate.

Des Moines is a major city in Iowa, home to roughly 210,000 people. Whether your baptism, christening or First Communion is at Des Moines Art Center, Salisbury House & Gardens or a family home, your MacroSnaps crew arrives early to check light, angles and any venue rules.

Churches set their own rules for photography, and many limit movement, flash or positions during the sacrament. We confirm the rules with your parish or priest in advance and work discreetly, usually from the side aisles or the back. If photography isn't allowed during the ceremony itself, we arrange portraits at the font or altar immediately afterward, which many families find gives better results anyway.

For a typical baptism, christening or First Communion, clients in Des Moines book about 2 hours of photography ($350) and 2 hours of videography ($500). Photography is $250 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour; videography is $300 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour, with a 2-hour minimum. The first-hour price includes travel, so Des Moines costs the same as anywhere else we work, and there are no quotes to wait for.

What we capture

Key moments we photograph and film in Des Moines

01

Arrival at church

The family arriving, the child in their christening gown or First Communion dress or suit, and godparents gathering.

02

The baptism

The pouring of water or immersion, the anointing with chrism, the lighting of the baptismal candle and the white garment, within the church's guidelines.

03

First Communion

The procession of communicants, receiving the Eucharist where permitted, and the group photo of the class with the priest.

04

Godparents and family

Portraits with parents, godparents and grandparents at the font or altar after the ceremony.

05

Portraits of the child

Close-up portraits with the candle, rosary, Bible or other keepsakes.

06

Details

The gown, the candle, the cross and the church itself, photographed before or after the service.

07

Celebration afterward

The brunch, lunch or party at home or at a restaurant, with the cake and family toasts.

Pricing

Baptisms, Christenings & First Communions photography & video prices in Des Moines

One published hourly rate for everyone, with a 2-hour minimum. No quotes, no negotiating: choose your hours and book online.

Photography

$250 first hour

+ $100 each additional hour

Typical baptisms, christenings & first communions coverage: 2 hours = $350

Every photo edited and retouched, online gallery in about a week.

Book Photography

Videography

$300 first hour

+ $200 each additional hour

Typical baptisms, christenings & first communions coverage: 2 hours = $500

Highlight video set to music you choose, delivered in 2 to 4 weeks.

Book Videography

Typical for the ceremony and family portraits; add 1-2 hours for the reception.

Minimum 2 hours · $250 first hour + $100 each additional hour

2 Hour Photography

$350

  • 1 photographer
  • 2 hours of coverage
  • All pictures edited and retouched
  • Online gallery of high-resolution pictures
  • Raw pictures delivered on request
  • Turnaround time: 1 week
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3 Hour Photography

$450

  • 1 photographer
  • 3 hours of coverage
  • All pictures edited and retouched
  • Online gallery of high-resolution pictures
  • Raw pictures delivered on request
  • Turnaround time: 1 week
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4 Hour Photography

$550

  • 1 photographer
  • 4 hours of coverage
  • All pictures edited and retouched
  • Online gallery of high-resolution pictures
  • Raw pictures delivered on request
  • Turnaround time: 1 week
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5 Hour Photography

$650

  • 1 photographer
  • 5 hours of coverage
  • All pictures edited and retouched
  • Online gallery of high-resolution pictures
  • Raw pictures delivered on request
  • Turnaround time: 1 week
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6 Hour Photography

$750

  • 1 photographer
  • 6 hours of coverage
  • All pictures edited and retouched
  • Online gallery of high-resolution pictures
  • Raw pictures delivered on request
  • Turnaround time: 1 week
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7 Hour Photography

$850

  • 1 photographer
  • 7 hours of coverage
  • All pictures edited and retouched
  • Online gallery of high-resolution pictures
  • Raw pictures delivered on request
  • Turnaround time: 1 week
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Local to Des Moines

Baptisms, Christenings & First Communions around Des Moines

Guests flying in for the baptism, christening or First Communion usually arrive through Des Moines International Airport (DSM). If your celebration runs over several days, each event can be booked separately with its own hours.

Des Moines venues we cover

  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Salisbury House & Gardens
  • Terrace Hill
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
  • Iowa Events Center

Neighborhoods & areas

  • East Village
  • Court Avenue District
  • Sherman Hill
  • Beaverdale
  • Drake neighborhood
  • West Des Moines

Also serving nearby

  • West Des Moines (6 mi)
  • Urbandale (6 mi)
  • Clive (6 mi)
  • Johnston (7 mi)
  • Altoona (8 mi)
  • Ankeny (9 mi)

Around Des Moines

Best photo & video spots in Des Moines

Planning portraits, a first look or extra B-roll away from the venue? These are some of the most photographed places in and around Des Moines.

  1. 01

    John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

  2. 02

    Iowa State Capitol

  3. 03

    Gray's Lake Park

  4. 04

    Principal Riverwalk

  5. 05

    Water Works Park

To add a portrait or filming stop, book the extra hours and note the location for your crew. Some parks and landmarks require a permit or have set hours, so check before the day. Book online

Our work

Lifeworks Rehab Event Highlights
God's Remnant Assembly Event Highlights
Jersey Jazz City Festival, Hudson County
Parents playing with their baby at home
Children celebrating at a birthday party
Baby in a traditional outfit lying in a decorated cradle
Tiny newborn feet cradled in a parent's hands
Wide-eyed newborn lying on a soft white blanket
Newborn baby wrapped in a basket
Newborn portrait
Laughing family group with children in a garden after the ceremony

Planning tips

Planning your coverage in Des Moines

Confirm the church's photography rules

Ask your parish office whether photography and video are allowed during the sacrament and where photographers can stand. Some churches allow photography only for private baptisms.

Book 2 to 3 hours

The 2-hour minimum usually covers the ceremony and family portraits. Add an hour or two if you'd like the reception covered as well.

Plan portraits after the ceremony

Ask the priest whether you can stay for 15 to 20 minutes after the service for photos at the font or altar. Churches are often dim, so this time allows us to work carefully.

Consider video for the sacrament

Video records the prayers and blessings with sound. For First Communion Masses with many children, a second photographer or videographer can cover your child while the other covers the full ceremony.

Professional photography doesn't have to be expensive

Why Des Moines clients choose MacroSnaps

01

13+ years, 750+ conferences, 2,200+ weddings

MacroSnaps and our parent company MacroHype have been photographing and filming for more than 13 years: over 750 corporate events and conferences and more than 2,200 weddings and private events. Des Moines gets the same experienced crews and standards we bring to every city we work in.

02

Prices published, not negotiated

Many vendors price by how much they think you can pay. We publish every rate: photography is $250 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour, videography is $300 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour, with a 2-hour minimum. Everyone pays the same price.

03

Insured by State Farm

We carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million general aggregate liability coverage. If your venue needs a certificate of insurance, we send it before your event.

04

Our own network, not a marketplace

We are one company with our own photographers and videographers across all 50 states, Washington, DC, Ontario and Quebec, so the quality, editing and delivery standards stay the same wherever you book.

05

Book and pay online in minutes

Choose your service and hours, pick your date and pay securely. Your slot is reserved the moment you book, and your crew is confirmed by email.

06

Every image edited

All photos are edited and retouched and delivered in a private online gallery in about a week. Highlight videos are delivered in 2 to 4 weeks with music of your choice.

Simple booking

How booking a Baptism Photographer in Des Moines works

  1. 1

    Choose your package

    Pick the service and number of hours. Every price is published, so there are no quotes to wait for.

  2. 2

    Book & pay online

    Enter your date, start time and venue, then pay securely by card. Your slot is reserved the moment you book.

  3. 3

    Your crew is confirmed

    We assign a MacroSnaps photographer or videographer for your city and confirm the details by email.

  4. 4

    Receive your gallery

    Every photo is edited and retouched, then delivered in a private online gallery in high resolution.

FAQ

Baptisms, Christenings & First Communions in Des Moines: common questions

Do you have a Baptism Photographer near Des Moines?

Yes. MacroSnaps has its own photographers and videographers working across Iowa, and we assign a crew for your baptism, christening or First Communion in Des Moines as soon as you book. We also cover nearby West Des Moines, Urbandale and Clive. You deal with one company, with 13+ years of experience behind it, from booking to delivery.

How much does a Baptism Photographer cost in Des Moines?

The same as everywhere we work: photography is $250 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour, so 2 hours is $350. Videography is $300 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour, so 2 hours is $500. The minimum is 2 hours and the first-hour price includes travel to Des Moines.

Can you photograph inside the church during the baptism?

Where the church allows it. We confirm the rules with your parish in advance and work quietly without flash. If photography isn't permitted, we plan portraits immediately afterward.

Do you photograph Orthodox and other Christian ceremonies?

Yes. We cover Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant baptisms, christenings and First Communions, and we ask you about the specific order and customs of your church.

How much does baptism photography cost?

Photography is $250 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour, so the 2-hour minimum is $350. Videography is $300 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour.

Can relatives abroad watch the ceremony?

Yes, where the church permits it. We offer live streaming so family who can't travel can watch the ceremony as it happens.

When will we receive the photos?

Every photo is edited and retouched, and your online gallery of high-resolution images is usually ready in about one week.

Baptisms, Christenings & First Communions near Des Moines

Services in Des Moines

Other events we cover in Des Moines

Book your Baptism Photographer in Des Moines

Same published price for every client. Choose your hours, pick your date and pay securely online.

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