A Sacred Day: The Double Baptism of Delilah and Jose

This summer, I had the privilege of photographing a beautiful double baptism at Saint Catherine of

Siena Catholic Church in Dinuba, California. Delilah and Jose, a sweet brother and sister, were

welcomed into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism—a day filled with grace, tradition,

and joy.

As a Catholic wedding and family photographer, I don’t take lightly the privilege of documenting these

moments. Baptism is not just a milestone, but the very beginning of the Christian life, the gateway to all

the other sacraments, and a sacred moment when a child becomes a member of Christ’s Body, the

Church.

The Catholic Meaning of Baptism

The Church teaches that Baptism washes away original sin, makes us children of God, and

incorporates us into the life of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213). The water poured

over the head, the anointing with holy chrism, and the lighted baptismal candle all carry deep meaning:

cleansing, sealing with the Spirit, and carrying Christ’s light into the world.

For Delilah and Jose, it was a moment where heaven touched earth. Surrounded by family and faith,

they entered into the life of grace that will carry them throughout their lives.

The Role of Godparents

Godparents hold a special place in Catholic tradition. They aren’t chosen simply as honorary titles, but

as spiritual guides and examples of faith. The Church asks that godparents be practicing Catholics who will help nurture the child’s faith as they grow. During the baptismal rite, godparents promise to assist the parents in raising their child in the Catholic faith. For Delilah and Jose, their godparents stood lovingly at their side, a living reminder that faith is never walked alone, but within the communion of the Church.

The Beauty of Photography in Sacred Moments

Photographing baptisms is about more than just capturing smiles and family portraits—it is about

honoring the sacredness of the sacrament. From the moment the priest traces the Sign of the Cross on

the child’s forehead, to the holy water poured, to the parents and godparents gathered in prayer, every

gesture is steeped in meaning.

As a Catholic photographer, I approach these moments with reverence. I remain discreet, never

distracting from the liturgy, and always mindful that my role is to preserve the memory without

interrupting the grace unfolding. My goal is for families, years from now, to look back at these images

and feel once again the joy, beauty, and peace of that day.

My Work Ethic in the Church

Every time I step into a church, whether for a wedding, baptism, or First Communion, I remind myself:

this is holy ground. I strive to balance artistry with respect for the sacred space and the liturgy. That

means anticipating moments rather than staging them, and letting the beauty of the Church’s traditions shine through naturally.

At Delilah and Jose’s baptism, I worked quietly, catching the tender glances between parents and

children, the smiles of godparents, and the timeless ritual at the font. These photographs tell the story

not just of a family, but of a sacrament—a story that belongs to the Church and to eternity.

Closing Reflection

Baptism is more than a day; it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. For Delilah and Jose, it

was a moment filled with family love, divine grace, and joyful celebration. For me, it was an honor to

preserve those memories in photographs that will be cherished for generations.

Every baptism reminds me why I do this work: ad maiorem Dei gloriam—for the greater glory of God.