Thank you for your reasoned, erudite and well articulated tolerant perspective. Others can be the judge about expressed hatred, amateurism in life, and respect for other cultures and the assumptions that need to be made.

You may not be aware, but in San Francisco, in the Bay Area, and in Silicon Valley we live and work in a very diverse community on a daily basis. We live and work as inclusive teams much of the time and respect and value the diversity of cultures that all contribute to the quality of our work and our community. I live in a multi-cultural neighbor hood, although it is predominantly Asian these days. That doesn't seem to be a problem for us.

I do understand that it isn't quite the same in Arizona, but with respect, Sir, I think that it may be you that is missing the point.

I would be concerned about a photographer taking an engagement that they weren't comfortable with, regardless of the context. How do you do good work if you are constantly dealing with a negative reaction to what you see, unless you are documenting it for some reason that you do believe in? Negative reactions tend to influence the way you make photographs in my opinion.

Would you be happy being a photographer at a wedding for a different racial or religious group? Native American? Mexican? Jewish? Southern Baptist? Mormon? Pagan? Serbian Orthodox? African American? Hindu? Muslim? Interracial or inter-cultural?

I personally think it isn't appropriate to bring your own baggage into somebody else's celebration.

In this context I think there are some important questions to consider about what the nature of relationships and marriage really mean. That's really what this debate is about.

My wife and I will be a party next month with some good friends. We'll probably both be taking pictures. They call it a 60-40-60 party.

Two gay guys that are both turning sixty and have been together as a faithful couple for forty years. It will not be a "gay" event, just a community and family event with all types of people and all ages. They just happen to be two gay guys that have demonstrated a much stronger commitment to a quality relationship than most people manage.

Personally I struggle to see what is wrong with that when I see the hypocrisy demonstrated by the self-righteousness of so many people with strongly held beliefs of some religious or other affiliation.

Something about: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" King James Bible, Matthew 7:4 ( I think)

I love that one " I live in a multi-cultural neighbor hood, although it is predominantly Asian these days. That doesn't seem to be a problem for us."

For us? Problem?

In my neighborhood it seems to be a "Heintz 57 " type environment .

I don't go to or attend funerals or weddings. I shot 1 wedding, as a favor about 30 years ago. She said my shots were better than the Hired guy. Oh, well.



My point is that "birds of a feather, etc.".
Do you get invited to or to partake in a lot of asian get togethers?

I doubt it.

Diversity is something we allow in our lives, some reject it an live a very narrow minded life.

No one should have to like or accept anyone white, black, asian or gay, christian, jewish or muslim.

Those that think you have to, are very mistaken.
It's called choice.

Some people we find in our live have certain cultural, dietary or social "traits" which we don't care for.
It's your choice.

Asia is not a place to go if you don't like fish

Europe is trying to be a melting pot, it's not working.

We here have the advantage of a 300 year of gradual assimilation.

If you look at humankind over the ages, the divisions have always existed and shall continue to.

All we can ever do is to try our best.

If you are a true professional, you do the shoot, no questions, no judgement, no hassle. Period. If you have to think about this, then you should think about how professional you really are. BTW, there was a lawsuit in New Mexico in 2013 that might provide you some guidance:

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/court-holds-that-wedding-photographer-cannot-refuse-service-to-gay-couples/

So though you think you can refuse to do the wedding citing personal convictions, you are exposing yourself to potential lawsuits. If you offer photographic services to hetero couples you must do it for others - or run the risk of expensive litigation. In fact, if I were in a locale that had problems with LGBT unions, I would probably feature in my literature and promotional materials that I shoot all sorts of couples - no questions asked - and I am certain I would do a brisk business.