Nikonman44

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

I've celebrated about fifteen weddings and a number of other special liturgies in eleven years as a priest. Here's my take.

I've never had a problem with a pro photographer at a wedding, my primary experience with photographers. Communication between priest and photographer is important. It should not take long and can be done at the rehearsal, if the photog is there and the priest is conducting the rehearsal, or before the wedding. My only inviolable rule is that the photographer may not step into the sanctuary or get behind me during the Mass or vows. Everything else is negotiable. Love the announcement of no photos from the parents that you mentioned. Would love to hear the same thing before a wedding. Let the pro be a pro.

Flash may be distracting to the priest during Mass. However, as every sanctuary in which I've ever celebrated Mass has been well-lit, adjusting ISO should get good results. I did a lot of non-flash photography in Ljubljana during specific liturgies last year. The church was much less well-lit than is the norm in the U.S. The ceiling was three or four stories above the floor. The windows were clear (long story involving communists) so that the natural light during the day was between good, great, and wayyyy too bright depending on the sun. I prayed for overcast. Never needed to take ISO above 1200-1600 on an Olympus E-5, even during some of the evening liturgies in the winter. Now using EM-1 Mark ii. With the superb in-body image stabilization I probably wouldn't have to go above 1000 with an f 2.8-4 unless there were a lot of movement. Even less with an f 1.4 50 mm equivalent. Never use a flash during the consecration or when the sacred elements are being elevated. Most priests are saying the prayers during that part from memory. Distraction not needed at that point.

Flash during the post-ceremony photos is no problem for me. Be sure to know the policy of the church as it may be a problem there. For example, the Wren Chapel at the College of William and Mary has strict regulations vis-a-vis photography. As it is unlikely that I will ever be celebrant at a first communion (I do not work in a parish) I'll make no comment.

For a baptism outside of Mass I will talk with the photographer to detail the parts of the ceremony and tell him or her where to stand for the best shots during chrismation and the baptism itself. Ideally no flash in part to prevent startling the baby. If the baptism is part of the Mass, same basic idea as during a wedding.

If you are contracted to photograph an ordination or some other unusual liturgy try to read through the ritual beforehand or talk to someone who can tell you what is going to happen. The man who shot our ordination did an excellent job with the extreme complexity and movement during the Mass.

Be unobtrusive, something every pro photographer I've worked with has been. When shooting in Ljubljana I wore black. Because the floor was uncarpeted concrete I put on two pair of black socks so I could go shoeless and avoid squeaking or clicking. If the church has a choir loft ask if you can go up there at some point. Great perspective.

coolhoosier Loc: Dover, NH, USA

So there you have it. I'll defer to everything said above.

Thanks