rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

As a minister and photography enthusiast, and having had yet another difficult encounter with a wedding photographer, I have established the following set of rules in regard to wedding photography in my church. I am prepared for the inevitability that some of you who take wedding photos for a living will take exception to them. However, in the effort to ramp up civility in this area, I will take that chance.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT
____________________ CHURCH


Statement of Purpose

Church weddings, first and foremost, are worship services in which we bow before God expressing our gratitude for the love of two people who have come together in the desire for marriage. It is understandable that such sacred moments are meant to be remembered and celebrated for many years to come. Thus, the recording of this special occasion by means of photographic memories (video and still) is both allowed and embraced. However, we want to make it clear that such recordings are to be done in keeping within the framework of certain rules. These rules are governed by the original statement above, namely, that the wedding is a service of worship.

Rules for Photographers and Videographers

• No flash photography is allowed during the ceremony. Flash is allowed during the processional and recessional, but once the wedding ceremony has begun photographs can only be taken by means of available light. It is understood that, in this digital age, a number of guests may be carrying small cameras in their pockets or purses. We will do everything we can to discourage their use. We do expect the professional photographer to set the example for restraint.

• No excess movement by the photographer is allowed in order to keep distractions to a minimum. If certain desired pictures (e.g. the exchange of rings, the kiss, etc.) cannot be made during the ceremony due to these restrictions, they can be simulated after the ceremony is completed.

• No one besides the wedding party is allowed in the chancel (including the choir loft) during the ceremony.

• We request that the photographer’s camera(s) be set to quiet, if that option is allowed. Most professional cameras do provide this capability.

• If a video camera is set up in the chancel area, it must be remotely accessed.

• The balcony is available for use by the photographers. Again, no flashes are allowed during the ceremony.

It is our desire to be as reasonable as possible in asking the photographer to abide by these rules. If the photographer does not work within the framework outlined, at the discretion of the officiating minister, he or she will not be allowed to work any future weddings at _______________ Church.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Don't forget that YOU also have a DUTY to the people getting married and are paid by them to provide a SERVICE, and whilst most of this is common sense you too have to accept it is their day and THEY have paid a substancial sum for this service and those of a PHOTOGRAPHER.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

But I do not charge for my services, and the integrity of the worship is my responsibility. My duty to the couple and their family is to see that their wedding ceremony is done with dignity. If you could have seen the photographer I dealt with last week, I think you would agree with me that dignity was thrown out the window. Regardless of how much they paid her, whether it was substantial or not, they did not pay her to disrupt the service as she did.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

What annoyed me the most as a wedding pro was when I was told no flash was allowed, but nothing was said to the 200+ guests who flashed away during the whole ceremony-some with equipment almost as sophisticated as I had.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

Note that in the rules we state that we will do all we can to reduce that. Most of our wedding parties provide a printed bulletin. We ask the couple to include a statement that asks the guests not to use their flash cameras during the ceremony, and to silence their cellphones. Alas, in our digital age, it is becoming increasingly difficult to govern such things. The photographers I work with, who have come out of the film age, are generally more understanding.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

i have been to a ton of weddings....all have stated no flash during the ceremony.....this rule is really just for the pro photographer...because nothing is ever said to the hundreds of flashes going off from the congregation.

there's one local wedding photographer that figured it out...what he does is sets up reflectors around the ceremony...all the flashes from the congregation is used to lighten the ceremony. now that is using your head.

i agree there has to be rules, etc....but i never understood the no flash during ceremony....it's the couples day and they want good photos to save as their memories.

i follow the rules and respect them.

your set of rules are not out of line. you need to add one more....that the one doing the ceremony needs also to have manners and a good disposition. the last 4 weddings i attended, the ministers were just jerks. they had to show everyone that they were boss. not necessary. from what i have seen in all the weddings i have attended or was photographer....the older ministers and the younger ones were very very very nice....but all the jerks i run in to were the middle aged ones. not all of them....but quite a few.

i love and respect what you do.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

Well, I certainly hope I'm not coming across like a jerk, though I'm fully aware that my profession is not immune from some. I will say this: I'm not one who uses the same ceremony every time and just fills in the blanks with new names. I customize each service to fit the personalities of the couple involved. In other words, I work hard at what I do and want each wedding to be a memorable occasion for the people involved, if for no other reason than I usually have a close personal relationship with them as both pastor and friend.

But when i introduce myself to the photographer and ask her not to use flash during the ceremony and not to intrude herself into the proceedings, and am met with, "You've got to be kidding! How am I supposed to take pictures?" I figure we're in trouble. Then, when we are about to convey the vows and I find her prone on the chancel steps, situated between the bridesmaids and the matron of honor, I can't help but decide that she really has no true respect for what we're trying to do.

In the 40 years I've been doing this (which means I'm somewhat past middle age!), I've had very positive experiences with true professionals. It just seems to me that things are deteriorating, and I'd like to take back the farm, so to speak... if it isn't too late.

Rolenz Loc: Tripping around Oz

rhyde be true to yourself, and your guests. When guests come to my home I expect them to respect my home as I do when I visit theirs. Having been the photographer at several weddings,its about providing a record of the event. NOT grandstanding in front of all invited. Surely anyone viewing the photos will see the change in facial expressions, which should only show happiness and joy. Maybe a few tears from those overwhelmed with joy on such a special occasion. Respect, to be recieved must be given. I would like to commend you for your stand. We must be counted for our values, not our weaknesses.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Welcome to the new fauxtographers! Not that some of the more mature ones cannot be jerks, but it seems far more prevalent with the new scourge...I mean crowd.

A good wedding shooter will take whatever restrictions there are and figure out how to get great images. That is what photographers are supposed to do...solve problems.

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

I am not a wedding photographer, but over the years I have worked many weddings. If they were held in a church, or church setting, I have always tried to meet with the minister of priest before the ceremony to discuss the rules and expectations. On several occasions I was given a prepared statement much like the one described, and found it to be a great help for me in doing what I was hired to do.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

Rolenz, CaptainC, and Treehugger... thanks so much. I thought my comments (okay, complaints) would be met with a lot of criticism. Your responses have been very affirming.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I had more issues with drunk wedding guests-- than any church rules. Always respected the No-flash rule. Creative, Talented photographers don't need flash during the ceremony, to succeed

dasloaf

I love it. Ground rules that a clear and concise! No problem following any of them!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

My only addition would be something to the effect that, while the entire process is holy, there are certain portions that involve formal prayer, and that the taking of photographs, relocation of persons and/or equipment and/or any disruptive behavior during prayer is absolutely forbidden.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I started taking Wedding Photographs back in the 1950's. In all those years I never used/wanted to use flash, during the ceremony. Flash, in my opinion would kill the solemn atmosphere of the procedings. I'm glad I don't have to take weddings now,as a business living.