Wedding Photographers (Page 5): It would no doubt be a pleasure to photograph a wedding at which either of you were officiating. As a wedding photographer, you both have my support.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

skidooman wrote:

rhyde wrote:

Chapjohn, glad to hear from a fellow colleague.

It would no doubt be a pleasure to photograph a wedding at which either of you were officiating. As a wedding photographer, you both have my support. :thumbup:

Thanks, Skidooman! That was nice of you to say.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

skidooman wrote:

quote=todd gieg I'd like to point out the differe... (show quote)

wow...beautiful photo!!!

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

jimberton wrote:

quote=skidooman quote=todd gieg I'd like to poin... (show quote)

Nice of you to say. I'm editing theirs this weekend, hopefully be done by Sunday.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

skidooman wrote:

quote=jimberton quote=skidooman quote=todd gieg... (show quote)

good luck with the editing!!!

i see you are in minnestota.....my wife and I love minnesota. we go to Duluth quite often. about every 6 weeks we drive to minneapolis for lunch. we also go to the medina entertainment center quite often for entertainment. beautiful state!!!!

national camera in minneapolis (one on France ave) have taken a ton of my dollars. I love dealing with those guys!!!

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

skidooman wrote:

rhyde wrote:

Chapjohn, glad to hear from a fellow colleague.

It would no doubt be a pleasure to photograph a wedding at which either of you were officiating. As a wedding photographer, you both have my support. :thumbup:

Thank you.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

jimberton wrote:

quote=skidooman quote=jimberton quote=skidooman... (show quote)

Love it here too. Duluth is great. When I get that far I usually keep going north all the way to Grand Portage. Lot's to see and photograph along the way. Medina does have some great entertainment now and then, for sure. The cities are great too, but I'm kind of a country/woodsy guy.

I used to have family in the U P, but not for some time now.

National has a few of my $$$ as well :)

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

rhyde wrote:

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 photographers 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.

As a minister and photography enthusiast, and havi... (show quote)

I have been shooting weddings since about 1960. I have never had any problem honouring what the priest/minister/pasteur requested as limitations, and have always attended the rehearsal and asked about the ground rules.

Having said that I have often NOT agreed with the conditions. As a "man of the cloth" the ceremony to YOU may very well be:
"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."
To the couple . . . my guess would be that 90% of the time it is a place to share their joy with friends and family, and the Lord is there to bless them all. In their minds the photography is a very important part of it all, or they would not be willing to spend $3000. to $10,000 for the photography service and product. That 90% if asked, would probably not think in any way that the Lord would be upset with flash photography. The Lord is everywhere . . . is it only in "your" house that there is a problem with life going on as usual?

I believe the decision should be left up to the bride and groom. I shot two wedding at one church . . . one which it was OK to use flash . . the second one was requested BY THE BRIDE AND GROOM that there be no flash. Both requests were granted with no problem on my part OR the pasteur's part, and, as a born again christian, I personally believe no problem for the Lord.

With more and more marriages using "civil officiates" and less and less weddings happening in church, I would think that the Lord would be more than happy to get more couples connecting the church with marriage. Even with flash photography . . . "the Lord works in mysterious ways"

Just my three cents worth . . .

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

As I pastor I agree with rhyde. The ceremony is first and foremost a worship service. There is a notice in our service bulletins that people should refrain from using flashes during the service.

What many wedding photographers forget is that they are the guest in "my" house. There was the Bozo, early on in my ministry, who barged through the wedding party (and me) to get into the chancel to "do his job". He climbed on the communion rail to take photographs of the exchange of the rings. There was another Bozo (in the days of film) who stood in front of the church and used his motor drive to advance his film. Another Bozo came forward during the service, climbed over the communion rail and moved all over the chancel area, sticking his lens in close, to get his pictures.

I am more than happy to wait around after the wedding service to restage any and all of the photos the B&G want.

Truly professional photogs seek me out before the services starts and ask about restrictions. I know I will have problems whenever the picture taker runs away whenever he/she sees me coming near them.

Pepsiman Loc: New York City

.rhyde: Thank you for your post and GOD BLESS YOU...

dfchief7

Who are you kidding? Of course you get paid in gratuity form, call it whatever you like. It sounds to me like you are on a power trip. Remember like a former person stated on this web site, it is their day, not YOURS. I am sure if the head of your church organization came to your church, we would witness all types of FLASH going off.
I have done wedding photos for over 40 years and have met wonderful officiates over the years but then I have met people like yourself. Get a life and be kind and remember other people are out there trying to scratch out a living. Don't make it any more difficult. How about signing a contract that states you will be the NICE minister like you are supposed to be and also get PAID to be.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

dfchief7 wrote:

Who are you kidding? Of course you get paid in gr... (show quote)

If you're referring to me, you couldn't possibly be more wrong. This is most definitely not a power trip on my part. My associate's husband is a professional photographer who often documents special events in our services. He knows how to do it discreetly, some times with fill flash, but in the right moments. Thank you very much, but I do have a quite wonderful life.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

photoman022 wrote:

As I pastor I agree with rhyde. The ceremony is f... (show quote)

"My house" . . ???? Even Jesus called it "my fathers house"! When did you take over the lease????

CaptJimmy Loc: VA

AMEN! CaptC

CaptainC wrote:

quote=rhyde Well, I certainly hope I'm not coming... (show quote)

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Your house, your rules.
I have shot very few weddings, but I always make sure to have a discussion with whoever officiates the ceremony to see if the rules conflict or mesh with the expectations of the B&G. I try to get my customer(s) to work it out with the minister to iron out any differences.
No problems to date.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

rhyde wrote:

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 photographers 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.

As a minister and photography enthusiast, and havi... (show quote)

I for one have no proublem with your rules. You are in charge of what goes on in the church. I photographed weddings for 39 years and never worked in a church that I didn't see the pastor, preist or Rabie before the service to learn his rules for the service. I was always welcome back in their house of worship. When I was working for a very large studio Before I went in busness for myself We booked five weddings every sat. I got to do a wedding in a very large church. The other photographers said better you then me. That minister wont even let a photographer inside his service. Well the church was only about five miles from were I lived so I went to see him during the week. The building attached to the church was four stories high and his office was on the fourth floor. His recptionast ask if I had an appoitment. I didn't. I was about to leave when he came out and ask what I wanted. He took me in his office and explained to me all the bad times he had with photographers. But he was pleased that I would take the time to come and see him. So he agreed to let me come into the church. After the service that sat he told me that I was welcome to come to work in his church any time. So after that any weddings that we booked in that church I got to do. And the brides found out that I was the only photographer aloud in the church we got every wedding in that church. It pays to be nice to the man in charge. The same with the reception halls and bakers. I would give them 8X10s of their setups and cakes, All these would send me more work.