Some of the news of late could suggest we now frequent a World where belligerent indifference to fellow man seems par for what’s becoming a well trod course, where thoughtfulness and prose has been replaced by whatever misguided policy one has plucked from a previous five minute session on Facebook. All I can say is; “Thank the High Heavens for a sanctuary that offers retreat from this place. One that doesn’t expect you to expel your inner most feelings in less than one hundred and forty characters, one that preaches harmony, compassion, acceptance and understanding. One that doesn’t treat us all as an homogenous collective, but accepts us for all our foibles, our misgivings, and most importantly individuality. Vive la difference. For that sanctuary I refer to is, the Church. Or, is it?
Now I’m exercising necessary caution here because I, as a wedding photographer, have a business relationship with the Church. Equally I have a personal relationship. I was married in church. Both my children have been baptised by the Church. In fact, as I began to compose this article, we were preening ourselves as a family to visit our own church for a candle presentation to our eldest son Jack on the third anniversary of his baptism. Do I attend each week? No. And let me be honest about this. I’m not a regular attendee, though atop the visits I do make personally, about a quarter of the eighty weddings I will shoot each year are within a church. So I feel I can reasonably state that I understand the solemnity of this as an occasion, the choice that is made by most couples when observing the ritual and reason behind inviting a higher being to be a part of your marriage, whatever religion one practises. I certainly don’t see it as a media circus. And nor should it be.
If you shadowed me for a year of work, you would most probably note at some stage that it is reasonably feasible to explore the notion that the only person not readily welcome in the House of the Lord is, the Photographer. I gather this not from one or two brushes with clergy that have been spiky upon spying my battery grip DSLR, but from the negotiation process that involves a subservient, nay apologetic stance when entering a place of worship as a professional photographer.
Three years ago my wife was meted out the kind of indifference she did not expect from a member of the clergy. Now Sam’s not diminutive, but equally not amazon in stature. She’s certainly not a towering threat. I’d describe her accepting cheery demeanour as being similar to that that you would feel from your dearest of charges the day you first stepped tentatively into a school classroom. But this day upon arriving at a church in Somerset and asking from where we would be able to photograph the ceremony, the answer was; “Preferably outside the church.” That day the groom who witnessed this apologised on behalf of the vicar. Oh yes, the pariah of professions has entered the building. The Photographer. Bit melodramatic perhaps, but that is how it feels, sometimes.
Two sides to the story though. Let’s balance this article fairly, because certainly not all clergy are like this, it would be inaccurate to suggest that. My own profession has made somewhat of a rod for our collective backs. I do hear of photographers and videographers that climb over pews and route march around church in their size twelve chucker boots during quiet moments of the service. Stories abound of photographers that have little or no regard for the congregation when they stand tripods in the aisle obscuring view of the proceedings for some sat in pews.
I know of one ‘photographer’ that motor wound around the priest and couple as they solemnly exchanged vows. Often this is given as the sole reason for disallowing coverage. ‘Clergy’ has had a bad experience. And of course, that means we all suffer for that sin. But it does seem somewhat strange doesn’t it? I had a bad experience driving in Tenerife recently. Almost got driven off the road. Will it stop me driving abroad again? Of course not. Turbulent flights do not prevent me from flying again. Bad experiences shouldn’t stop us experiencing, they should help us educate others or be educated. It’s what goes wrong that makes it so special when things go right.
Many of the mistakes made by photographers in church I would happily wage money on are made on the whole by inexperienced shooters. Yes, many clergy accommodate photography requests with an appeal for subtlety and you may be forgiven for suggesting that if it’s only a few that don’t, then their judgement and apathy be accepted as a casualty of photographer enmity. If this were a simple past time or just a pay cheque, perhaps I would agree. For me though, the ceremony is so precious. I believe each client deserves a record of their day, not just written on paper for a file at town hall, but sensitively and skillfully presented on photographic paper for an album, if requested. Pictorial records make up our history. Some say that the memory in one’s head is far more important than what’s presented photographically. Maybe, maybe not. My most precious photographic memory of my late mother and father is their beautiful black and white wedding album. It shows their day. It will in that form, live with me, even though I did not share that day with them.
I’ll start to close with one recent experience. I was instructed that I could only stand at the back and fire off two frames. Once during the vows, and once during the ring exchange. Romance at one hundred and fifty feet. Oh, and she would be counting the clicks! Any more than two, and she would stop the service. It did rather short circuit the conversation I had been hoping to have. Like Oliver Twist meekly extending a bowl to accept any further ofference, I requested that I have double the opportunity, in case of blinks. It was somewhat reluctantly accepted. “No more than four then. And remember, I will be counting.” The congregation was reminded in opening notices that mobile phones should be turned off and that no photography was permitted since full coverage (in four clicks) was the sole duty and charge of the professional photographer. All eyes on me. I smiled. As children chattered during the service, people coughed and sneezed, and departing aircraft from the adjacent airfield rotated above our heads (I kid you not), I was left wondering just how any clicks from a camera that distance from the pulpit could truly be registered. Of course there are resolutions to this problem. I could, as practised by one of our most notable wedding photographers in this country, simply avoid talking to clergy prior to a service. Better to ask forgiveness than permission. Or I could employ the tactic of professional guest; sit left hand side fourth row back from the front to gather the processional view and reaction, armed only with something like a Fujifilm X100, silent shutter, no flash. Not that I’ve thought about this. All seems a little clandestine. Shutter release cable on an X100, locked off, wide and proud. For the moment, I prefer my honest approach, and I’ll negotiate. I’ll continue to arrive respectively suited and booted, armed with an engaging smile, my first name by introduction and the simple question; “Please Father, where may I gather the very best photographs of today’s proceedings?” I’d welcome photographer and especially clergy thoughts plus debate on this subject and for prospective clients you can at least relax knowing that I will always do my respectful best to observe your service with the compassion and fascination you view through the gallery pages of this website.
Saw the tweet on this one. Pretty new to this as you know NJ, two years in and have similar experiences. I actually DO attend church not just for my job. Two sides to the story NJ, but this may be a good place to start some debate as you suggest. I think we have a duty to the church first and foremost to make sure we educate new photographers.
I am a regular church goer, and not just with a camera. I can fully understand most vicars/priests reservations (and always abide by them). I start by explaining I am a documentary photographer and discretion is my middle name (its not, its David
). A recent example I had was a priest who told me absolutely no photography was allowed “not with those noisy cameras of yours”. During the service, a videographer was on the altar, in the face of the B&G while I sat at the back of the church and read the parish newsletter.
I think, a lot of this comes down to the experience the priests has, on a more regular basis, with people who thing they are professional photographers (you know the ones – one mid-range Canon camera, kit zoom, no backup, no insurance, no tax payments, full time job at Barclays bank) – essentially ruining it for the professionals.
There are too many monkeys eating from the gorillas table (that’s an original quote that I just made up by the way!). Sadly, this trend will only continue whilst all the magazines publish articles such as “how to shoot a wedding in 10 easy steps” and the bridal magazines explain in their really helpful budgeting articles “try to save money by getting a monkey to take your photographs”
[steps off soap box and goes home]
Wonderful photos in this article Neale. Just wonderful. How can any vicar or priest begrudge a married couple the opportunity to have these moments captured so beautifully.
Kevin
Speaking as one of the ‘monkeys’ you talk about Kevin, there equally seems to be no course that teaches us newbees how to act. Maybe the pros would like to share these secrets?
Paul, almost any pro photographer which you follow, or admire will likely offer tuition if you ask. I mean, workshops are embarrassingly common these days. You cant spend 10 minutes looking at wedding photography online without encountering course, workshops, seminars, tuition etc. etc. Join the MPA or BIPP and there are course galore aimed at foundation principles of wedding photography.
Yes, when I was doing weddings I experienced a variety of responses from clergy. It’s clear that some have had bad experiences with photographers in the past and it has coloured their view of the whole profession. It’s up to the good photographers to prove them wrong.
You could start another whole thread about the attitudes of some registrars…
Hi Neale, I’m so glad that you have brought this up. As you know my Dad did a few weddings in his time, and this was one of his main gripes, as you can imagine, back then Vicars were even less tolerant of photographers than they are now. He would often work on a relationship with the very old school Vicars to build up an understanding of his work, so that they could make sure that a certain level of respect was in place while he could get ‘the shot’ as it were, making sure that they ultimately still had an element of control over the proceedings, I’m sure it’s a little different now. I think the point Darren raised regarding educating new photographers is a very valid one, I was a guest at a wedding recently and saw countless guests taking shots, flashes going off everywhere and I did feel a little uneasy, the vicar was however quite open to this which surprised me.
Definitely need more debate and discussion between the Church and Photographers / Videographers to enhance this relationship and make everything run as smoothly as it can
Great piece Neale. The ‘four clicks’ wedding must have been a toughie! I love shooting in churches and generally find the Rev. to be fairly accomodating once introduction and faithful promise to be on best behaviour have been made. I’ve only been barred once, years ago, at a venue which allowed no photography whatsoever in their private chapel with the exception of a single shot of the couple on the way back from the altar. Like you said, some people will let a ‘bad’ experience put them off for life and others will shrug shoulders and keep experiencing. I think, as far as clergy are concerned, I have mostly met the latter.
@ Paul – Seriously if you are shooting a wedding with substandard gear, no insurance and no tax responsibilities for your extra income then you need to take a long hard look at yourself I’m afraid.
That’s what I mean by “monkeys”. Not people who are actually doing the right thing, but also have a full time job – that is perfectly fine and absolutely normal in most cases and I have no gripe with those people at all. I hope (and probably assume) that you fall in this category instead.
I’ve had to read this several times because I’ve gotten distracted by the stunning photographs.
I totally agree with you. As long as it’s cleared by the clergy and the photographer is respectful, go to town.
I love photographic records – because they tell us so very much, and often not what the pictured, or even the photographer, means to tell us. Recently, I went to the ordination of a friend I knew had doubts. The pictures he put up didn’t tell the simple story of an ordinand he thought they did: they told the story of a man putting himself in prison. The angst on his face in every picture was heartbreaking. Pictures don’t lie.
And because they don’t lie, we need them – both as a record of our lives and as a record of what is real.
Go forth, Neale, and continue showing us the truth – of love and life, in the beautiful and unique way that you do. Thank you.
Astute observations Neale – couldn’t agree more. Ultimately and unfortunately perhaps the vicar is the boss in this situation and what they say goes. I always explain to the Bride & Groom well before the wedding that I will speak to the vicar, registrar etc about the photography and see what they will allow me to do (with an attempt at negotiation like you…) but ultimately what they say goes. As long as the B&G know I have tried my best I am in the clear:) It’s a shame the couple don’t get a say as I expect most would want some, discrete but intimate coverage and more than many vicars allow. I recently had a Wiltshire registrar tell me the rules were strict but he was happy to bend them provided I stood in one place (next to him) and didn’t move about. Fine. However, during the service his colleague handling the marriage certificate began tugging on my second camera and telling me to stop taking pictures. What do you do? make a scene and tell her her colleague has sanctioned photos or stop and miss the action? No point in shouting at them afterwards as you are likely to bump into them in a few weeks time at another venue. Having said all of this I have had some great experiences with vicars and registrars alike so it is a tricky one to have a definitive view on.
Interesting topic.
Tom
I found this really informative (plus the images are beautiful!) At the end of the day, we are in the 21st century, what the bride says goes in a world where attention to detail prevails, it is our duty as wedding photographers to get every image that the bride requests, I always speak to the clergy weeks prior to the wedding, I show them the bride’s request and we find a way to document that is pleasing for everyone. There will ALWAYS be that one vicar who poses a problem, the one guest who makes your job AMAZINGLY difficult, and always one bride that is hard to please no matter WHAT. At the end of the day we, as photographers, are there to create memories for the bride, groom and wedding party, we are paid to provide a service. We just need to be as humble as possible and do everything in our power to get THAT shot. Ultimately, there is no ‘course’ that will tell you how to behave at any wedding let alone one in a church, this comes from experience. Common sense and respect for both parties also comes in to play.
Hi Neale – absolutely stunning images… as always
At least the guest found this amusing! But what is frustrating… which Tom has mentioned is that I even spoke to this lady before and she said nothing about “clicking too much”… yet she stops the service to tell me off as it were!
Really great that you have started up this discussion… as I always hear horrid stories. However (touch wood) this is still yet to happen to me as bad as your 4 click story! I have had only one exception.. this was not even in a church which makes the story even more ironic.. but the registrar lady actually stopped the service (which was in a hotel room) and said “stop taking photographs!!”…. apparently my face was priceless as most of the guests came up to me after and commented how “out of order” the lady was but at the same time laughed at me as the face I pulled was total astonishment! ha
However I think to make a point is that you just have to be totally respectful and always go up and ask the priest where is best to stand – as yes he is the boss here… and just use your noggin!! Don’t go traipsing around and clicking around the clock… Some will let you do as you wish.. and some not.. I think we just have to accept that! Yes you can still get the most beautiful images when being totally discreet and calm!
My feelings have been so well articulated in Neale’s scribe.
To not have at least some historical record of the most important part of the day is something of a tragedy in the years to follow. For ministers its usually, use of flash, un-necessary movements and constant clicking that that are the main triggers. If the camera positions are known and any planned movements (a suitable time if necessary may be during a hymn), an agreement to not use flash and selected photographs at one or two key stages (rings exchange etc) then my view as a photographer is that I have not been “pre-judged” before the event. There is often a sign in many churches saying “All Welcome” yet you know in many cases this is not true. We have worked hard to build up a good relationship with many ministers of different denominations and want that to continue. We do not want that respect and trust to be undone overnight because of the photographer that paid no respect to what the minister is equally trying to do with the marriage ceremony. Put it another way, because one photographer did not play by the common sense rules and was intrusive, why should everyone else in the class be in detention! There are some great ministers who totally understand the needs of different suppliers. Unfortunately, my view is that some also abuse the privilege of their position and enjoy the power of saying “no” because they can instead of sitting and talking about things in advance and building good relationships for all. Some also hide behind their church officer’s petticoats and allow them to pass on the instructions and do not even give eye contact or a “polite hello” to the photographer. It will always be an interesting debate, and I’ve too heard horror stories of photographers that think they are beyond themselves and intrude far beyond the line of acceptability. Though sometimes its not christianity but churchianity with excuses such as “its always been a tradition”…throughout history there have been many traditions that have been eliminated for the better.
There needs to be a code or “memorandum of understanding” developed that gives guidelines for the greater understanding of all parties, i.e. a photographer and minister could both be signed up to such a scheme. It may not be perfect initially but would be a start to build on.
This is a bit of a long one…
Very interesting article Neale and a subject I have run into many times. I have spent quite a long time thinking over this problem and ways to get around/break through the prejudices the Clergy hold against photographers.
Some months ago I took a notepad and pen out to the garden and sat for a while, trying to put myself into the shoes of the men and women who try and do their jobs in the face of ‘interference’ from photographers. Two of the key points that fell out were:
1) There doesn’t seem to be a problem with visibility – videographers frequently set up station within a few feet of the Bride and Groom at the Alter
2) There doesn’t seem to be an inherent issue with photography as an art form. In fact, in my experience most of the Clergy (certainly the older males) are keen photographers themselves
If these two points hold (and in my experience they do), then what is it about photographers themselves that causes an issue? Running with this train of thought I surmised that what the real issue is is one of distraction i.e. noise and movement. The defining factors of the photographer are the need to move to compose the shot and the sound caused by the camera. You even mention taking the chance of hiding in the aisle with a silent Fuji X100, therefore avoiding sight and hearing and allowing you to get the shot so there must be something in this idea.
Knowing these fairly obvious points doesn’t help much I admit, but approaching each ‘confrontation’ with the Clergy from a position of knowledge can be beneficial. For instance, I no longer ask ‘what the rules on photography’ are. Instead I ask: ‘Do you have any concerns about the use of a camera?’ or ‘Shall I stand behind this area so that I cannot be seen?’.
One can debate the subtleties of language but each encounter is essentially a battle of wills, an impromptue negotiation and the subtlety of the language you use and the implications it has can have profound effects. Let me give you an example. Last Saturday I shot a wedding in a Church a few miles from Stonehenge, right in the heart of Wiltshire (and we all know that for whatever reason, Wiltshire is bad for anti-photography sentiment). Upon entering the Church I quickly identified the Vicar and made a beeline for him. Here’s how the conversation went:
Vicar: “Are your the professional photographer?”
Me: Hello, I’m josh (*extends hand for handshake)
*Shakes hand.
Vicar: Are you the professional photographer?
Me: Yes, that’s right, nice to meet you.
Vicar: I hate cameras and I don’t want any photography during the service.
Me: OK. Can you tell me a bit about your concerns over the use of the camera?
Vicar: They distract me.
Me: I’ve found that quite a lot actually, do you find the noise distracting?
Vicar: Yes. Actually the noise puts me off, I can’t think or remember my words when I keep hearing the damm clicking.
Me: Not a problem at all, I shoot a lot of weddings and find this problem quite a lot. Normally what I do is take some of the wide shots during things like hymns or the readings and put the camera down during the vows or your sermon, that way you won’t hear the click when talking. Would that help you?
Vicar: That sounds fine I suppose. But I don’t want loads of clicks, you lot sound like machine guns most of the time.
Me: Brilliant. Don’t worry about that at all, I only take one shot at a time and time it so you hardly hear it. The other thing I’d like to do is get a shot of the ring exchange and the kiss, nothing posed and I stay back but just a couple of shots of the event naturally happening.
Me: You don’t pose them?
Me: Not at all! I never interfere, I’m a Documentary style photographer so I don’t ever step in. So, normally on the ring exchange you know it get’s stuck quite a lot…
Vicar: Yes…
Me: You know they normally laugh…
Vicar: Sometimes yes…
Me: Normally I grab a shot then so it gets hidden in the laughter.
Vicar: That’s a good idea. What about the kiss though, do you want me to get them to kiss and hold it so you can grab the shot.
Me: That would be great, they don’t need to pose but if you invite them to do the first kiss then I’ll grab a shot if you’re ok with that?
Vicar: Sure, that sounds fine.
Me: Now, if I stand behind this pillar (*points to pillar at front of church) so I can’t be seen would you be ok with that?
Vicar: Yes, as long as you stay there and don’t move around to much.
Me: That’s fine, I might have to move during a hymn so that I’m not heard but I’ll be discreet.
Vicar: (*laughs) As long as I don’t hear or see you I don’t care.
Me: Fantastic, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me.
Vicar: No problem, now you better get back to taking some photos…
END
One can choose to believe me or not but that is the conversation, pretty much word for word. From an initial position of no photography to actually helping me with what I wanted to achieve. This is no isolated case either. Over the last few months I have forgotten how many times I have started a conversation with a vicar or registrar with them saying ‘no photography’ and finishing with 90% of what I wanted – even the Wiltshire registrars!!
There will always be compromises to be made but the key thing is to identify (faster than a fast thing on fast day) is what their specific concerns are and tell them what you are going to do about it. The rest is psychology. The Vicar is in their comfort zone, they are the lords of the manor, they are holding all the keys, they are guarding all the doors. You are LITERALLY walking into their house and you MUST work out and work within their etiquette. That’s hard, really really hard to do but it works.
Registrars are trickier but again the believe they are the one in a position of power and you must enter a negotiation with them from a position of humility and reverence. Asking ‘Where is the best place to photograph the ceremony from?’ is more often than not perceived as presumptuous and arrogant (even though it’s not meant that way) and will most likely lead to an arbitrary crack down on you for not being humble and wording your questions in such a way to be invited to photograph.
I know, it’s petty, but imagine a stranger came to visit you at your house and simply said ‘Where’s you fridge, I’m starving”. How would you feel as the house owner? Pretty annoyed I’d imagine and I bet you wouldn’t give them any food! I wonder how you would feel if they had said “I’m so sorry to ask this but I missed breakfast this morning and I wonder if you have a couple of biscuits I could eat as I’m feeling a bit faint”. I bet £100 you’d cook/make them some proper food. It’s not what you ask, it’s how you ask it…
There will always be circumstances when banging you head against a wall would be more productive, but even in the most extreme cases (like the example in your last paragraph) there a exists the possibility of negotiation, you even managed to increase your shot allowance by 100%!! Success!
Thanks for such an interesting, balanced and though provoking article. And sorry for my massive comment!
Thanks Josh for the thoughts there – much appreciated, I do indeed hope this comes across as balanced, though I’m bound to ‘lean’ slightly here and there. I hope this helps in some small way the negotiation process as I can see it provokes much consideration. Neale
What a great article. I’ve encounted a few vicars in my time who have been nothing other than rude to me as soon as they see my camera. I shoot very unobtrusively during the ceremony, although there have been times where a vicar will initially say “no photography” and I manage to sweet talk them into allowing me to shoot. However, when I shoot, I choose my place and I *don’t move*. I *never* use flash during the ceremony, even if it is allowed. I shoot at key moments only and during the hymns when the shutter can’t be heard.
I had an interesting conversation with last week’s registrar. She summoned me to her room and gave me a long list of things I *couldn’t* do. “you may only photograph the exchange of rings”. In actual fact, I did shoot more than that – I am paid to do a job and do that job I will. I *know* how unobtrusive I am, and I knew I wasn’t going to cause any problems. For my clients the ceremony is the most important part of the day and they want coverage of that.
I could not agree more with Kevin Mullins. It is the inexperienced photographers who are causing the difficulties.
I haven’t had time to read everyone’s comments but I have read your blog Neale. I have a little man running around most days so have to grab five minutes here and there to get some work done but I did want to write my little bit on here…
I often feel frustrated by having to go embark on my photographer to vicar negotiations which usually follow something like, ‘I am the kind of photographer who doesn’t like to be notice and am very respectful of church services having grown up going to church and still often go with my little boy so I understand the importance of being respectful and subtle…so if I could just hide down here on the floor by the font….I won’t be using any flash and you won’t even know that I’ve taken what I’ve taken….’ I do think that there are photographers who have maybe given us a ‘bad name’. Having been to a wedding as a guest and seen an example of this where at one point the photographer actually ran up the aisle shouting ‘WHERE IS MY BAG?! WHO HAS MOVED MY BAG?!’ So you can understand why the clergy are a little protective of what should be a beautiful, solemn and respected occasion. I guess we just keep on doing what we do in a way that doesn’t interfere and hope that one day we will be respected and understood for what we are trying to achieve. It’s all about a partnership I guess and it’s up to us to build that where we can. I do also make a point of attending the rehearsal so that I am able to introduce myself before the day – I do think this makes a difference. By doing this I did once change the mind of a vicar who up until then had been very much set in her ways about mainly what the photographer wasn’t allowed to do.
Well said Neale, and it seem you have echoed the feelings of many out there. I think you put it most succinctly once when you said all are welcome in the house of the Lord except the photographer.
It makes me laugh inside at times when I come across the particular control freak variant who looks at me like I’m just another weekend wedding warrior, little do they know I’ve worked on the front line as a combat photographer and have letters of thanks from at least one Prime Minister.
I have been toying with the idea of putting together a smart looking brochure to give to all the Priests and Registrars I meet as a way of introduction and to gently remind them that there really are some true professionals out there who know how to behave and like them deserve equal respect.
As a dyed in the wool realist and fervent atheist, I take comfort in the knowledge that what I deal in is tangible reality and not fairy tales… As Henri Cartier-Bresson once said “oh for the eternity of a 1/125th of a second…”
Love peace and great exposures.
Giles (very much missing my Leica’s – all stolen last week – very unhappy teddy bear?
After twenty years as a BBC producer (radio and then television) I was ordained and have served as a Church of England priest fr twenty years. I’ve probably taken upwards of two hundred weddings and I can honestly say I’ve never had a serious problem with a professional photographer. Members of the congregation flashing and clicking away during solemn moments, yes, but the professionals, no. I believe that the pictures are a valuable and valid part of the whole event, to be got out at anniversaries and family gatherings (or when a marriage hits a bad patch!) and seen as reminders of the ‘vows and promises’ they sincerely made on the far-off day.
The clue is to have a five minute chat – vicar and photographer – before the wedding just to establish what is proposed and how it will impact on the service. Video can be a problem – I’ve produced programmes for the BBC with fewer cameras and less fuss than some modern would-be de Milles! But even they can be encouraged to negotiate – and a good video is also a valuable reminder of a very special day. Vicars and cameramen (and women) of the world unite!
Just saw this flagged on Twitter, so adding my halfpenny worth. Having sung with a choir in a number of Anglican churches, I’ve seen another side to some photographers. Whereas most I can understand are doing their job best they can, there are a few who believe it to be their own day. One even flew into what I can only describe as a rage when refused the chance to stand where he specifically wanted. What photographers should be mindful of is that they are guests too. Sometimes I feel they forget that distinction.
Thanks for all your opinions as this thread grows. I’m encouraged to see some interaction from the Church now, that’s really important for balance.
I think that this is a great conversation to have. I find it very helpful when photographers introduce themselves and their assistants before the wedding, or turn up to the rehearsal or ring me up, so that we can talk about the best ways to make this a great wedding together. I, personally, am happy for photographers to take the shots that the couples have asked for throughout the service or just a few, as some couples can find their wedding rather daunting and a camera can make this even more scary however well hidden! I am sorry that some clergy have been unwelcoming to photographers, we all have feet of clay, but the Church of England now has a new marriage project and in it they are encouraging clergy to understand their vital role as welcoming gatekeepers for all those attending a wedding. (We even have a stand at National wedding fairs so if you are attending one come and chat to us!) All your comments are really useful and as clergy we should reflect on them and it is useful for us to have feedback. Keep the good work up, we are all working for the same purpose to make it a wonderful day with great memories.
Just read your article in professional photographer magazine and wanted to say thank you for raising this important issue. We are constantly amazed by the number of clergy who are so incredibly rude and obstructive when we are photographing weddings. In fact, one of the main reasons I started going along to weddings as a second shooter with Gary was because we both felt that he needed someone with him to “watch his back” – it seems like if it’s not the vicar or other church officials being rude and obstructive, it’s the MC or wedding coordinator at the reception venue! They seem to forget we’re guests of the bride and groom and that as our clients we are contractually obliged to stick to the detailed plans we’ve discussed and agreed with them. Of course, like anything in life, there is wide variation and many clergy are lovely – seems to us like the C of E are the worst, what do you think?
Kind regards,
Lucy Roebuck.
Thanks for the comments Lucy. An interesting last point. My church is CofE, and I’m rather saddened to say that this is the church that proves the least welcoming – at times. I’m keen to stress ‘at times’ as of course it’s not always like that. The majority of clergy are wonderful. The Catholic Church seems to me, well, only by experience so far, the most welcoming of all.
There are several things that can help photography on the day:
- Talk to the clergy!
Yes, talk to them on the day, but why not email in advance as well?
One of my brides for this summer volunteered to contact her vicar, as she knew they were strict, but I asked if she would mind if I did instead. She has already fed back to me that the vicar was very impressed I thought to get in touch and I have now put in place the groundwork for the conversation before the ceremony.
- Don’t photograph during the prayers!
I know most photographers here wouldn’t dream of it, but as regular churchgoer and a wedding photographer I know how much the prayers mean to those involved.
- Sing during the hymns!
What, you say, but I’m photographing! Yes, that’s right, but you don’t need to take photos all the time and if a vicar catches you singing along I have found they appreciate you more, as you are taking part in the service.
- Give good advice!
I often get asked by photographers starting out for tips on shooting a wedding. Instead of complaining about vicars and telling new wedding photographers to be wary, why not encourage them to engage in dialogue, to communicate, get involved and to help earn us a better reputation.
At EVERY church ceremony you shoot you should have two aims. 1) To create unique images for your clients. 2) To make it easier for the next photographer who walks in through the doors.
If we all do that, then I hope we won’t be talking about this issue in 5 years.
David, you are SO right on many levels here. The prayers one in particular is so true. There are times to lower the camera, lower your head, and even if you are not a believer, take time for your own quiet thoughts – we all have them! Another one actually occurs… clothes. Be respectful. I am surprised by the amount of videographers who wear inappropriately shabby clothes in church. I’m sure there are as many photographers, it’s just that for obvious reasons I don’t bump into them on a wedding day. Thanks David for your input.
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Some very thought provoking words and comments in this article, really enjoyed reading it, thanks for taking the time to write it
Its a tough one…I’m a big believer in trying to record the day as it happens, and that includes the Church service.
Some Priests/Vicars ARE control freaks, and should remember that they are only caretakers of the Church, they don’t own it. A wedding is meant to be a celebration, not a solemn one, they even say this in the service (well, most do), so what’s wrong in recording this. But I also believe in respect, so you shouldn’t take over the area you’re in, and that means (for me) staying at the back of the Church, long zoom, high ISO and take only one or two at a time, no “machine gunning”.
Modern DSLR’s are quite quiet now, so no one should hear the shutter.
The Bride and Groom deserve a record of the Church service. And I’m sure God wouldn’t mind this.
I always feel I’ve done half a job if I cant take any of the service. What’s the point of me being there if I cant record the event as it happens.
I always ask “The House Rules” from the Vicar/Priest when I first turn up. Always shaking their hands, always be polite. Its just sometime they forget this in return. I’ve had some real humdingers of control freaks in my time, and which have spoilt the day by not letting any records being taken in the church (including video), so I now put this in my paperwork for my clients, so’s not to have any disappointments through lack of portraits.