[sabbixsweraco]

This is probably more for the priests and other clergy here, but what guidelines/rules are in place for photography for weddings and baptisms in your parish? I'm thinking more for the pro photographers or a really good amateur with a good camera, than someone taking a few shots with their point and shoot from where they are in the congregation.

This concerns still photographers, not those shooting video.

Do the photographers have to stay in one designated spot, or are they allowed to move about the church, as long as they stay out of the priest's way?

I'm asking because I've got several weddings and numerous baptisms for friends and I've been urged by people all around me to make this a side business. I apparently have a God-given gift for seeing good pictures, regardless of what camera I'm using.

I know a decent amount of people who were disappointed with the pro photographers they hired for their weddings because important points in the wedding weren't caught. The betrothal in the narthex is a prime example. The pro photographers say they've done Orthodox weddings, but when the rubber hits the road, they don't - or maybe they've only done weddings in Greek parishes where everything is up the front, whereas in Russian tradition parishes the betrothal is done in the narthex.

I've also become my parish's "official" photographer, almost by default. One of my pictures of our new bishop's consecration has been featured on our diocese's website homepage for the past month.

I've shot almost everything with my own point and shoot (Canon PowerShot), but a friend had me shoot her small wedding with her DSLR last fall - on automatic since I only got my hands on the camera two hours before the ceremony, but pics came out good. Yesterday, I shot the priestly ordination of my goddaughter's dad with a borrowed DSLR. I'm astonished at the ones I got. Good camera and lenses - what a difference!

My priest - as well as the pastor of the church yesterday - have/had no problem with me moving about the church. The big difference between me and some run of the mill pro is that I'm Orthodox, and I know the services extremely well . Given that I'm active Orthodox and already know a good many of the priests locally (I'm active in local pan-Orthodox stuff), I might see if I could get a bit of leeway in moving around in the parishes that require the photographer to stand in one spot. My parish calls me the "stealth photographer" because I'm very quiet.

I always shoot in church *without* a flash. I think flash photography more distracting than a photographer quietly moving about. The only times I use a flash is during group shots *after* the wedding or baptism is over.

So, any comments or remarks on what is allowed in your parish are most welcome.

Thanks!

[HaremShaih]

We have a professional photographer in our parish and he, at special events, will discreetly move around the parish for the best shots. he does not get in the way and knows when to NOT shoot pictures. As in during the gospel reading and communion.

Paul

[emingeRek]

Theodora, I, too, have become the second-string amateur who seems to get the shots the pros (or those with much fancier gear) miss. I quite agree with you that being familiar with the structure of services helps immensely in properly documenting the ceremony. I've not come across any Orthodox church where the photographer is required to stay in one spot, but, with telephoto lenses, the movement can be kept to a minimum. And I completely agree with not using flash! The only time I use it, out of necessity, is during the immersion during baptism - I don't have a fast-enough lens to capture the moment in available light. And most built-in flashes in compact cameras are too harsh and have no range worth speaking of. Shoe-mounted flashes are the way to go, and must have a diffuser to avoid red-eye and harsh contrast.

In my experience, the no-go areas for photographers are the solea/ambon; and, when moving from one side of the church to the other, particularly at Russian weddings, it's best to go to the back of the nave, and cross behind the couple, not go forward and cut across the Royal Doors. If the church has an upstairs section, either as a gallery for the congregation (gynaikoniti), or where the choir sings (as is often the case in Slavic churches), take advantage of it! :-) The panoramic shots from above can be stunning.

[Sandvikla]

Olga, there is one large parish in my area that specifically states on its website that the photographer *must* stay next to the pulpit, as must the videographer. Now, I get keeping the videographer in one place, as their equipment can be more intrusive.

I already know to move between sides of the church via the back of the church. My own priest is pretty laid back and lets me wander wherever I want, as he already knows I don't get in the way at all, but he definitely told me to go behind the couple to switch sides of the church.

At another parish, I once saw a photographer - he was just a family member, not a pro - who got majorly in the way of the priest at a baptism. The service was stopped and photographer chewed out loudly by the priest for several minutes. I just had to see that once for it to make an impression!

[orillaVar]

Ask your priest what he prefers.

[beth]

Ask your priest what he prefers.

Brian, I already know what MY priest prefers, but since I'm going to be starting a side business doing this, I will be shooting pics in more than just my parish. That's why I was asking about the guidelines in OTHER parishes.

[dosyrotsbop]

When we have a wedding here, I usually meet with the photographer at the "rehearsal" (such as it is - its really more of a blocking "walk through" so people know where they have to be when). At that time we discuss where and when they can move and where they might go to get the best shots, etc. It really is "what the priest prefers" and should be something that he and the photog talk about together.

Fr David

[provigil]

In addition to being a good logistical idea, if you take the time and effort to consult with individual priests, you'll get a reputation of being a respectful and easy-to-work-with photographer.

[SteantyjetMaw]

At another parish, I once saw a photographer - he was just a family member, not a pro - who got majorly in the way of the priest at a baptism. The service was stopped and photographer chewed out loudly by the priest for several minutes. I just had to see that once for it to make an impression! Most photographers who are Orthodox are already sensitive to what is proper or not. And most priests instinctively feel who is respectful during the service.

The best thing to do then is to speak with the priest at the parish you visit. This is what happens at our parish and it denotes respect. In this way even if the photographer already knows what is proper behaviour, their activity will be blessed as it were, due to the humility & care that is shown.

Likely this will affect the photos too and colour their tone.

In Christ-
Fr Raphael
PS: I just noticed that I am basically reflecting what Bryan has already posted above. One's inner attitude affects everything we do and if humility, respect and care are paramount as we work then this will naturally bless what we do and affect its quality.