Cranky Pastor vs. Wedding Photographer
- Thread starter Horoscope Fish
- Start date
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
That is why I always checked with the pastor BEFORE the day of the wedding to see what his thoughts were about photography. Then I let the couple know in advance and let them talk to the pastor if they did not agree. I shot one recently where the pastor is a very close friend of mine and I asked him before the service and he told me that it was the brides day and not his so whatever they wanted was just fine with him. Good attitude.
My church is very strict about photography. They frown on it (no flash EVER), but they allow it for weddings PROVIDING the photographer follows their rules. The photographer can either stand off to the side at the front of the sanctuary without moving to a different location, OR the photographer can stand at one spot in the back without moving to a different location. No flash no matter what.
My pastor ALWAYS makes sure that the photographers know the rules and that if they don't obey, they won't be allowed back as a photographer.
In a Jeff Cable video, he mentioned being hired for some type of religious ceremony (might have been a wedding) but that the family also hired a few Asian photographers (the family was Asian). The other photographers didn't follow the rules, and part way through they were told to leave. Jeff wound up being the only photographer allowed to stay.
Since religious ceremonies are governed by their own church rules, the clergy need to educate the photographers as to what is and isn't allowable. And the photographers need to be respectful because it IS a religious ceremony, and the church's rules need to be followed.
My pastor ALWAYS makes sure that the photographers know the rules and that if they don't obey, they won't be allowed back as a photographer.
In a Jeff Cable video, he mentioned being hired for some type of religious ceremony (might have been a wedding) but that the family also hired a few Asian photographers (the family was Asian). The other photographers didn't follow the rules, and part way through they were told to leave. Jeff wound up being the only photographer allowed to stay.
Since religious ceremonies are governed by their own church rules, the clergy need to educate the photographers as to what is and isn't allowable. And the photographers need to be respectful because it IS a religious ceremony, and the church's rules need to be followed.
I should also add that the photographer needs to be responsible for finding out about any restrictions--it shouldn't be entirely the clergy's responsibility. After all, it's not too much different than going into someone's house (in this case God's), and knowing ahead of time what will and won't be allowable. Most people ask if it is okay to smoke inside someone's home so in the same respect, a photographer should also be accountable. Both sides need to be responsible.
wud
Senior Member
Uhh. He was a little scary.
I talked to the pastor on the phone (for wedding tomorrow), he did not sound to happy either, lol. I can do enter and leaving the church, and then 1 inside, when he gives me a sign. I'm just going to say thank you a lot, and be happy. Dont wanna mess with a pastor, right
Somehow I do understand though. With all our camera phones and P&S, wow, people sometimes forget to just be in the moment, as they (we) are just clicking away.
I talked to the pastor on the phone (for wedding tomorrow), he did not sound to happy either, lol. I can do enter and leaving the church, and then 1 inside, when he gives me a sign. I'm just going to say thank you a lot, and be happy. Dont wanna mess with a pastor, right
Somehow I do understand though. With all our camera phones and P&S, wow, people sometimes forget to just be in the moment, as they (we) are just clicking away.
Browncoat
Senior Member
It's good to see this kind of stuff. All wedding photographers should take note. Bad that it was posted on Gawker, and the rude, out of touch article that went along with this video. Point being...
ALWAYS talk to the person officiating the ceremony AND the bride and groom about their wedding photography. This is YOUR job as the photographer, don't leave it for the couple to deal with, and certainly don't wait until the day of the wedding to do it. Fact of the matter is, the church is a sacred place, and you have to follow the rules.
No flash is the only issue I've ever personally had to deal with, but most pastors are pretty liberal when it comes to photography and will let you do as you please. Obviously others, like this guy, have a different set of rules.
ALWAYS talk to the person officiating the ceremony AND the bride and groom about their wedding photography. This is YOUR job as the photographer, don't leave it for the couple to deal with, and certainly don't wait until the day of the wedding to do it. Fact of the matter is, the church is a sacred place, and you have to follow the rules.
No flash is the only issue I've ever personally had to deal with, but most pastors are pretty liberal when it comes to photography and will let you do as you please. Obviously others, like this guy, have a different set of rules.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
Yes, pastors do have a say in what is going on BUT the photographer was there when the pastor got there and he could have said something BEFORE the service started and not ruined the ceremony for the couple.
Browncoat
Senior Member
...which doesn't change that it's still the photographer's job to iron these things out before the wedding day. The photographer is the one out of place here, not the pastor or the wedding couple.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
My favorite wedding story was from the one wedding my brother shot (for my cousin). It was outdoors and he's doing his best to get the right shots and not be in the way. The minister was trying to give him cues as to where the best spot to stand might be, which he was ignoring (he was in a better spot). Finally, after making an obvious cue to the distraction of everyone else there he says, just loudly enough, "Look lady, I'm not telling you how to do your job, don't tell me how to do mine." The marriage didn't last, but everyone still laughs at the moment.
Nero
Senior Member
This would make a good start for a Wedding Photography Story thread.
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