Ministers and Wedding Photography
So 2 weeks ago I met another minister who decided the wedding was his day and tried to ruin it for the couple. I think there’s only been three ministers who I’ve ever had problems with and this guy was no exception. It was even more frustrating that he was a last minute replacement.He should have turned up and gone with what had already been arranged. But no, he also stopped the piper playing in the church.
Now I’ve heard all the arguments about a few photographers behaving badly and spoiling it for the rest, but I’m sorry, I’m not having that. That is a very poor excuse and all that should do is mean that the bad ones aren’t allowed to shoot and the rest of us are told strict rules about what we can and cannot do.
Now I haven’t read the bible for months, but at no time do I remember there being anything that said that videography was acceptable in church, but stills photography isn’t. I was once told by one of them that I couldn’t shoot because the wedding ‘wasn’t a visual spectacle, but a religious ceremony’. Fair enough but why are there two huge cameras on tripods at either side of the altar?
Now the way I see it, is that the minister is being paid to do his job, just the same as we are. So I get paid a decent amount of money to be a wedding photographer for a couple, and I spend all day with them and shoot everything EXCEPT the wedding. How can that be right? I shoot with no flash, my camera is very quiet, and I stay in one place throughout. The only reason this small minority of ministers say no to photography is because THEY CAN. Pure and simple – ego/power trip, call it what you like. This guy actually asked me to leave during the first hymn, and I could see how proud he was with himself when he approached me.His chest was puffed out like a pigeon afterwards, and I’ll guarantee he was boasting about it within an hour of leaving.
I have to say that the huge majority of ministers and celebrants I work with every week are lovely people and enjoy weddings as much as me, and are there for the love of the job, and want to make the couple happy. I am regularly complimented by many of them for being discreet, and very quick at getting the vital shots done, like signing the schedule etc. It’s a shame that one or two of them spoil it. It’ll be the same one or two that are complaining that the church is empty on a Sunday. That pretty much says everything to be honest.
JB,
I shot my fourth wedding ever last Saturday. In a town hall. The registrar told me where I could shoot from. Fine. The bride asked me to capture images of her young son and others reciting pieces. I fired a couple of frames and got the cold stare and ‘no no’ from the lady. My instinct (I’m not a wedding photographer) is to keep on shooting. I could not see what harm I was doing. Like you I felt I was there to give the couple pictures of them being wed. Everything else around the service is nice but filler. Apparently, the reason I could only shoot from the back of the hall is so the register is not in any picture. I couldn’t even see the book! I got over it but the woman definitely wanted to leave her mark on the day. So unnecessary.
You find people like this everywhere – it is just a power trip.
In this case, it’s ultimately the couple’s problem – not yours. As you said he’s providing a service and if the service is not as agreed then that is their issue and cause for complaint.
The only way for this to be improved for the next time is for the couple to complain loudly.
I wonder what he’d have said if you’d simply refused.
I’ll need to write up my own experience with a jumped up janitor ;)
Sadly I come across this so often it’s becoming ridiculous.
The irony is that they use the excuse of a few bad Photographers spoiling it for the rest of us. But what they end up creating are ” the few ministers who spoil it for the couple “. And it’s as common amongst registrars, priests et al. And they always tell the couple they don’t have a problem with photography and then pounce on us on the wedding day. I now tell all my couples to make it very clear to the officiant what their wishes are and to sort out any issues before the day. Of course as you say John this doesn’t avoid the last minute replacement situation like you described. .
John you have it easy up their, we are finding this more and more down here in the south, so far I have had 3 in a row where the couple have been told photography is allowed only to find on the day they take it away from you.
ps got a lovely image I would like to send to you.
Bruce
Speaking from the videography side of things, I have to completely agree that I don’t understand the rationale for refusing to allow photography but allowing video. Having said that, we have come across a few scenarios where we have been severely restricted on camera positioning. What’s more insulting is the way we have been spoken to. We too have had the usual stories of videographers/photographers hanging over the side of the pulpit during the ceremony but I personally don’t buy it! What did make me smile recently was when a pompous vicar was recently challenged by a photographer over his rather insulting attitude. She explained that she had been grown up with her faith in the church and was completely disillusioned with the way she had been spoken to and thought he should know. He didn’t know where to put himself and actually looked quite embarrassed. Unfortunately, it didn’t reverse the decision but for me it was point made. I agree that if they don’t move with the times, the churches will be empty. There’s already a huge shift towards civil venues and no wonder why. Shame.