[Ed Shapiro]

When there are common problems which have the potential to affect all professional wedding photographers it is best that photographers refrain from “bashing” each other or for that matter “bashing” anyone especially churches, synagogues or any other houses of worship or the clergy connected to them.

Firstly, let’s take a few things into consideration. Most religious institutions do not have outrageous rules and will welcome all photographers who operate with respect and decorum. It behooves every wedding photographer to maintain good relations with each and every venue and the people therein in their service areas. If the rules are too strict in your evaluation, unfortunately, there is very little or nothing you can do and you need to remember that the churches, synagogues or halls are THEIR turf and have to conform to their regulations.

Starting a website to “blackball” religious institutions is a terrible idea. Even if it is well meaning in terms of advocating your clients’ rights to have photographs of their ceremonies, you can bet your bottom dollar that most people will misconstrue your efforts as being anti-religion, anti-clergy and in some circles total disrespect. You don’t want to bite off you nose to spite your face!

If any efforts are made or money is spent, perhaps some effort whereby local photographers will join as a group to create a code of ethics or behavior pertaining to their operating in religious institutions and hospitality venues. This is the kind of information you want to disseminate among the public and all religious communities.

Ed