Nutty Churches, Insurance Folks, and other crazyiness

[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

[Songman45]

All the sudden I'm happier to be a protestant and happier still that I do not shoot weddings. What a mess you folks deal with. Sheesh.

Steve

[Ed Shapiro]

Steve- Theses problems are universal- they occur in all religions and denominations- sometimes even at civil marriages!

Every branch of photography has its hazards. Back in 1975 I was assigned to cover the Calgary Stampede - one of the largest rodeo events in the world. In those days I was younger, stronger and faster. I had a press pass to work right on the infield. I did not like the compressed images that accompany the use of long lenses that look as if the riders are right next to the chutes so I used a wide angle lenses and worked close and low to get good shots of the bull riders.

Let me tell you- nowadays I would rather deal with a grouchy clergyman or a so called bride-zilla than have to dodge a 1500 pound very pissed off pot roast charging toward me. As far as the bucking horses are concerned, I would be mad as hell too- well you know how the get them to BUCK!

Best regards, Ed

[ee50ok]

My experince is that going in to the church/place of worship well before the event (preferably before you sign papers with the couple) in a humble way and talking to the minister works wonders.

You will come away knowing that you have the house rules, know who the minister is, and if necessary know to turn the work down....

[RocketRick]

Originally Posted by Ed Shapiro

Let me tell you- nowadays I would rather deal with a grouchy clergyman or a so called bride-zilla than have to dodge a 1500 pound very pissed off pot roast charging toward me.

Let me take a wild stab in the dark, here, Ed: you're a Tom Lehrer fan, too, aren't you?

"In Old Mexico" FTW!

- Rick

[Ed Shapiro]

Tom is a god! I have a few of his original recordings but I don't recall having and hearing "Old Mexico" I will have to go to a downloading site and find it. Sarcasm is my second language and Tom is the master. My all time favorites are "National Brotherhood Week" and "Rickety-Tickety-Tin" - the Irish Ballad.

The frightening thing is that most of the recordings were made in the 1960s and in many cases many of the stupidity and social injustices that Tom satirized still remain valid issues today ALAS!.

Ed

[RocketRick]

Originally Posted by Ed Shapiro

Tom is a god! I have a few of his original recordings but I don't recall having and hearing "Old Mexico" I will have to go to a downloading site and find it. Sarcasm is my second language and Tom is the master. My all time favorites are "National Brotherhood Week" and "Rickety-Tickety-Tin" - the Irish Ballad.

The frightening thing is that most of the recordings were made in the 1960s and in many cases many of the stupidity and social injustices that Tom satirized still remain valid issues today ALAS!.

Ed

I'm pretty sure it's on his "That Was The Year That Was" album, but it might have been "An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer", as I own them both. I'll have to dig them out tonight for another listen. You can never have too much Tom!

In honor of this thread, I'll have to play "The Vatican Rag", as well.

- Rick