Wedding Photography - Calling the Church

[KDM16]

Hi everybody - I booked my first wedding a couple of weeks ago and I know I need to call the Church, but I'm not sure what all I need to discuss with them. I've been searching around trying to figure it out, but I am unable to find anything. I know I need to ask about flash and where I am allowed to go, but what else do I need to discuss with them? Also, my clients aren't using the Church's preacher, do I need to call the Officiant also? If so, what do i need to talk to him/her about?

Thank you in advance very much!

Kim

 

[joealcantar]

If the church is nearby go visit. I would get a # from the bride and groom for the Officiant, that way you can plan on what equipment you can use.
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Shoot well, Joe

 

[tirediron]

Call, or better yet, as suggested, visit the church and talk to the Rector or Deacon (or equivalent). Ask them what equipment you will and will not be allowed to use (tripods & flash being the two most common problem areas), and where you will be allowed to shoot from. As them where the register will be, where the bridal party will enter from and where the bride and groom will exit from. Ask them if they can set the lights to the level they will be at on the day so that you can get an idea of the conditions, and asked them, if, based on the weddings they've seen there, they can offer you any suggestions to make the day more of a success from your point of view. Also ask if there any things that you should not do (wear a hat, that sort of thing).

 

[Robin Usagani]

Pros dont shoot with flash anyway at the church.. There.. problem solved. I would find out if you can be anywhere in the church though (except the altar of course).

 

[tirediron]

Pros dont shoot with flash anyway at the church.

Really? So if you're in say, an Anglican church and the wedding party and church staff have no objection to flash, you're not going to use it?????

 

[Robin Usagani]

Nope.

 

[gsgary]

Pros dont shoot with flash anyway at the church.

Really? So if you're in say, an Anglican church and the wedding party and church staff have no objection to flash, you're not going to use it?????

Very few in the UK will allow flash

 

[Robin Usagani]

The only time I may consider it when they are walking out, but usually i dont need it. When they are about to go out of the church and it is bright outside thats when the flash turned on. The wedding I just posted, flash was allowed. But I didnt take one with flash. Same thing with the main photog, and we didnt even discuss it.

 

[tirediron]

Pros dont shoot with flash anyway at the church.

Really? So if you're in say, an Anglican church and the wedding party and church staff have no objection to flash, you're not going to use it?????

Very few in the UK will allow flash

It's the same here, in fact I had one a couple of years ago where it took a month of negotiating to let me photograph the ceremony, nevermind using a flash. I was just curious as to why someone wouldn't use a tool they were permitted to use if it would make for better images.

 

[tirediron]

The only time I may consider it when they are walking out, but usually i dont need it. When they are about to go out of the church and it is bright outside thats when the flash turned on. The wedding I just posted, flash was allowed. But I didnt take one with flash. Same thing with the main photog, and we didnt even discuss it.

Serious question (and with apologies to the OP for a potential, unintended thread hijack): Schwetty, what's your mindset here? Is it a personal, artistic consideration, a 'flash doesn't make things better' thought, or ?

 

[Robin Usagani]

During the ceremony they are all standing there barely moving. You can easily take your shots with f/2.8 at like ISO1600 or use a faster prime lens. Really the whole reason not using flash is just to respect the whole wedding ceremony. Plus, if they have a videographer, the video will turn out better without flashes.

 

[Raian-san]

During the ceremony they are all standing there barely moving. You can easily take your shots with f/2.8 at like ISO1600 or use a faster prime lens. Really the whole reason not using flash is just to respect the whole wedding ceremony. Plus, if they have a videographer, the video will turn out better without flashes.

Yes respect the Videographer and don't ruin the video! Ceremony is a very intimate and special moment for both of them and the flashes that keeps popping up ruin the feel of the moment. Reception and etc it's cool. :thumbup:

 

[tirediron]

... if they have a videographer, the video will turn out better without flashes.

Good point; having only ever shot one wedding that had a videographer (and not the ceremony) that didn't occur to me.

 

[tirediron]

...Ceremony is a very intimate and special moment for both of them and the flashes that keeps popping up ruin the feel of the moment.

That's the reason for long, fast glass!

 

[CCericola]

Although I have used flash at a wedding I prefer no flash. I feel my images are just better without it. Good, fast lenses make a world of difference. that aside, you should ask to attend the rehearsal. You can meet the officiant, get your questions answered and even take some test shots. There are some venues I don't bother going to the rehearsal for because we have shot there so many times but, I always want to visit each new location.