Is it OK to just take the picture?

[Reeforbust]

I'm headed to a Huge and very old Catholic church this weekend to take some pics.........I want to take some pics of the people there as well, praying and crying or whatever.
Is it OK to just take the picture candidly, or should I get permission to shoot them?? Maybe hide in the balcony and use a tele-photo??:D

[Tlee05]

It is okay to shoot them with out permission as long as your not selling them, but if they see you and they are upset you're in for a ride. I would ask for permission my self its up to you.

[Reeforbust]

I thought I probably should ask since they're in a Church......don't need any lightening bolt pictures:D

[tim]

Put yourself in their place, and act accordingly.

[saravrose]

I wouldn't. unless you asked and were given permission. Especially in a church... But I would take photos of the church inside and outside.
Sari.

[Sean-Mcr]

I've taken many, just don't disturb them that's all

[Reeforbust]

I've taken many, just don't disturb them that's all


Soooo, the Macro's of there eye's are out!:lol:

[Sean-Mcr]

Well if they have their eyes closed, go for it!!!


:)

[Reeforbust]

Well if they have their eyes closed, go for it!!!


:)

And if they open them, make sure the flash goes off so I have a few seconds head start out the door!!:lol:

[DocFrankenstein]

You risk eternal damnation my son

I bet the pictures are gonna be good! :D

[Sean-Mcr]

Churches are great places to shoot. This was inside our Cathedral
http://i.pbase.com/o4/87/571287/1/55274291.20D346.jpg

[Reeforbust]

The church I'm going to was built way back........not sure when but it is really old with that "Over the top" Architecture they used back in the day.

It's awesome and very, very big!! I'm thinkin it should make some really cool B&W pics???? We'll see.....:)

[Sean-Mcr]

Manchester Cathedral began it's build in a mere 1215 AD.

I happen to have a shot in BW on my pbase space, and i'm not sure which i like best.

http://i.pbase.com/v3/87/571287/1/51364096.20D346.jpg

[Reeforbust]

This church looks like that pic.......Huge ceilings and just tons of stained glass and old statues......:)

[DavidW]

If you want to take pictures during a service, make sure you find out what is expected. Some churches ban flash photography during a service, some ban all photography.

Don't do anything that invades another's privacy - if someone is crying or distressed, I suggest that might be a good time to look in a different direction. If there is any kind of steward or verger, ask first before taking pictures.



David

[Curtis N]

Reeforbust,

This comes down to how much respect you have for your fellow human beings. I don't mind the jokes about lightning bolts and eternal damnation, as long as we realize that churches are sacred places for those of faith. They exist for a specific, sacred purpose, they are private property, they are constructed and maintained by their members at great expense, and they don't exist just to give you something interesting to photograph.

So rather than being an opportunist, walking into a a church and taking pictures for your own enjoyment, I would rather you speak to the pastor first. Assure him that your intentions are honorable and that you do not want to disturb those who are there to worship and pray. Offer to provide the church with prints or digital files.

In most cases, the pastor will appreciate your sensitivity and give you guidelines on what and when to shoot. He may even point out certain architectural features that you might have missed, or give you access to better vantage points. Work with him, and the outcome will be better for all concerned.

[Reeforbust]

They give tours of this church just about everyday......

I won't be walking in on their service, probably won't be but 2 or 3 people there when I go. If I see someone I'll talk to them but this church is WAY open to the public anytime......the door is always open (not sure about the wee hours of the night:lol: )

Now as far as people pictures.....I think I'll get their permission or just not do it. I wouldn't want some freak takin my pics if I was confessing my sins:D ;)

[NickC]

It doesn't matter if the church is open to the public all the time. Find someone in charge and ask them what their guidelines are. I was in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York during open hours, taking pictures, and I was approached and told not to take any pictures of the people praying. There was no service at the time being held.

[Curtis N]

If it's a guided tour, no doubt they will be very clear about their photography policy. Good luck and post some shots when you get home!

[aam1234]

Put yourself in their place, and act accordingly.

Exactly. And that doesn't apply for the topic at hand only but people photography in general (imo of course).

[blue_max]

The phrasing of the question is slightly odd. There is no photographic rule book to give a direct answer from.

I guess the fact that you are asking suggests you felt, or would feel slightly uncomfortable. You need to examine why you felt like that to find the answer.

Graham

[Reeforbust]

The phrasing of the question is slightly odd. There is no photographic rule book to give a direct answer from.

I guess the fact that you are asking suggests you felt, or would feel slightly uncomfortable. You need to examine why you felt like that to find the answer.

Graham

Not uncomfortable at all, I love to meet people..........I Just wanted to know if there is an "unspoken" rule for churches or.....anything in general.

I just called the church and talk to the facilities coordinator and she said they are open from 7am to 5pm and to feel free to take as many pictures as I want.....:D Thats Great news!!! I also asked about people pics and she said I can take pictures of the different Masses but for individual people pics it would be better to ask the individual......Which is what I planned on doing anyway.
So at least I know my 80 mile drive won't be for nothing!!!;)