No flash during wedding ceremony, why?

No flash during wedding ceremony, why, this does not make much sense to me.

What is the outlining reason.

And do P+S’ers fall into this category.

It could be distracting, and P&S cameras are usually excused as they're family and they have no idea how to turn it off anyway.

tim wrote in post #8104405
It could be distracting

This is my point, to who.

It's the B&G's biggest day of their lives, I'm pretty sure friends and family would love them to have great shots at the expense of a few flashes.

Or am I wrong.

It may be the B&G special day but at a full Catholic ceremony the priest is in charge. Many times the guests are excused for their lack of knowledge, but most photographers consult with the priest prior to the wedding and lay the ground rules. If he doesn't want flash photography and you do it anyway, you risk not being allowed to work in that church again; or any ceremony he may be conducting. If you are a busy wedding photographer or aspire to be it is important that you play well with others in the business, including the religious leader. You will most likely see them for another wedding before your bride and groom get married again. It would be terrible to have to tell prospective clients that you can't shoot their wedding because you pissed the priest off.

The more formal the ceremony the less likely flash is welcome.

With 20 or 30 flashes going off here there and everywhere throughout the the ceremony , why would the photographers flashes be classed intrusive.

Surly it's the photographers shots that promote the church ceremony and create continued interest.

Beach ceremonies and the like are looking pretty good at the moment and tog's are pulling punters away from the churches with some awesome sets , perhaps the churches should be consulting us.

Thoughts.

I'd probably find a flash distracting if I was getting married. If the couple don't want flashes though they have to have the celebrant/priest ask everyone to put their cameras away during the ceremony. The officiant can request either the guests or photographer either don't take photos, don't use flash, or don't move. Some can be a pita but most i've dealt with have been fine, in the UK though they sound like they're on a nonsensical power trip though.

Which is why they would hire a photographer who knew how to take the necessary shots using available light without flash...which are usually superior in appearance anyway.

Because the professional photographer's flash is usually much larger and will be firing at a greater rate of speed. He's also likely to be closer to the couple, if not right up at the altar and in their faces.

Could it possibly be out of respect for the building your in, and for what is happening at that moment .....A covenant before God. Just wondering would it not be made a public request that there be no flashes during the ceremony if distarction was the issue.

The general gist of it is that the ceremony focuses on the commitment being made by the bride and groom in the eyes of God. To join the two together as one in the eyes of the Lord is the only purpose of the wedding ceremony, so anything that may distract from that focus is to be prevented. Camera flashes, included. :P

Most of our church weddings the vicar or priest tells the guests no photography during the ceremony apart from the professionals and we always agree no flash with them beforehand, it would be very distracting for the B&G if there were clicks and flashes going off all over the place not to mention very disrespectful to the wedding ceremony.

I have only faced that twice in 30 years of shooting so it is pretty common here to allow flash during the ceremony.

superstes wrote in post #8104373
No flash during wedding ceremony, why, this does not make much sense to me.

What is the outlining reason.

And do P+S’ers fall into this category.

Rules vary from location to location. Many priests, ministers, pastors and rabbis are sick of photographers being distracting during what they consider a religious and sacred ceremony.
In some cases very limited flash photography is permitted, in other cases none at all.
Yes, this usually does apply to guests with P&S cameras as well. Often times a pastor will make an announcement asking guests to hold their flash photography until the conclusion of the ceremony.

Argue the point all you wish, but remember that you are in the pastor/priest/minister​'s house and if you want to work there again you are well advised to follow the rules. Also, it only takes one photographer who pisses the pastor off to make life miserable for everyone who has to photograph a wedding there from then on.

You might try seeking out the pastor before the ceremony, introducing yourself and asking what his rules and guidelines for photography during the ceremony are. It's a sort of good will gesture that shows you're sensitive to his house's rules. It's also a very wise course of action to follow those rules, and who knows, you might even get a bit more leeway by this approach than just doing as you please until you get yelled at.

I was given a list of rules for an upcoming wedding


Rule number 2 - No flasher. I kid you not.

Distraction and not very considerate of the parties involved as far as having blinding flashes going on when trying to read or speak certain vows. Some places don't mind as much as others.

I had to shoot a ceremony lately, and prior to the event, i went and discussed with the priest...he was special...... He did not want flash of course, but he did not even want me to move. He wanted me to stand in the back of the church and shoot from there without changing place. I negociated the terms, and he allowed me to move, from the back of the church to the middle of the seats, but only when people where getting up from their chair and sitting down again. and i had to take out my shoes so I don't make a sound.

I will refuse any contract where I have to work there in the future.