Church Rules
Understanding photography rules in houses of worship as well as other indoor and outdoor venues can help photographers avoid major issues when it comes to photographing events for their clients.
In this week’s episode we talk about a recent occurrence in which a photographer-that would be me-found herself briefly caught between a family’s request to photograph an event and the church’s rules about photography. Although, major issues were averted, this provides a great opportunity as to why photographers need to be aware of Church Rules along with rules and guidelines for photographing in indoor venues including houses of worship, halls, restaurants, etc., and outdoor sites including local parks, businesses, private homes, historical sites, and world famous popular tourist sites.
Here are a few highlights from this week’s episode:
[00:44] Even the small decisions can have a profound effect both on your final images and the entire experience of photographing an event.
[6:52] First and foremost, whether it's a church, whether it's a banquet hall, it doesn't matter where it is, about a week, give yourself a lot of room and make it two weeks, about two weeks before an event get in contact with someone who is in the know at that facility. In this case, it was the secretary in the rectory, it may be the manager of a banquet hall, it may be the particular individual assigned to a couple or sign to a family for an event, but get the name of that person and get in direct contact with that person.
[08:26] You really need to be in contact with a particular individual who can give you details and who can inform you about the rules and regulations.
[12:19] A lot of photographers do not realize that you don't necessarily have free reign when you are photographing something or someone outdoors. If you are asked by a person or a couple or family to photograph them in a park, or at a site that may be historical, or may actually be private, you need to have permission from the city, the town or whoever may own or manage that property.
[14:23] You should also be aware that many common sites often require some type of a permit or some type of release in order to feature that particular place in your photograph.
[16:39] As a photographer, you should familiarize yourself with what rules are required and if you need to seek permission from someone to take a photograph on the street in which their establishment will be identified.
[17:44] For your protection as a photographer, I would note that you had a conversation with your client, and that you informed them of the need for a permit and they declined, and in the contract with the client, make sure to include a statement that the client is responsible for obtaining the permit required, and that all liability related to obtaining a permit lies with the client.
Click here to listen to this episode.
