Taking photos of a church

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BlakePhotography

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Tom
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Someone has asked me to take some pictures of a church that they and several of their family members were married in and so I was wondering - do I need permission to take pictures of it? I guess if I stand on the street and take the pictures it's fine, but what if I want to go into the grounds?

Any help much appreciated.

Tom
 
Problem is, if you ask and they say no, you're snookered.

Just go ahead and pray for forgiveness afterwards :lol:
 
I depends what you want to do I suppose I take lots of pictures at churches an I've never had any issues, I often give a small donation to the church by way of a thanks for the photography time :thumbs:

Matt
MWHCVT
 
If you want to photograph inside the grounds, or even inside the church, call the vicarage in advance and explain what you are after. Most clergy are fairly friendly especially if it involves someone's association with their church.
 
Most vicars/priests don't seem to mind provided your not making a raging nuisance of yourself, if challenged just explain your reason politely and ask if theres any record still in the church, you might get a look at the parish register.
 
It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Just do it.
 
If you're shooting from the road or other public place, there are basically no restrictions in the UK. Inside is private property and technically you must have permission. It's always polite to ask, and some places will ask for a contribution/say no flash/no tripods/have other rules which are important to stick to if you don't want to upset anyone - and why risk it? There may be a notice about this in the vestry. The more spectacular the church, the more likely it is to have restrictions in my experience. Cathedrals usually require you to buy a photo pass.

For a normal church, I'd just pick a quite time and start snapping. It would certainly be worth paying visits at different times of the day if you can to see what the light is doing. You can get some stunning effects via stained glass. Going in on the day the flowers have been changed is also a good idea.
 
Thanks for all the quick replies guys. I may get the family to ask permission first as they will know the vicar quite well I should think. It is only a 'normal' sized church and it's a photo from the outside that they're after.

Think I'll go check the place out and see how quiet it is, and like some have suggested pray for forgiveness if I take some pictures!
 
Haha - I don't think most will mind handheld shots but you better ask before you start setting up your 3-legged beast!
 
I just drive round until I find a nice church and then go take photos. Ive done 3 in the last 2 weeks. Never had a problem and no-one has challenged me inside or out. Thats with a tripod, remote release and D700.
 
Ive photographed lots of churches and every single time iv just gone ahead without asking permission, even when shooting in the grounds. If I want to shoot inside, and there are people around, I usually grab someone who look offical and ask but this is only small local churches.
 
God`s house is open to everybody, including TP members :thumbs:
 
I've never had a problem shooting inside or outside churches.. just be sure and check the notice boards as one day I stopped at a church in Necton on my way back from a client, suited and booted I was taken by the churchwarden as the advance guard of the cortege and she said nothing (but gave me some funny looks).. I manged to sneak out the north door as the first mourners arrived..

An "open church" sign at the roadside is something I just can't resist if I have the gear in the car..
 
I am astounded by some of the advice and suggestions given..

Just ASK!

It's good manners and doesn't cost anything to do..
 
KIPAX said:
I am astounded by some of the advice and suggestions given..

Just ASK!

It's good manners and doesn't cost anything to do..
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Not always possible though. One I went to last week was 2 miles up a steep hill and not a soul in sight. I couldnt go inside, but I'd be buggered if I wasnt going to make the most of the outside. I certainly wouldnt walk away "just in case" they dont want me to photograph. If there is sign saying not too then fair enough, Ill respect that.
 
TCR4x4 said:
Not always possible though. .
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Thats fair enough though isnt it.. if its not possible then its not possible.. I didn't write it in stone :)

I just dont follow the thought concept behind wandering into a church and snapping away wihtout having the good manners to ask..


ADDYONBIT: I am not religeous in any way shape or form... But I aint ignorant either :)
 
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I can remember last Winter when I was taking some low level lighting snaps of our local Church , I was in the gate way entrance on a 30sec exposure and I became aware of some people behind me and without looking around I asked them if they would wait a minute . On finishing I discovered I had been holding the Vicar and half his congregation up , they were on their way to an Evening Service . Glad the darkness hid my blushes .
 
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Haha, there's some funny replies here. Thanks again guys for the quick responses.

I think I'll just go to the church and look for someone to ask. If there is no one there I will check the notice board and if there's nothing saying I can't then I'll carry on.

Tom
 
If it's a commission, get the permission squared away before you head off there.
 
DemiLion said:
If it's a commission, get the permission squared away before you head off there.
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Yeah totally agree with this, don't just turn up if you are getting paid for it and want to go onto private property.

I've photographed inside quite a few churches for myself and just ask if there is someone there, some don't like you using a tripod but some don't mind at all. Sometimes they will even give you access to areas not normally open to the public if you're lucky.
 
johnnypanic said:
Problem is, if you ask and they say no, you're snookered.

Just go ahead and pray for forgiveness afterwards :lol:
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can use the same line if I want to use one of your pictures then
 
They may think you are scoping out the church roof to steal lead :-)

As a way of thanks you could of course give a couple of photos to the vicar for use in parish magazines etc it may be well appreciated.
 
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