PHOTOGRAPHY/RECORDING POLICY
The recording,
through photographs and/or video tapes, of special events in an individual’s
spiritual life is significant. We
encourage you to make the event special and we welcome your desire to record
these ceremonies.
Because worship is a special
community and individual event we have a number of guidelines. These have been developed based on our desire
to keep the focus of our gathering on worship. Without guidelines photographers can become the focus of attention; focus should
rather be on the Lord or the persons whom the Lord is blessing.
In the visual recording of an
event, it is often the photographer’s desire to be close to the action and to
view it from an optimum angle. This can
become intrusive. An acceptable alternative
is to request that the Pastor and worship leaders re-stage the event following
the service so that the photographer will have the opportunity to get the
desired perspective, lighting, and camera angles.
The rules regarding the
actions, movement and position of the photographer are as follows:
1.
The
photographer(s) will be informed of the position from which the actual event may be recorded. (Almost any position may be used during the
re-staged event.)
2.
The motion of a
photographer trying to get that “best shot” can be distracting; such
distractions are unacceptable. Standing
behind the altar, organ, behind or on the pulpit, or on the altar riser is not
allowed.
3.
The use of
special lighting, i.e. flash or flood lights, is not permitted during the actual
event. Flash lamps startle and disrupt
attention. Flood lights divert attention
away from the focus of the ceremony.
Therefore, at all times during the
service (i.e., between the Invocation and Benediction inclusive) special
lighting shall not be used. High speed
films and/or available-light methods may be employed during the actual
event. (Special lighting may be employed when the ceremony is
re-staged.)
We want everyone to be able
to celebrate these special worship events in a meaningful way. We hope you understand the purpose of our
photography/recording policy in providing for that.
Church Office 610-363-6264 Approved
10/4/04
stpaulslionville.org