Worship Service Shots

[kurtisc2010]

I would let the congregation know what youre doing and maybe even have a BRING YOUR CAMERA TO CHURCH day and compile others shots along with yours

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by kurtisc2010

I would let the congregation know what youre doing and maybe even have a BRING YOUR CAMERA TO CHURCH day and compile others shots along with yours

Gosh, that's an interesting idea. But I could see it being a major disruption in worship. Pastor might have a thing or 2 to say about it, don't you think?

Roger

[kurtisc2010]

if it is planned correctly it shouldnt be a problem.

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by kurtisc2010

if it is planned correctly it shouldnt be a problem.

Wow, I don't think I'd even suggest the idea. At least not for worship time.

[JimDeLa]

I've gotten good results using a monopod that can clip to my camera bag when I'm not using it.

It steadies my Canon X1i enough that I can shoot 1/30 th of a second at 1600 iso. I pick two or three vantage points inside the church beforehand-- tell ushers and/or vergers beforehand what you'll be doing -- and try to move during natural breaks in the service -- during hymns, or when people normally stand or sit so you won't be too noticeable.

Take test shots before the service so you know what your settings will be so you don't miss shots.

Check out my Flickr site (/jimdela) for lots of examples. Good Shooting!

[pastorefrain]

gracias por tu material

[AdamUEP]

I like to volunteer for taking photos at my church and have had the same issue with getting worship service shots. In my experience I have had good luck getting shots of the bands, choirs, and other music groups during their practice before the service. This keeps me out of the way during the service so I don't disturb anyone. Also, I agree with others on this thread, decent zoom lens and small f-stop will help you to stay out of the way as well.

[bpalermini]

Originally Posted by JimDeLa

I've gotten good results using a monopod that can clip to my camera bag when I'm not using it.

It steadies my Canon X1i enough that I can shoot 1/30 th of a second at 1600 iso. I pick two or three vantage points inside the church beforehand-- tell ushers and/or vergers beforehand what you'll be doing -- and try to move during natural breaks in the service -- during hymns, or when people normally stand or sit so you won't be too noticeable.

Take test shots before the service so you know what your settings will be so you don't miss shots.

Check out my Flickr site (/jimdela) for lots of examples. Good Shooting!

Nice work Jim.

[collinong]

Originally Posted by AdamUEP

I like to volunteer for taking photos at my church and have had the same issue with getting worship service shots. In my experience I have had good luck getting shots of the bands, choirs, and other music groups during their practice before the service. This keeps me out of the way during the service so I don't disturb anyone. Also, I agree with others on this thread, decent zoom lens and small f-stop will help you to stay out of the way as well.

this is good advice. i have used this technique during weddings, youth camp worship practices, and church services. most of the time I can go up on stage, get close and otherwise get angles that i would not be able to do during the actual performance or service without being unacceptably obtrusive.

[jmichaelthurman]

There's some good advice in this thread...

1. Get all you can before/after.
2. Fast glass (f/2.8 or faster).
3. No flash. (Although, I break that one from time-to-time by bouncing the flash off the ceiling while flagging it from the congregation with the black foamie thing a la wedding photographer Niel van Niekerk (google him).)

I'll add....

4. A lens with Image Stabilization / Vibration Compensation, etc. With good technique, I can hand hold between 1/15 and 1/30 with acceptable sharpness.

Oh...

5. Better lighting in the sanctuary.

Unfortunately, better lighting is a problem where I work. Even if I pull in light trees, the "candelabra-esque" cans hanging from the ceiling are low enough to get in the way. Then there's the issue of color mixing. Argh...daylight through the stained glass, 6500k CFLs and 3200k tungstens..... It's a nightmare leading me to...

6. Custom white balance.

Keep up the good work!

Best,
Michael

[rhinotherunt]

Due to mixed lighting when I photograph congregation worship images (we use dim lighting and LED color washes. I typically convert to B&W. I try to create silhouette images of worshipers as to not invade on privacy. NO FLASH!!! You can meter for the stage and silhouette worshipers easily with that metering technique.