Photographing inside Churches, Religious centres etc

[andy-xr]

The search is down, otherwise I'd have used it.

So, who's photographed inside a church? Did you have to arrange a convenient time, and were the clergy OK with someone clicking away?

Any examples?

[beano500]

I suppose it's technically photography on private land in England and Wales, and as such you need permission I would suggest.

I don't photo inside these places very often, but for cathedrals I march straight up to the information/pay station and ask what's what - usually cough up a few bob and agree to non-commercial use then wander round with a bright coloured sticker they give you so you don't get challenged.

For "unattended" churches I just go ahead; for weddings - well the last time I politely asked the vicar/head honcho or whatever he was called and he was just a grumpy s*d and I wish I hadn't arsed/asked.

[4hero]

I've photographed inside a couple, just ask first! There are sometimes a donation box, it's good practice to leave something. The last time I popped into one in Princes Street, Edinburgh, the man was extremely helpful. He even showed me around, pointing out the best places to get shots (it was a big church)!

[Famous Graham]

4hero said:

I've photographed inside a couple, just ask first! There are sometimes a donation box, it's good practice to leave something. The last time I popped into one in Princes Street, Edinburgh, the man was extremely helpful. He even showed me around, pointing out the best places to get shots (it was a big church)!

Sounds like St Cuthbert's at the end of Princes St next to Lothian Road. Top bloke in there.

I'd echo the "ask first" ethos. Often places that get arsey will be accomodating when someone takes the time to be polite.

[Bernie-the-bolt]

I went to Italy in September and had a look around a few. I didn't see anyone to ask and simply placed my camera on a pew and then used timer with some long (ish) exposures.

Some of the smallest villages have fantastic churches







Not very imaginative but I was concious of the fact I didn't have permission!

[ian in lancs]

Never had a single problem. I've taken pictures in the Notre Dame, Segrada La Familia in Barcelona, York Minster, Catholic Churches in Austria, France and Spain, Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries - unsurprisingly in Greece, Buddhist temples in Thailand, a Sikh Temple in Derby (for a wedding), an Evangelical Church, Church of England Church and the Baptist Church I go to (all weddings and also a few congregation/band/service shots for the Baptist Church website). Providing you are respectful, discrete and are using natural lighting its OK.

Edited by ian in lancs on Sunday 26th October 21:44

[Fordo]

I took these in Bath Abby:





I just asked someone there if it was ok to snap away

[Stigmundfreud]

Always get permission never assume! It makes life much easier, also I have found in the past its good to chat to the vicar as some (not all) are into a bit of photography (its in the press a lot) and are happy to let you in outside their opening hours.

The church at Castle Combe is a good example as a lot of local volunteers maintain it during the day so get chatty and they are happy to let you in after the posted times.

[andy-xr]

Thanks chaps. I'm thinking of taking on Southwell Minster as it's fairly local and I've seen some very good angles on Flickr.

Checking out their website they have a visitors section with suggested donations etc on it, which I'm quite happy to do

Think I'll have a quiet word as well with someone on arrival rather than dive in.

[agent006]

As has been said, ask first. I've never been refused, but almost universally been asked not to use flash.

[AndyKH]

Fordo said:

I took these in Bath Abby:





I just asked someone there if it was ok to snap away

Wow!

[Simpo Two]

Famous Graham said:

I'd echo the "ask first" ethos. Often places that get arsey will be accomodating when someone takes the time to be polite.

Yep. Religious types can be terrified of 'commercialism' - unless it's for their own cause of course!

[andy-xr]

Southwell were wise to this, walked in and saw a sign - "Photography licence, £4"

God loves a trier

[Simpo Two]

andy-xr said:

Southwell were wise to this, walked in and saw a sign - "Photography licence, £4"

God loves a trier

They also say 'The love of money is the root of all evil' - but they only quote the chunks of Bible that suit them...