First Communion Photo Etiquette
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Faith on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 3:30 PM
I received a very thoughtful email today from a photographer who was hired to shoot photos before, during and after an upcoming First Communion mass. She posed the following question:
I am familiar with the customary poses of the child with hands folded and the group of children and the child and family. What I am wondering about are photos during mass. Being an avid scrapbooker I have always wanted photos during mass, but am really unsure what is appropriate for such things? I don’t want to disrespect the mass or the sacrament that are occurring, but have been asked to take non flash photos during the mass, are there actual guidelines for such photography?
First of all, I think it’s terrific that this parish has designated one person to take photos during the liturgy. I recently attended Confirmation and was simply overwhelmed by the masses of photographers who swarmed the front of the church as their children were confirmed. Honestly, the crowd was so large that from where I sat, I could barely see the teens on the altar. The parents/siblings/friends taking photos were quiet and respectful, but the sheer numbers of them (with approximately 150 students receiving the sacrament) made for a “three ring circus” atmosphere. When Adam is confirmed next year, I will rally for a single photographer and a firm announcement about others not rising from their pews to capture the “Kodak moment”.
But I wonder if I’m being a “fuddy-duddy” on this topic, so I’m bringing this photographer’s question to you. First of all, are “during the Mass” photos acceptable if this person has been expressly designated to capture the memories? Are there any portions of the Mass that she should and shouldn’t photograph? If you have children who have received First Communion, what are some of your favorite poses and photo memories?
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