Catholic Wedding Photographers, Do Not Despair

Catholic wedding photographers, do not despair.

 

I am a Catholic. I love a Catholic wedding. I love photographing Catholic weddings. I know that I am not the first photographer to shoot a wedding Mass during this pandemic, but this weekend was my first after a season of cancelations.

 

Photographers, our clients rely on us. We carry a lot on our shoulders. We keep the wedding day on track, we step in when needed, we calm nerves, we fix hair, we make connections, we smooth over family disagreements, we focus all of our attention on the details of the day, and we stay as inconspicuous as possible. While so many elements of wedding photography have changed, these remain the same.

 

Prior to the wedding, The Diocese of Rockford returned every call and answered every question. St. Thomas the Apostle worked tirelessly to ensure our safety. They provided us with the map to safely navigate this new era of weddings.

 

Photographers, I encourage you to attend the rehearsals of your clients. There were so many details that were discussed and then changed in the moment. Things looked different. Safety precautions were still in place. Masks were worn. Hand sanitizer was strategically placed. Face shields were worn. The sacrament of marriage was still the focus.

 

Our priests, deacon, and acolyte wore proper PPE. The consecration of the Eucharist was still powerful.

 

Guests in attendance wore masks or face shields to receive the Eucharist. They still received the Eucharist.

 

Our photos looked different. We had less time to take certain shots.  We still took beautiful photos.

 

Yes, this wedding looked different, but, I promise you, the wedding was still impactful. The bride and groom were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.  No one had forgotten how to behave during the most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

 

We took several photos outside in order to not spend as much time inside a closed space, and volunteers came in to clean and sanitize the church.

 

So, Catholic wedding photographers, do not despair. Your photos are a journalistic observation of the time. You are experienced and you will adapt and overcome. You might be wearing a KN95 like me and have to make sure your eyes are smiling to reassure your bride or groom. You might have to work a little harder to connect with the littlest participants. You might have to repeat what you say more often because your voice is muffled, but, rest assured, your photos will be beautiful. Your photos will capture moments of holiness. Your photos will be cherished.

 

 

Brides and Grooms, remember the meaning of this day and celebrate the sacrament. The rest is, well, icing on the wedding cake.