The wedding industry has seen a shift in recent times, with photographers and videographers taking center stage. This has led to a growing conflict between them and the clergy, who feel that the sanctity of the ceremony is being compromised.
Wedding photographers, once tasked with capturing the arrival at the church, the ceremony, and portraits for an hour or so afterward, are now expected to provide coverage from early morning until midnight or later. The demand for more stylized coverage has increased, with couples wanting their weddings to resemble movie shoots. This includes photoshoots on beaches at sunset, clifftops, or up mountains, and employing ‘content creators’ alongside traditional photographers.
However, this shift has not been welcomed by everyone. Earlier this year, wedding photographer Rachel Roberts started a petition calling for improved conditions for photographers and videographers working in churches. She claimed that some vicars were hindering professionals from doing their jobs and were often rude, humiliating, aggressive, and abusive. The petition has been signed by more than 1,200 people.
The clergy, on the other hand, argue that they need to be able to do their jobs without interference. They have been accused of restricting the type of photographs that can be taken in church, and in some cases, banning photographers altogether. This has led to a toxic battle over who controls the narrative of the special day.
Read more: www.theguardian.com