Ever wondered how to take better pictures inside churches? Wonder no more! I found the answer while browsing Flickr. A non-Catholic photographer is kind enough to share the secrets.
My method for getting tripods into cathedrals and shooting is this:
1) Go in the exit and act like you are lost if someone asks
2) Wear a long matrix-coat and stuff your tripod up inside like a shotgun. Try not to walk with a limp.
3) Stride confidently through the crowds like you are in a hurry on a photo assignment.
4) Work your way into the pews and have a seat. You can even pretend to be Catholic and say a few Latin words as you sit down. I suggest “Pater Noster (My Father) or Quid Pro Quo (Rub Beads and go to Heaven)”
5) Slide out the tripod and assemble along the ground, When other parishioners look at you suspiciously, give them the sign of the cross.
6) Watch for old people in the main aisle, because they have trouble getting around tripods. Jump out, take your long exposures at 100 ISO, then sit back down.
7) If securty comes to get you, blame Stuck In Customs and that will confuse them long enough so you can make a getaway.
8 ) Don’t worry about getting caught. The church is much more leniant than they were during the Inquisition. Most big cathedrals do have crypts, but they are full of dead saints and they have never put a photographer in there.
9) If you see a tourist with a tiny camera taking a picture with the flash on, please tell them to stop. The flash does nothing in that situation. It’s just embarassing for them, really.
10. See #9. It’s your duty to stop tourists from using flashes… next thing you know, they’ll have their flash on when shooting the Eiffel Tower at night.
Do you have any tips for taking good pictures inside of churches?
Ha! That is a gorgeous picture at the top though!
“Watch out for old people….” haha. I love cathedrals…beautiful photo.
I love cathedrals too!
thanks for the good laugh
That’s hilarious. I would definitely second the no flash and tripod (or at least something on which to rest the camera) recommendations. Lower ISO and longer exposure times can be good, as well, since cathedrals don’t usually have the most ideal lighting. (I learned these things, without actually knowing the terms for them, when I went to Italy 5 years ago. I wish I’d realized it all sooner, though, since my pictures didn’t come out so great.)
Thanks for the advice! I often just give up on taking pictures in churches because of the dim lighting.
I agree with the others, that is a gorgeous photo! I love to browse Flickr, lots of eye candy!
Yes!
I’ll have to give those tips a try.
When I had trouble getting a tripod into a church I used the back of the pew in front of me to steady the camera and actually got some pretty amazing shots.
I’ve never tried a tripod in church, but I have used the back of a pew trick!
good humor!