I was channel surfing the other day.
I paused when I came across a program that was supposed to be
about funny videos.
This segment featured a
wedding video shot by a professional hired for the occasion.
The videographer along with
a still photographer both decided to stand directly behind the minister.
The still photographer was
using a flash and was clicking off shot after shot as the minister began to
perform the ceremony.
Quite suddenly, the minister interrupted the ceremony.
He turned around to face both the videographer and photographer.
The minister informed the pair that he would not allow them
to stand there.
The videographer protested stating that he just wanted to get
a good shot.
The minister replied that these proceedings were not about
the shot but rather about God.
The videographer continued his protest and the minister
replied that he would stop the proceedings altogether if they refused to move.
A look of shock came over both the bride and groom.
This warning from the minister encouraged the pair to move.
What I find disturbing is that the producers of this program
felt the minister’s reaction was funny.
The commentary from the program’s panel was equally disturbing.
They contended that the couple was more important than God.
They even discussed how much these professionals charged for their
services.
Before I wrote this, I did a quick Internet search and
discovered one of the major news networks featured an extended version of the
video in a news report.
Their reporter inaccurately described the minister as having
a meltdown.
The network also interviewed the couple by phone.
They were of the opinion that the minister overreacted.
All things considered, I have to side with the minister in
this case.
I am not a professional photographer, but I have taken a
number of photographs at weddings, baptisms and other services in a church
setting.
I take them not only to benefit the participants, but also to
document church history.
That said, there are a number of rules I imposed on myself
from the beginning.
First, I would never use a flash in church.
Second, I would sit in front and take every photo from that
position. I would not move around.
Third, I would try my utmost not to be a distraction.
Finally, under no circumstances would I ever consider
approaching the altar for the sake of a photograph.
I have seen others do this, especially family members during
baptisms, and I cringe when they do so.
The service, no matter the occasion, is about God.
God comes first and the participants second.
It is never about the photographer or the shot.
I find it sad that both the program and a major network
decided to ridicule this minister.
I, for one, fully support his decision.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on
Friday, July 1, 2016.
I’ll be back here on Friday, July 8, 2016
