Written by: Dana Suggs
This article will be a little different from my typical ones. This particular subject is so near and dear to my heart, and shows a bigger part of who I really am, not the silly girl I put out most of the time. I love to be funny and to make people laugh, but I love this subject so much more.
I am a worship photographer.
No, most people have never heard of this. There are not tutorials on this or really very many people that I have found that do this. When I first started doing this, I couldn’t even find anything on the SUBJECT…no hints, no words of wisdom, and no YouTube tutorials. So, I just had to wing it and jump in on my own.
Why do I do this? I have people ask me all the time, “Why do you take pictures during the service?” Here is the simple answer: I have a very deep faith in Jesus Christ and a close relationship with Him. It was my desire to let people have a little glimpse of what I experience when I worship. And it’s one of our most vulnerable times; I’m showing people in an intimate moment with their Creator.
Now, I’ll be honest here, not everyone agrees with what I do. People just don’t understand why I would take pictures of people during worship. They don’t see the value or the beauty in this. I see it like photographing a birth of a baby. That is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. So, this is why I decided to write this tutorial.
This is something I feel very passionate about. It was something I enjoyed doing, even if no one else understood it or liked it. It brings me joy.
We all have that one thing, that one subject we are passionate about. Something we enjoy doing or shooting more than anything else. I am here to give you permission to do it. I’m encouraging you to step out and get started, even if no one else does it, or understands it, or likes it. And, even if you aren’t ever paid to do it. To date, I have never received money of any kind to do these pictures, and yet, I don’t care. It’s something I love.
Find what you love to do, and do it.
Worship Photography Tips
Here are a few tips that I have learned along the way:
1| Know your camera. Learn everything you can about ISO, white balance, exposure, shutter speed, etc. Most churches I shoot in are indoors with strange lighting. I have to check my white balance each time I come to shoot worship services. I have to know what to set my ISO at in order to get a good, clear, properly exposed photo.
2| Equipment. I started worship photography with a Nikon D80. It isn’t great with high ISO’s. Trust me. The Nikon D90 did better, but what I truly needed was my Nikon D700. Whatever camera you use, investigate and see how it does in high ISO’s. You will need a CRAZY high ISO to shoot in such low light. Which means, you will need a camera that has amazing ISO capabilities. You will also need a very fast lens. I started with my 50mm 1.8 and it did very well. Now I shoot with my 85mm lens and it’s EVEN better! Because most of the venues I shoot in are large church buildings, I am able to stay pretty far back and not interfere with what is going on.
3| Watch your angles. Stay low, and try to stay on the same plane as your subject. But, also, shooting from a balcony down onto your subjects makes for some beautiful photos as well! Just, HOLD ONTO YOUR CAMERA EXTRA TIGHT. 
I have been hanging from a balcony in some pretty precarious positions. I’m just sayin’.
4| NO FLASHES! This one is a BIG one. You do not want to interrupt the flow of the service, and having a flash go off in your face is the worst thing that could happen. NO FLASH! Bump up the ISO and make sure your shutter speed is LIGHTNING fast! Embrace the noise the high ISO creates, but do not EVER use your flash!
5| Position. Stay BEHIND the action, or discreetly beside if you can do so without interrupting anyone. It’s so important to keep your distance. You don’t want to distract what is going on in the service.
6| Clothing. I know this sounds odd, but it does help stay hidden and discreet. I always try to wear dark clothing. Shoes are also very important. I do a LOT of running around the back of the church from one side to the other, up to the balcony and back down again, so I always try to wear comfortable, quiet shoes. You don’t want to be running up and down the aisles wearing flip flops. UGH! Think of it like shooting a wedding: you want to stay hidden and discreet.
7| Monopod or tripod. These are helpful, especially the monopod. I’ve used a tripod but found it too bulky and hard to move around with, so I probably won’t do that one again. I don’t have a monopod, but I really think it would be helpful. But, in the meantime, I use what is available: a chair, the back of a pew, a column, a wall, or I’ll just brace my arms to help keep the camera as still as possible. The above photo of the lady sitting down was shot with the camera sitting on top of the pew in front of me. I use what is available to me.
I know I probably seem like a total odd-ball, but I have found something I love doing just for the sake of doing it. Not for the money, and definitely not for any fame, I just love shooting worship. So, find what you enjoy shooting just for the sake of shooting it…..and GO FOR IT! Have a good time!
And, as always, be kind to others!
Dana Suggs is an I Heart Faces Contributor and the owner of Dana Suggs Photography. She loves to blog about her beautiful family and welcomes everyone to follow her on her Facebook Fan Page as well.
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{ 64 comments… read them below or add one }
This is awesome. I love taking pictures of people during worship too! One of the best shots I’ve ever gotten was when I was in Alaska on a mission trip. We did a VBS for some kids there, and every morning they would sing songs. I got a really sweet picture of a boy with his hands raised, worshiping God. I will never, ever, forget it. I am very glad someone finally wrote something on this subject.
God bless! (:
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Amazing. So, so beautiful and touching. I love this Dana!
Thanks for this article, I attempted to reasearch this type of photography and could not find hardly anything. I just photographed a revival for my church two nights ago and I was able to capture and show the raw emotion that you speak of. It was my 1st time attempting this type of photography but it is something that I have been interested in for quite some time.
I Love worship photography the most because its the most intimate beautiful and genuine time for people. To capture the raw emotion! To capture the connection between Our Savior and his children is amazing!
oh Dana! Worship photography is where i got a chance to come out of my shell. i am so with you! this is what i love and i thank God so much for the talent. “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (Prov. 18:16)
my church asked me to start taking photos last year and it has turned into a full time ministry for me. building up their library, website, and so on…and now i am off and running full time into my life with the photography. i am grateful for the confidence photographing at church as done for me. your tips are going to make me that much stronger. awe-some and more….
7 Tips for Worship Photography :: #photography http://tiny.ly/Pfld http://bit.ly/jWfcJN
I’m so glad you wrote about this gift of yours! It is incredible to see those images… and it is a powerful pull to worship!
And after meeting you in person – I know how passionate you are about it!
Wow, I think that is such an amazing idea. There is so much emotion to be seen in these situations to make for some beautiful images. Yours, as an example are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing and giving me an idea of something I would like to do in the future.
Thank you for capturing those moments of faith and worship!
Dana,
I have contacted you in the past to convey just how deeply your photography touched me and blessed my life by viewing the moments you have captured….as there are many different styles of photography…we all know there are different styles of worship…within my own family…we are all Christians and love the Lord with all of our being…but my family worships in such different ways…my parents or my sister would never dream of clapping…or raising their hand…..for me that is just a natural response of my heart to the music….Viewing your photo’s to me moves my heart in a very similar way…Thank You for your inspiration to others….but more importantly to your hearts response to the call The Lord has given you…he provided you the vision to have your photography be a vehicle to bless others…
This was a great article. I love to see people’s hands raised in in praise or their heads bowed in thankfulness. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Thank you so much for sharing this and even more so your faith. It was such a complete blessing to come across this post today for me…..your openness and your tips were both helpful and inspiring!!!
in Him,
Maria
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I love this post! The timing is PERFECT!
Maryanne – I think there was a post one day on the Shutter Sisters site about funeral photography – another kind of different and private yet public place of emotion. I will see if I can go back and find it – probaby within the last four months?
Thank you SO much for writing this tutorial!!! I am new at all this photography thing, but one thing I am VERY passionate about is worship at my church, so I would LOVE to learn to take pictures of worship time!! Thank you for all the tips!!
It’s awesome to see other photographers using their gifts for God! Stay strong in your faith and thanks for the tips on photography at church!
Thanks, Dana! Those are some great thoughts. Keep up the good work, I’m sure others are bing blessed by it.
Krystal, to answer your question: if someone objected to having their photo taken, anywhere, at any time, I would of course respect their wishes. Always. If someone asked me after the fact not to use their photo, I would, of course, delete that photo, no matter how much I loved it, and would not use the photo. I haven’t had that happen yet, though, which is good! LOL
In our church, we do have a battered womens shelter that worships with us, and I do not ever photograph them, for their own protection. I would suggest anyone wanting to do this to do their homework on the church and the congregation. I also am aware that I cannot take photos of foster children and post them on the internet, so I make sure to follow closely to those rules as well.
And most of the time, I try to only photograph their backs. I do on occasion photograph them from the side (as in the case of my son’s photo at the top), but I don’t do that very often, I believe it’s easier to shoot from a distance from behind.
I encourage everyone to read up on what our rights are as photographers. I have to say I was pretty surprised to see just how many we do have! I found this one from an attorney that I printed out and I keep a copy of it in my camera bag at all times. Just in case. But again, I am always respectful of others feelings when I photograph.
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
I believe that is so wonderful. I love how Ann Voskamp talks about her photography being like writing – I see your photography as a form of worship too. As long as no one is disturbed then it’s great. I love seeing real worship pics and not the canned stuff.
Dana, I love your worship work and have from the day I found your work! While it may not have a $ amount attached it is the portion of your work with the most value. And really, I think that is the way is should be. This should be done out of an out pouring of love for Jesus and not what we get from it ourselves. I would do it in a heartbeat, but our church has plenty of people filling that need. I did want to ask a little more about your views on privacy and such. I know it is legal to take someone’s picture while they are in public but would you really use it if someone objected? I guess I’m wondering if that would defeat the purpose of building up the body of believers. Also, I was wondering if it would be good advice for those who want to get into this kind of photography to follow around someone who has been doing it for a while. Much like a second shooter at a wedding. Then you don’t have people learning the hard way that they shouldn’t use a flash and to see what discreet looks like. I’m so glad you wrote this!!
I love this post! I always want to take my camera to church and take a picture because like you it is such a big part of my life. Don’t know if I’m brave enough yet but this really encouraged me =)
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I have the D80 and struggle with the lighting in our church. I love taking worship pictures and can’t wait for the day I can get the D700! Thank you for the tips!
AMAZING! Love this and how you brought this to a huge blog post!
Stunning photographs !
At first I was like, what the heck is this?!
But then I read your post, and I just want to say way to go girl! I think it’s awesome you’ve found something that brings you joy, and it’s quite an inspiration for other photographer’s to do the same.
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Your post and photos brought tears to my eyes! I completely, whole-heartedly, and thoroughly understand your passion for worship photography. I’ve wanted so much to capture the beauty in those moments at Church but I’m such a little chicken-head. I know that people would look at me and this is something that The Lord and I have been working on for quite some time – - to be okay with myself, be confident and know that I step positively in His strength. I have that confidence in other areas of my life, but in my photography, I feel as though so many people don’t “get it”. I’m also a little fearful about how they might react to my taking pictures of them, some people are very paranoid and I’m not a controversial person. If I’m approached with a negative personality, I feel overwhelmed by them.
This is beautiful, and I love that you openly shared with such confidence!!!!
Thank you for sharing this. I have been wanting to take pictures during our worship service but wasn’t sure how to go about it!
Worship photography ~ hmmm tricky! To be honest, I personally feel that there are very FEW occasions when it’s OK to be taking pictures in church. Touching on the ‘personal privacy’ issue, most of our ‘worship’ that would be photo-worthy is at the beginning of the service, when the children are still in. To be taking photographs of them would be a major issue, especially if I had any plans to publish them on the internet. We have strict rules about image-sharing and parental consent, etc… I think I am of the opinion that ‘normal’ Sunday worship is a no-go for a camera. HOWEVER… every now and then there is a dedication, a baptism, a celebration of one kind or another and THEN it’s time to bring the camera out, but because then it would be odd if it didn’t!
Here is a picture I captured during one such recent celebration (if you look through the set you will see more); http://flic.kr/p/9GUDs2
We have another keen photographer in our church too, who has recently acquired a Nikon D40 it seems. I would guess that he shoots full auto because at the same event he was using his camera WITH pop-up-flash CONSTANTLY and it was SO distracting ~ a definite NO, NO!! It’s really difficult in odd lighting and all, but essential to TURN OFF THAT FLASH ~ you just have to get a little creative PP!!
And, as it seems Dana does too, BW is a great way to go with high ISO images ~ it has been said that BW captures the soul without the distraction of colour, so maybe it could be argued it is more fitting for worship images anyway 
this is fast becoming a large portion of the photography I’m doing as my church calls on me frequently to do worship shots, baptism, or other types of pix in a sanctuary. I have struggled w/the lighting but have learned a lot through the process. great tips!
One of my favorite worship venues to shoot is when I go to Africa… and when I get to dip into Sunday services in Africa… truly, there is nothing more engaging and colorful than worshipping multi-culturally and having the honor of capturing it on film. It is beautiful!
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I also teach Youth and attend Youth camp every year, and really that’s how it started.
I have never had anyone ever get upset that I shot them during worship. Most of them never even know until later that I even took them because I am discreet.
I understand that some are not comfortable with this. Some (like me) are NOT comfortable with boudoir pictures. It doesn’t mean I don’t think it should be done, it’s just not for me. And I never disrespect or make anyone feel bad for taking those photos. It’s not up to me to judge.
I just don’t prefer to do them.
I am always respectful of others especially during worship. It’s such a special time to me! The very first photo happens to be my 2nd son, Chandler. As his mother, it amazes me and fills me with PRIDE to see that photo and to know he has an intimate relationship with his Father apart from his parents.
I also have heard wonderful testimonies of those I’ve photographed. One particular one: I photographed a severely mentally handicapped photo during worship. He was CLEARLY worshiping. The photo made his mother CRY and reinforced her belief that even though he couldn’t communicate, he still had a deep love for God. I love that photo. It was a gift I could give that family.
I apologize if I have offended anyone by my style of photography, but I do not apologize for the art itself. I just very respectfully disagree and choose not to argue. LOL
Someone asked if I had to get permission to take the photos. The law states: The general rule in the United States is that anyone may take photographs of whatever they want when they are in a public place or places where they have permission to take photographs. Absent a specific legal prohibition such as a statute or ordinance, you are legally entitled to take photographs.
If they are in public they have the expectation of being photographed. Unless it is publically displayed that I CANNOT take photos, I can take them. A good thing for any photographer to know.
I loved this post!!! I’ve done worship photography before and I also think it is such a sweet, gentle concept to be able to capture those intimate moments. Thanks for sharing, sister!
Dana,
Well hello soul sister!!! I have been doing this for years and never put a name to it. Its very cool to see someone else out there doing it.
I have done this for every church we have attended, since becoming a photographer! Worship, VBS, baby dedication, Fall Festivals, baptisms and much more.
Never one dime, only for the joy of serving the Lord, and an offering of my time and talent. The churches have not only received many images for their websites but I along the way have learned so many things about lighting and photography.
Blessings. Keep it up!
P. S. I never post any of the images on my blog or website as I usually don’t have the people’s permission, unless I am able to ask.
This was a great article. Every church culture and worship experience is different. And while some may not be comfortable with photography, in other churches it wouldn’t be a big deal. We take pictures often at our church. This article was so helpful. I’ve had a few volunteers take flash photos of the crowd during a worship concert we did and it really bugged me. So, having this article to hand out to volunteers that want to take pics is great!! We’ve been wanting to get some great crowd shots during worship to use on our website or for our bulletin. I know these tips will help! Thanks!
What a sweet, sweet spirit you have. Thank you for sharing.
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You know, I was going to mention this in my post. I have had too many opportunities in the last 8 months to shoot at funerals- I have lost 7 relatives in that time frame on both sides of my family. I did take photos and in a way it helped me to deal with the grief of loosing each loved one. I wasn’t running all over the church, because I definitely didn’t feel like it, but mainly in my seat and then, at the burial site and of course at the repast. Like she said- no flash and stay back. I had relatives who couldn’t make the services, so shared my photos with them and they were very grateful. Then, too, when grieving you don’t realize everyone who came out to pay their respects and when the family sees the photos it helps to know who was there and thank them later.
I have mixed feelings about worship photography. I am personally uncomfortable with shooting worship, or being photographed while worshiping, but I loved looking at the beautiful images. I had been asked to take pictures during the youth group worship time at my church, but found it very hard to do. If I am distracting people and making them uncomfortable while they are trying to worship and spend time with our Savior, I don’t believe the images are worth it!
Ohhhhh Thank you!!! I have been looking for something like this for awhile now and it is so hard to find info on this subject! I, too, am a Worship Photog! I LOVE it! Like you said, I had to wing it and the main thing was ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO FLASH!!! I am blessed to attend a church youth camp every year with my children for a week and I take about 1300 photos on average. I cannot begin to tell you how many parents and young people have thanked me for this because they are able to to actually see their children being baptized, or seeking after God for themselves and not just because their parents are around, ect. There was one young lady in particular that stands out to me. Last year, I snapped a picture of her in prayer and you could tell it was a deep, earnest prayer of thanksgiving. She had her hands on her heart and she was seeking God. I shared the picture with her and she posted it on FB. I didn’t realize how much it meant to her until I heard her testimony. Her family cried when they saw it because they knew what she had been through and how it would take God to touch her and change her completely. So, when she gets a little down, she takes a look at her picture and feels encouraged to know that the same God who brought her out of the state she was in, is the same one who is with her now. No, I don’t get paid with money either, but I do get paid by being a blessing to others.
I realize everyone may not agree with this, but honestly, it is a gift. If that’s the way God directs me to be a blessing and to be used for his glory, I am going to continue do it with his help.
Thank you so much again for this great tutorial. I was blessed to get a D7000 in March and the ISO is GREAT! After my next job, my goal is to purchase a 85mm. Yay!!! God bless
I have to say, this is one of my favorite posts ever on this site. I feel like I worshiped Jesus while reading and scrolling through the pictures. Thank you.
I am also linking this under things I love on my blog.
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I too applaud your honesty and openness about your relationship with Jesus – many times we are too silent on this front. I find your photography beautiful as well even though I personally would not want to be the subject of it
I envy people who are able to worship so openly and freely sometimes. I think that, as long as the subjects are comfortable and allow it, it’s as natural a thing to photograph as anything else. Similar to how some are comfortable and allow childbirth photography. I don’t want to do it myself but I certainly don’t begrudge those that do. Thanks for the informative article.
I’m not going to touch the issues of wether or not you should be shooting services, BUT thank you for the post. It is very timely for me since my daughter is graduating preschool next week and their end of year program is held in the church.
Dana~
I applaud what your doing and find it very fascinating! I too am a Christian and would love to do something like this. My question is: With worship being such a personal thing with God, do you ever have anyone object to having thier pictures made? Is this something you had to get permission to do by the church? And how did you go about that, if so?
Thanks for this post!! I love what you do
It’s definitely a calling from God!
I LOVE this blog! My husband is a Worship Pastor and on MANY occasions, I’ve wanted to grab my camera out of my bag (yep, it goes everywhere with me) and snap. There is truly nothing like worshipping our Savior and capturing for the next generations to see!
Great job on this post! I’ll be sharing it with many!
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Well, it seems like many people have different and strong opinions on this. I love to worship the Lord and really I would not even notice that you were taking the pictures while I was.
Just looking at your pictures remind me of my times of worship and are very inviting to me.
People love capturing beauty in many forms. Your work is amazing.
Thanks for sharing!
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I too LOVE Jesus with all that I am. Yet, I am not comfortable at all with you shooting during normal worship services. I would truly be insulted that you took a photo of me or anyone in my family while we are spending precious moments worshipping our King. I can’t even imagine that most feel comfortable having you walk around let alone run around the church trying to capture shots during worship. Weddings and other events are one thing to photograph while in church – but the rest should really be OFF limits.
Sorry to sound harsh – I don’t mean it as such. But there is a time and place for photography and this really isn’t one of them.
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These are so beautiful, Dana–what a powerful kind of photography. I love that you shoot what you love, simply because you love it. Thank you for sharing!
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I often take photos during special events at our Church and have passed on some AMAZING shots to not appear “papparazzi”….fine line balance that I tend to err on the side of privacy……ie: parents explaining the “prayer shawl” and then jointly praying as it was passed during a service….gave me goosebumps….happened to have camera there as it was a special service but felt it would be an intrusion……Thanks for sharing…you now have me rethinking my decisions
I love it! I too am a strong follower of Jesus Christ, and seeing those pictures is very moving for me. Thank you for being brave and willing to share this passion of yours.
I know this is your favorite kind of photography Dana. I am glad you are able to do it often.
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I’ve just started researching art as a form of worship in itself. I found this link last week that has people making art during worship in chruches. Not the same as taking pictures of worship. But art and worship going on at the same time…
http://www.artworship.org/Welcome.html
Still mulling over it…
I’m not sure I would be comfortable worshiping if someone had a camera out. But then again I would not be comfortable in a worship services that was being filmed either (this is a common occurrence for TV services ect)
Is someone going to write an article on funeral photography? I’ve always wondered if there are people that do this?
i love this… there is something about photographing people at their most vulnerable moments that is sort of taboo, intriguing and voyeuristic about it. but sometimes these moments are some of the most beautiful capture! i love your worship work!