Camera Advice for Pilgrims

June 27, 2013 by 4 Comments
Pope Francis, surrounded by a sea of photographer pilgrims

Pope Francis, surrounded by a sea of photographer pilgrims

I found this video from Catholic News Service to be quite profound. ”These days, we are so involved in the image that we forget about the reality…“ shares Father Caesar Atuire, CEO of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi. He goes on to share that with his pilgrims, he insists that they, “Do live the experience.”

I’m taking Father Atuire’s advice to heart. I love memorializing my journeys with photos, but I also do think that as spiritual tourists, we need to remember to keep photography in its proper perspective. I thought I would share a few of my own thoughts about taking photos along the journey, and invite yours in the comments section below.

Photography Rules

Photography Rules

Here, in no random order, are a few of my personal “rules” of the road for taking travel photos:

Be Respectful

Especially when photographing inside a church, cathedral or other spiritual place. Remember that it is primarily a place of worship. Do not take photographs during a Mass or religious ceremony. If your photographing will disturb and worshipper or someone who is in quiet prayer, “just say no”.

Before or After?

Father Atuire recommends taking a photo after the “profound” experience, but I do the opposite. When I travel, I tend to take my photos almost immediately and then put my camera away and enjoy my time in that destination. Your thoughts?

Pick a Theme

I have a “collection” of photographs. Every time I visit a new church, I take a photograph of the parish’s statue of our Blessed Mother Mary. I literally have hundreds of photos of Mary statues. One of my favorite pastimes is looking at that collection and seeing the various representations of Mary, which so often reflect the culture of the place I’ve visited. Consider a “theme” or collection in your own spiritual photography.

Share the Good News

Sharing spiritual photographs in social media can be a wonderful “low key” approach to the New Evangelization. Photography often captures the beauty, the grandeur and the truth of our Catholic faith. Consider sharing your most beautiful photos of spiritual destinations with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Then, “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope…” (1 Peter 3/15)

Your turn: What are some of your personal rules and habits for photography while you’re traveling?

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About Lisa M. Hendey

As a Catholic who loves her faith and a frequent adventurer who’s always up for a new journey, Lisa is a wife and mom, a writer, a speaker and an impassioned traveler. Visit her at LisaHendey.com to keep up with her comings and goings.

  • gloria

    I try to stay away from objects or buildings, to me the people of the place are much more interesting than the place itself. On another note, I like to take my pictures “after”. Depends upon the person I suppose. I just need time to absorb things a bit.

    • lisahendey

      Gloria I love your comment. May I ask about your preference for photographing “people”. Do you mean the people who are traveling with you, or the people who are in or at a destination? If you’re taking photographs of folks you don’t know (candids obviously…) do you feel a need to request permission? I am asking sincerely, because this is often an issue for me – a quandary… if you ask, it sort of “kills” the moment, but not asking also sometimes feels impolite… Your thoughts?

      • gloria

        It really is a quandry. I meant “locals” in the place I am visiting. To be sure, it is polite to ask, but then as you pointed out that “kills the moment”. So I go by instinct as best I can. No hard and fast rule. But no doubt the best photos are the candid ones that you did not plan.

        Here is one my husband took at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico on the feast day. He had to follow the man around to get a decent angle. Don’t think the baby had any objections!

        • lisahendey

          Oh goodness Gloria, that’s precious. I think you’re right, we just need to err on the side of not encroaching on others’ privacy… lovely photo. Thanks so much for sharing!