Is taking pictures during confirmation ok?

[JanSobieskiIII]

I get confirmed tomorrow night at the Easter Vigil, most of my family lives out of town and my mom was hoping someone could take a picture while I get confirmed. Would this be irreverent?

 

[edward_george1]

Not at all. Some parishes actually have a photographer taking pictures during the rites. As long as the one taking pictures is respectful and not, say, climbing into the sanctuary, it should be fine. Check with your pastor.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[JulianN]

I would ask your RCIA director or the parish liturgist. Different parishes have different rules about photography.

 

[Phemie]

I would ask your RCIA director or the parish liturgist. Different parishes have different rules about photography.

Yes, that.

In our parish we ask anyone who wants to take pictures during sacraments to not go further forward than the first pew, otherwise they become a distraction. Confirmation is difficult because often the confirmands have their sponsor behind them as they’re facing the bishop so the actual anointing is not readily seen.

Obviously, we allow an official photographer to set up equipment that makes it possible to take photos without being obtrusive.

 

[JanSobieskiIII]

Thanks folks. I’ll ask Father at practice earlier that day.

 

[DoGodsBidding1]

Also, flash photography may or may not be allowed.

DGB

 

[JulianN]

In the last parish where I worked, anyone with a camera had to stay behind the first pillar—about the sixth row. And Father would bring a Mass, including weddings, to a screeching halt if a flash went off.

 

[ConfusedLucy]

I would expect some sort of announcement regarding appropriate photography.

 

[Phemie]

I would expect some sort of announcement regarding appropriate photography.

I’ve honestly never heard that kind of announcement in church. Usually we point it out to the couple getting married and the parents preparing for Baptism.

Not everyone will comply, even if told. Whether it’s a wedding, Confirmation, or Baptism, we have one guy who will practically crawl over the priest to get a good shot of a family member. Of course that’s the same guy who got up after Communion at his mother’s funeral, walked to the ambo and announced, “We were told that we couldn’t do this (eulogy/talk, which in the Canadian Funeral Rites takes place within the Funeral Vigil, not the funeral itself) but I know you won’t mind,” and then proceeded to talk for 20 minutes. You could practically see the steam coming out of Father’s ears.

 

[pianistclare]

Agree. We only permit a professional photographer and Father is clear about where to put the tripod. No walking around.
As many pictures as you like afterward! Our Archbishop poses with the class BEFORE the Mass and after he interviews them.
The professional gets the exact moment when they are anointed with the oil. Everyone get a copy for free, and a chance to buy extra prints.

Edited to Add:
In our American culture, the picture tends to become the point. The Sacrament is received whether or not you have a lasting memory of the image at the time. Because good cameras are so accessible here, we want to snap a photo of everything. Let the professional that has been hired take the time and do his or her work. Family and friends should strive to be actively praying for the confirmandi. Some parents are just relieved that the student successfully got there!

 

[HeDa]

In my diocese we have to ask the parish priest for permission to take pictures in the church buildings. If posting on the internet then everyone in the photo has to agree that they are OK to be on the internet.

Rules regarding taking pictures are posted on the notice boards.