danallen Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Well, It looks like we will be booking our first Jehovah Witness wedding and I was wondering if there are any pitfalls we need to look out for, or even better, what we are likely to expect. We want to respect the beliefs and customs so we are studying what we can. From what I've seen so far, Their weddings are pretty straight forward so I'm not expecting anything that would make me concerned about doing a good job, but I figure it can't hurt to check in with anyone whose done some. Thanks, Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce levy Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Don't dance, don't sing, don't tell jokes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annealmasy Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Dan, talk openly with your clients about this. Let them know that you've never shot a J.W. wedding before, and you want to be aware of all of their customs so you can be respectful. I'm sure they'll appreciate the gesture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrea_robinson Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Bruce - Unless you know that for certain, as in: that is your practicing religion, perhaps you should keep your assumptions to yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce levy Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I was being facetious, lighten up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_van_lommel Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Do they have parties? I was told that they don't celebrate anniversaries, weddings, birthdays ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hector_montalvo Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 They have parties and celebrate weddings and anniversaries... but no b-day's. Basically flash is o.k. and stay off the platform. There are no religious customs like lighting candles etc. Bride goes down the aisle, father gives away the bride, vows are exchanged, rings are exchanged, kiss the bride and the couple is introduced as Mr and Mrs. or Bro. and Sis. (name). They go down the aisle ... done deal. Usually there is a reception line in the back of the Kingdom Hall (church). What there isn't is rice throwing or throwing the bouquet. As for receptions there are no toast to the couple. I hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_cooke1 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Dan,<p> Why in the world are you asking this forum? <p> I have not been doing weddings very long at all, but I have had a business long enough to know that you need to communicate with your clients. They are the ones who hired you and are the only ones who best know what they want and what is to be expected during the event. Just discuss it with them openly like a professional. No big deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_barrett2 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 JW weddings are like any other wedding. They are all different. The JW wedding I did last year was a blast. Great couple AND great party. There is nothing about the religion of JW that doesn't allow drinking. Many, though not all, are quite the party type! Kingdom Halls are decorated only VERY VERY minimally. My couple wanted most of their shots outside around the hotel and only the ceremony at the Kingdom Hall. In their words, "the Hall is just plain ugly". I will post some pics later. Mike B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edrodgers Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 It's been a while for me, but Kingdom Halls are are plain, with lots of fluorescent lighting. They are built fast and cheap, but functional. I would do lots of closeups, and overpower the lighting as much as possible. I don't remember lots of rules, in fact JW weddings are pretty simple and relaxed. Since they go to the Kingdom Hall 5 days a week, it's almost like a wedding at home for them. -Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniel_schneider Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Thanks everyone. We are being upfront and have told them that we haven't done any JW weddings before. I was researching the ceremony and asking around in the spirit of professionalism. I like to be prepared for each and every wedding. I always scope out a venue I haven't shot before, I like to become familiar with any aspects of different styles of weddings I haven't done before etc. I will be discussing all of this with my clients on our next consultation, but I like to be prepared first. I not only want them to be confident with their choice, but I want to BE confident in my aproach also. I'm looking forward to shooting a wedding that isn't a big, blown-out afair. The couple is really nice, fun to chat with, and it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun to shoot. Thanks again for all the feedback. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katie b. - maine Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Hey Dan, As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I would be happy to answer any specific questions you might have. Just e-mail me. Most of what was said here is true. The ceremony is very simple, walk down the aisle, talk (15-30 min), vows, rings, kiss, prayer, very simple. Plus there aren't any no flash rules which is nice. Definatly recommend doing pics outside. Halls are very simply decorated and the ligting is generally bad for photography. As far the reception goes, it should be fun! There will probably be lots of dancing, with the traditional husband/wife and father/daughter dances. There won't be a bouquet toss or a garter toss, and there will be minimal drinking, so no completely drunk guests or bridal party!! I wouldn't say there's anything you should worry about. It's probably a much easier job than most weddings. By the way where are you located? I might know the couple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce levy Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2919/reasons.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regas chefas Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Bruce - What's the reason for spreading hatred? You obviously know very little about JW life and culture. Most of the things on the list are complete BS told in a way to slander witnesses as much as possible and show them in the worst possible light. I come here to learn about photography, not bigotry. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce levy Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 The above link is in no way a hate site. It lists the current and past beliefs of the JW's. And if you google JW rules you'll find exactly the same citations at their own sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce levy Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 http://www.jwfiles.com/jw-cant.htm http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/Beliefs/their_beliefs.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah's_Witnesses_and_governments http://www.watchtower.org/e/t22/article_01.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regas chefas Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 It is a hate site and it is a misrepresentation of JW beliefs. Even if it wasn't, this still isn't the place to spread your brand of bigotry and religious persecution. I believe in Freedom of religion. If you don't, that's fine with me, but your holy war does not belong on a photography site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce levy Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 My brand of bigotry and religious persecution? My Holy War? Give it a rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roxyandkaidotcom Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 Wow, lots of professionalism going on in this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regas chefas Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 I apologize to the board for my part in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon_harvey Posted March 28, 2007 Share Posted March 28, 2007 Here is a link to a JW wedding i shot <a href="http://www.jrhimaging.co.uk/clients/davidandnaomi/index.html">David & Naomi</a> <p> And to the maturer views that have been expressed concerning the derogator sites posted in earlier replies, thankyou for not jumping to conclusions and having an open mind. </p> <p> As a practising Jehovah's Witness, and one who is more intimately acquainted with the views and beliefs of Witnesses as i study them daily, the sites quoted are not an accurate view. www.watchtower.org is the offical site. Makes sense to go straight to the source. Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted March 28, 2007 Share Posted March 28, 2007 Dan, I'm sure that you'll have no trouble getting through the ceremony and reception. How about giving us updates here on the Forum about both your meeting with the couple and how the wedding went. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jml Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Well here I am a day late and a dollar short, but was out of town when this first posted. Hey Dan, the knowledge based constructive advice given to you is right on the mark. I'm sure by now you know to ignore the rest. It should indeed be a very stress free shoot, although you will have to make adjustments or color correct in post work for the possible fluorescent lighting, but it's not a big deal. I too am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and if you would like to see some shots which may reflect the shooting conditions you'll face I would be happy to share them with you. I too would like to hear how it went for you. I'm sure you will do a fine job, so enjoy! When is/was the wedding btw? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_mcgovern2 Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 <p>A very interesting dicussion as I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and also a wedding photographer. Anyone who is shooting a JW wedding... relax! We're not that different from 'ordinary' people! ;)<br> I agree with the other posters that light in Kingdom Halls is difficult for photos - take a good strobe. There are no toasts and no confetti at a Jehovah's Witness wedding, and there is often a lengthy wedding talk given in the Kingdom Hall by one of the congregation elders.<br> If any Jehovah's Witnesses are looking for a brother to shoot their wedding, check my site! <p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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