Paganistan: Notes from the Secret Commonwealth
In Which One Midwest Man-in-Black Confers, Converses & Otherwise Hob-Nobs with his Fellow Hob-Men (& -Women) Concerning the Sundry Ways of the Famed but Ill-Starred Tribe of Witches.
Photographing Sacred Objects: The Right Way to Do It
Sacred objects—hallows, sacra, call them what you will—constitute a category of being all of their own.
When interacting with them, always remember: These are not mere “things.” They must be treated as if they were persons.
There's an etiquette to photographing such beings, and here it is:
Ask first.
Most sacred objects, especially those that are recipients of cult, have someone who tends them and cares for them. Before photographing,You need to ask the hallow's keeper for permission.
This person will be able to tell you whether or not photography is permitted.
Bear in mind that, even if photography is usually (or sometimes) acceptable, the object may not wish to be photographed at this time, or (possibly) by you. The keeper has an ongoing relationship with the hallow, is sensitive to its moods, and will be able to tell you.
When in doubt, take no photograph.
Sometimes there will be no keeper, or you will already be in ongoing relationship with the object that you wish to photograph.
In this case You need to ask permission of the object itself.
Then you need to listen, and listen well.
If the answer is No, take no photograph.
If the answer is Yes, take your photograph respectfully and prayerfully, and be sure to leave an appropriate offering. A gift for a gift: having received something, it is your responsibility to give back. Otherwise, your photograph is a stolen photograph.
So: what's the right way to photograph a sacred object?
1. Ask first.
2. When in doubt, take no photograph.
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