Covering a church service with video and stills

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Praise band singing at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 7200, ƒ/4, 1/100]

This past Sunday, my wife Dorie Griggs was asked to give the message for Parent’s Weekend at the Summerall Chapel on The Citadel by Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets and Director of Religious Activities Joe Molina.

Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets and Director of Religious Activities Joe Molina gives a welcome at the Summerall Chapel on Parent’s Weekend at The Citadel. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 16000, ƒ/4, 1/100]

Dorie introduced the concept that often, we live either in the mindset of Good Friday, the Saturday in between, or Resurrection Sunday.

I came prepared to videotape Dorie speaking for our records and to share with friends and family that couldn’t be there.

Listen to her message here. Many people commented on how much they appreciated the notification.


Now before Dorie’s sermon, The Citadel’s Gospel Choir sang.

The Citadel Gospel Choir is singing at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/100]

I didn’t plan on shooting a video of them singing, or I would have been further back. But please listen to them sing.

I enjoyed seeing the joy on the cadet’s faces.

The Citadel Gospel Choir is singing at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 16000, ƒ/4, 1/100]
The Citadel Gospel Choir is singing at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 12800, ƒ/4, 1/100]
The Citadel Gospel Choir is singing at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 12800, ƒ/4, 1/100]
The Citadel Gospel Choir is singing at the Summerall Chapel on the Citadel Campus. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 8000, ƒ/4, 1/100]

Now the service was a lot of pomp and circumstance. They have a Color Guard bring the colors in to start the service.

The Citadel Color Guard at the Summerall Chapel on Parent’s Weekend at The Citadel. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 100, ƒ/4, 1/100]
The Citadel Color Guard at the Summerall Chapel on Parent’s Weekend at The Citadel. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 5000, ƒ/4, 1/100]

Here are a few tips if you decide to cover your church service.

  • Talk to the minister first to get permission.
  • Arrive Early
  • Stand on the stage and get a custom white balance.
  • If videotaping, use a wireless Lavalier microphone for the speaker
  • Plan your moves around so that it is at a minimum
  • Recommend zoom for less movement versus a fixed lens
  • Upload your photos to an online gallery like PhotoShelter
The Citadel Parent’s Weekend during the protestant service at the Summerall Chapel. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm ƒ/4 Art, ISO 2500, ƒ/4, 1/100]