A few days ago Fr. Constantine Lazarakis from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary invited me to photograph the Divine Liturgy. His Grace, Bishop Themi, the founder of Paradise 4 Kids, led us in worship. Photographing a Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy requires sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the sacred nature of the event.
The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, located in the Hamptons, serves as a prominent spiritual and cultural center for the Orthodox Christian community. It offers a wide array of ministries, youth programs, and events like the annual Hamptons Greek Festival and the Blue Dream Summer Gala.
My main photographic considerations during the Divine Liturgy are the following:
Many Orthodox churches are dimly lit to create a contemplative atmosphere. I prefer to use lenses with a wide aperture (f/1.4 or f/2) to maximize light intake. My favorite lenses are the Canon 200mm f/2, the Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4 and a 50mm f/1.2.
The use of flash can be disruptive and distract from the reverence of the service. This is why I prefer using only available light.
My intention is to capture key moments such as:
• Architecture and Icons: I begin with photos of the church’s interior, iconostasis, and icons to set the context.
• The Liturgy: I capture the procession of clergy, the incensing, the raising of the Gospel, and the chalice.
• Clergy and Vestments: I focus on the ornate vestments and sacred vessels, as these are integral to the visual richness of the liturgy.
While photographing a Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy, the photographer must be respectful and understanding of the religious rituals.
