Worship Assignment

This photo is a little abstract until you know the context. It’s an out-take from a photo package in the Jan. 11 City/Region section on the Muslim Eid al-Adha prayer service at Lexington Center.
If you are ever at an Islamic service to take photos, it’s good to identify yourself before the service begins. The most common rules for photographers are:
1) Don’t shoot everyone from the back as they lean forward to pray. It’s just unflattering.
2) If you are tempted to make a detail shot of the variety of shoes that are discarded by the worshipers before they enter the worship area, DON’T.
3) Women are in the back of the worship area. Don’t shoot a telephoto close-up of them. Children are usually OK to photograph, but ask before the service begins. Boys and men are OK to photograph.

The important thing is to get there early so as to get the ground rules. But these guidelines will keep you from making any glaring mistakes in etiquette. – Dave Perry

Tech info: Nikon D-100, 80mm, 1250 ISO, 1/45 sec. at f 2.8, tungsten white balance.

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