During my last road trip through the Capital Cities of the Southeast, I photographed ten churches. The people in most of these ten churches were amazingly cooperative. Only one church (the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, SC), presented a challenge.

The Challenging Church

While visiting the South Carolina State Capitol, I decided to take a look inside Trinity Episcopal--which is located across the street from the Capitol. Fortunately, the front door to the church was open. I was immediately impressed with the beauty of the interior of the church. Unfortunately, the church was dark and I was unable to find the lights (which ultimately was a good thing). I began searching the rather large church campus for someone who might be able to help me.

After several minutes, I finally met a custodian. He had no idea if photography was permitted and wasn't about to help with the lights unless the pastor granted permission. Before very long, the pastor approached the building from the parking lot. Usually, when I ask to photograph a church, the pastor or priest quickly grants permission. In this case, it was clear that the pastor was very uncomfortable with my request. He also mentioned to me that the entrance to the church was intended to be locked.

I explained to him that I photograph churches from all over the country. I've photographed well over 100 places of worship without issue. I handed him my business card so that he had my contact information. Surprisingly, he continued to look at me with a lot of uncertainty.

I asked him what his concerns were about my photography. He replied that a couple of years ago a photographer captured images of the interior of the church--and later sold some of the pictures. I have no idea why this would cause so much concern, but I asked if it would help if I promised not to sell any of my pictures. I also told him that I always offer my pictures to the church for free--and that the church may use the images in any way they see fit (website, programs, etc.). At that point, he agreed to let me take pictures inside the church for as long as I wanted. And, he made sure that every light in the church was on!

Trinity Episcopal CathedralSanctuary of the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at 1100 Sumter Street in Columbia, South Carolina on December 10, 2014. Local tradition holds that laymen took down the Episcopal signs and put paper-mâché crosses on the roof when the Union Army entered Columbia on February 17, 1865. They felt that this might protect the church because General Sherman was Catholic. This photo is not for sale by request of the church.

Nearly every church that I visit is cooperative when it comes to my photography. Two of the churches from this last trip went above and beyond.

Atlanta's Oldest Church

The oldest church, and the second oldest building in downtown Atlanta is the Catholic Shrine to the Immaculate Conception. The church was saved from destruction during the Civil War when Father O'Reilly appealed to General Sherman to spare the church during the burning of Atlanta.

This church was locked when I arrived. However, there were several homeless people being fed in the basement of the church. I entered the basement and asked if it would be possible to photograph the church's interior. My request was met with enthusiasm--and I was granted permission to photograph the church for as long as I wanted...and all the lights were turned on.

As I was leaving, they asked if there was anything else that they could do for me. I said I would like them to direct my cash donation to meals for the homeless. In the end, I had a fantastic experience and the church received a donation and free photographs. Everybody won!

Pipe OrganPipe organ in the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 48 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW in Atlanta, Georgia on December 2, 2014. This church is the second oldest building in downtown Atlanta. The Churches of Raleigh

All of the historic Churches of Raleigh were amazingly cooperative. It's hard to say which of the five churches that I photographed was the most enjoyable to visit, but my experience at the Church of the Good Shepherd was unique. The receptionist was eager to share information about the history of the church--particularly about the many stained glass windows. About 45 minutes into my photo shoot, she approached me and said that I obviously had a great appreciation of the church's architecture--so she presented me with a gift! It was a coffee table book titled "A Vision Realized: Stories in Stained Glass of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd". As she handed me the book, she said "Merry Christmas"!

As was the case in Atlanta, I felt that a cash donation to the church was very appropriate here. And, I was pleased to see that this church was also doing the hard work of feeding many homeless people. So, this donation was also earmarked for that very worthy project.

Once again, everybody won!

Church of the Good ShepherdChurch of the Good Shepherd at 125 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, North Carolina on December 12, 2014. All Saints Chapel of the Church of the Good Shepherd is a historic Episcopal chapel.