As a freelance photographer I have the great luxury of accepting whatever jobs I want. Reasons why I might not want the job are numerous. Maybe the budget isn’t big enough. Maybe I’m already booked. Maybe I don’t want to travel that far. Maybe I don’t have a babysitter. Or maybe I have a personal reason.

But usually the truth that I tell my inquirer is, “Unfortunately, I am unable to shoot on that day. Here is a list of other photographers that I recommend. “

This isn’t the case for everyone. Some photographers will tell you exactly why they will not be shooting for you. Receiving a lot of publicity now are the vendors who are not “Gay and Lesbian Friendly.”

Recently, NPR did a story highlighting Vanessa Willock v. Elaine Photography. When Elaine received an email inquiry about shooting a wedding she replied, “We do not photograph same-sex weddings. But thanks for checking out our site! Have a great day!”

Now, I think this is a rather tacky response. But I don’t think it should have cost her $6000. The lesbian couple won the court case on the grounds of discrimination.

Personally, I am Pro Happy. I don’t care who you fall in love with. I care that you love. I care that you’re happy and I am honored when anyone enjoys my talent enough to have me present at any ceremony as eternally important as a wedding ceremony.

But it seems that as we ask for tolerance from the world for our different beliefs, perhaps we should also try practicing it ourselves.

Suing a photographer because they don’t want to shoot your wedding is pompous and trying to pose an answer without a question. I think photographers should be allowed to take whatever jobs they want, regardless of the reason. I think people should be able to marry whoever they fall in love with, regardless of their gender.

And I wait on time to bring ease and clarity and peace for those who are uneasy. You should know though, Gay is not going to go away.

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