Editing Photos During Chol HaMoed

Intermediate Days of Festival (Chol ha-Moed)

Question

I am a photographer. Am I allowed to process or edit photos during Chol HaMoed for clients? And if not, is it permissible to process photos just for enjoyment (not for clients)?

Answer

Greetings,
It is forbidden to work during Chol HaMoed, [except under certain conditions, which do not exist in this case]. Therefore, one should not work for clients for a fee.
Regarding work for enjoyment, the rule is that it is forbidden to perform 'ma'aseh uman' - that is, professional work that requires skill. And it is permissible to perform 'ma'aseh hedyot' - an action that everyone knows how to do.
Since you are a professional photographer, your processing is considered 'ma'aseh uman' and is forbidden during Chol HaMoed.

Source

Arbaa Turim, section Orach Chaim, Ch. 530, Shulchan Aruch, ibid., Ch. 542

Comments

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