"I just wanted to say thanks to you fellas for all you do for us. We count you as partners in our ministry! Your work, professionalism, vision, and talents really are a blessing."—Matt Vanderwarker, Bethel Baptist of Hampton Virginia
Digital Photos 101
Because so much of the visual appeal of your outreach literature depends on the quality of your photographs, we have prepared this brief guide to help you in securing and compiling photos for use in your new literature.
Using Digital Cameras
Just about any digital camera on the market today can supply you with excellent quality photos for use in your literature. However, there is one important consideration when using digital cameras. All cameras allow the operator to choose an image size setting (sometimes called resolution) for the photos captured by the camera. The smaller the image size setting, the more photos will fit on the camera's memory card. When shooting for color print reproduction it is important that the camera be set for the maximum photo size (maximum image resolution, or largest pixel dimensions. ie:1600 x 900 pixels or similar). Photos taken at smaller image size settings may look good on the LCD display or computer monitor but are not suitable for professional reproduction. (You can feel free to e-mail us a photo at and we can tell you if the image size setting is appropriate.)
Exterior Photos
Here are a few tips to capturing dramatic photos of your facility:
- Try low angles to the side of the structure instead of looking at the building head on.
- Choose a time of day when the sun is shining on the side of the building you are shooting to avoid dark shadows.
- Don' t worry if there are no clouds in the sky, we can fix that; however, do try to move any vehicles that may be parked in front of the building and pick-up any trash that is visible on the ground.
- It is usually best to take the photo without people in it. If you want to also pose some people at the front door, go ahead, but don't forget to take some shots without them there as well.
Church building as seen from the street. Pretty building but not a flattering angle.
From a lower angle and to the side. More dramatic, but the wrong time of day.
A similar angle at the right time of day. A few added clouds didn’t hurt either.
There is drama in perspective. Don’t hesitate to explore all the options. Low, high, around the corner. There is drama waiting to unfold.
Compare all these to the shot above. Same building—but vastly diff erent appeal.
Interior Photos
- It is usually best to try shooting with and without the flash. Sometimes shots without a flash have a better light balance and appear free of dark, harsh shadows.
- It is very difficult to capture people in natural poses. Don't be discouraged if they look awkward; take as many shots as you can and some of them are bound to turn out. Get to know the delete button on your camera. It will fast become one of your best friends.
- Don't hesitate to zoom in close to the action and not just shoot a big crowd in a big room.
- Don't worry if your shots show the notorious "red eye" effect. We can easily correct that for you.
Watch those empty seats. No one wants to look like they are teaching to an empty room.
Backs are not very interesting. As a general rule, shots from the back of the room are rather dull.
Close is good. Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes-or something like that.
Model Releases
It is good practice and our recommendation to have a signed model release for all those appearing in a photo that will go in print. We have one available to download in the notes for this article. It is your decision as a ministry whether you feel your people would want a model release or will mind having their picture taken.
In Conclusion
The best way to get better at taking digital photos is to take a lot of them. Feel free to e-mail us samples of the photos you are considering and we will give you our honest evaluation. Also, it's better to take too many photos than too few. but when it is time to send your choices to us, be aware of the constraints of e-mail. Most e-mail services limit the size of attached files so you will probably have to send multiple e-mails with only three or four photos attached to each.
Happy Shooting!
