Photos

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHOOSING THE BEST PHOTOS

Videos and photos are a fantastic way to show people who we are and what we do. To be effective, we need to choose the best images. Below are some questions to ask and guidelines to follow.

 

We’re sure the statues signed the photo release, but what about the girl in blue?

DO YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO USE SOMEONE’S IMAGE IN A PHOTO OR VIDEO?
We require signed waivers for all photos used in connection with our ministry. Parents or guardians must sign waivers for anyone under age 18.

Download the Photo Waiver Form from Staff Zone/Resources/Forms/Risk Management, have it signed and keep it in your files. From time to time, the Communications Department may ask for copies of signed waivers.

Not understanding the context of what’s happening in this photo could lead some to believe students are being mistreated.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR PHOTO CONVEYS.
If the message is not clear, write a caption that connects it to our ministry purposes and vision.

In this photo it looks like a bunch of girls in bikinis are being subjected to a wet tee-shirt contest of sorts. Though we may know that is not what is happening here, a parent who was not at that event only has the photo to go by.

BEWARE OF INAPPROPRIATE PHOTOS.
A photo snapped in the spontaneity of a moment may not seem so funny weeks or months later.

PhotoShopping snorkels onto faces is probably not the best way to protect peoples’ identities.

SHARING PHOTOS OF PEOPLE WHO COME FROM SENSITIVE AREAS OF THE WORLD CAN CAUSE THEM UNINTENDED TROUBLE.
Be selective of which photos you share from Global and Urban Partnerships or International Student Ministry.

While a beautiful photo, this image doesn’t tell much of the story of what is happening at camp or on campus.

USE CLOSE-UPS OF FACES, SHOWING EMOTION AND RELATIONSHIP.
You may be called “field” staff but your ministry is not to fields.

Before posting a photo make sure it does not feature a person in a compromised position.

THINK ABOUT POSITIONING.
Could body language be misinterpreted or make the subject cringe a year from now?

While a captivating image, this photo sends a message that children at our camps are alone and potentially lonely. We are a relational organization that works to welcome young people and give them an experience of belonging.

WE VALUE RELATIONSHIPS.
Try, as much as possible, to use photos of three or four people together rather than individuals.

This photo does not show the people at the party nor any hint of the reason for the party. It may only confuse the viewer as they struggle to understand the relevance of the image.

USE PHOTOS REPRESENTING ACTIVITIES THAT REFLECT OUR VISION AND PURPOSE.
Even better, show people enjoying these activities.

This girl seems pretty high up to be flying without a helmet.

WE’VE ALL FORGOTTEN RISK MANAGEMENT POLICIES AT SOME POINT.
While we value honesty, using photographed evidence of our lapsed judgment is not a good idea.