Examples
Privacy Policies
It is recommended that you research the specific privacy policies in operation where you are located. In general, please remember to be sensitive to people, especially when they express themselves in vulnerable moments. In these instances especially, it is always best to ask for permission before photographing or recording them. If you choose to utilize the photo, whether digitally or for print, it is also beneficial to obtain permission beforehand. Finally, please be aware: children must have parental consent before being photographed in any circumstance. For these reasons, some churches prepare written disclaimers to clearly explain photo and video intentions, displaying them on select signage in the main entrance areas of the occupied building(s).
Resources
If you don’t have a photographer or videographer, that’s okay. We know that not all churches have the luxury of hiring a media team. Fortunately, there are some great online resources available to help you produce quality royalty-free content. For stock photography, check out
unsplash.com and
pexels.com, and for stock video footage, try
storytape.com or
stokhub.com.Imagery Misuse
Though stock material is a tremendous design aid, it is always better to develop your own custom content with the smiling, happy faces of those in your specific church context. Even a simple image capture on an iPhone can be of tremendous value for a website, social media post, or printed resource. But regardless of your chosen method, please avoid these common imagery faux paus:
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Avoid using unrealistic stock material. Instead, use natural poses, honest emotion, and real-life circumstances. This will help the target audience sense a level of authenticity in your community of faith.
Avoid using imagery that misinforms the size and scope of an event. If someone sees an image and then arrives at the event only to experience something completely different, it will be difficult to gain their trust moving forward.
Avoid using cliché imagery. Not only do images like this feel dated, but they can also produce a sense of exclusion. For those who are new to church or simply don’t understand, these Christian clichés can make people feel isolated.
