Let’s talk about church website photography. More specifically, compelling church website photography! You know, the stuff on church websites that make the church look really exciting and inviting.
Designing a church website is not easy. There are a lot of things to focus on and a lot of things involved. This article is not focused on helping you with all the aspects of building a church website. Instead, we want to dive deep into shooting and choosing compelling photography for your website.
First, we’ll cover everything you need to know about church photography on websites. Then, we’ll go over the steps you should take to shoot and choose the best photos for your website. Sound good?
Let’s jump in.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Table of contents
Church Website Photography
We’ve all heard the saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words”. This saying has been around forever and is definitely overused. However, I believe it holds true even more now than in years past. Why? A recent study from SJ Insights shows that people on average across the Internet, TV, Newspapers, Magazines, and Radio are hit with 360 marketing messages daily!
So this means you have to visually stand out big time to get people’s attention these days with whatever it is you want them to know about you.
A Visual Generation
People for various reasons have become even more visual these days too and specifically the millennial generation is even more visually oriented than past generations comparatively. Churches and businesses alike have realized how important it is to stand out in a noisy crowded world to get results with their online marketing efforts.
The unchurched demographic out there can often have the preconception that most churches are all pretty much the same, or are lame, or just not that culturally relevant, and the list can go on.
As pastors and ministry leaders we know this is not the case at all. Every church is unique and has something different to offer. In addition to knowing some of these preconceptions out there is that the culture in general (churched or secular) is responding more now to marketing that illustrates “authenticity”.
People see through the fluff and phony promises that organizations make to sell a product or push their own agenda. People will also see through and not respond well to church marketing that is just focusing on a pastor or that touts their church as the one with the best events, speakers, etc..They want authentic community and something real!
Website First Impressions
Over the past couple of years, churches have realized the need to have more attractive attention-getting graphics or a great branded look with their marketing efforts. However, one other thing you will see on the rise more now specifically with church website design is the use of “compelling church website photography”.
This is especially important for their online marketing efforts since 85-90% of the time statistically people will end up on a church website before they decide to attend. People will typically end up on a website for anything else they are researching or interested in for that matter too.
So what’s the deal? Well, it’s time for you to focus on getting some great photos for your church website. Let’s get into all the steps you can take to get there.
5 Steps for Compelling Church Website Photography
In this section, we’ll cover the 5 steps you can take to get compelling church photography for your website. These steps will take you through everything you’ll need to accomplish to get those amazing photos for the website.
1. Get a Photographer
Before you can start shooting photos, you need someone who knows how to shoot photos. There are a couple of ways you can start doing this.
Option 1: Find a Photographer in Your Church
All you need to do is start asking around your church or you may already have someone you have used before at your church perhaps. Why not allow that person to serve and be fulfilled in using their God given abilities? More than likely this person will be glad to do so is my bet.
However, make sure this person is actually a PROFESSIONAL photographer! I have seen for four years now consulting churches in marketing and web design that a pastor or church will often allow anyone who offers to volunteer to do graphics, photos, or content just to be nice or not hurt this volunteer’s feelings. I think we should all know good and well that just because someone says they know how to do something does not mean they are gifted in that area or will follow through.
You have to sometimes turn into Simon Cowell who was with American Idol and tell a bad singer bluntly that they are a bad singer. Just kidding, you will not want to do it the way he did it, but the point is you just have to put your foot down and say no for the greater good of your outreach success. It also will be beneficial to that person to not believe they are great or gifted in that area if that is just not the case.
Option 2: Hire a Local Photographer
If you do not have a professional church photographer in your local church, then you should consider hiring one locally that really knows your city, community, local scenic sites, etc. The trick can be here that they may not know church life or church marketing so this is when consultation from a professional website design company or church marketing firm can really help.
You will need to know how to lead this type of photographer to the types of compelling church website photography that needs to carried out. Yes, there is more cost associated with hiring someone professionally but it is well worth it to have compelling church website photography since the majority of people will end up on your site before they visit in person once again.
2. Create a Church Photography Shot List
Creating a church photography shot list is essential for capturing the best moments of your church. A shot list helps ensure you don’t miss any important scenes and gives your photographer a clear idea of what to capture. Start with key moments of the worship service. These include the congregation during worship, the worship team leading the songs, and the pastor delivering the sermon. These shots are crucial for good worship photography.
Next, focus on the church members. Capture them as they greet each other, participate in activities, and engage in the service. Photos of smiling, engaged church members can make your website feel welcoming and vibrant. Don’t forget to include an intimate moment or two, such as individuals in prayer or small groups in deep conversation. These shots highlight the personal, heartfelt aspects of your church.
Include photos of special features of your church building. This could be the altar, stained glass windows, or any unique architectural details. Also, plan to capture events outside the regular worship service, like community gatherings, children’s programs, and volunteer activities. A comprehensive shot list ensures you have a variety of photos that show the full life of your church. This helps visitors get a true sense of your community through your website.
If you ever need inspiration, check out other church websites! We have a whole list of the top 100 best church websites out there right now! By looking through these other websites, you can see what kinds of photos they use to grab attention and give visitors the feel of their church.
3. Shoot Photos
When taking photos for a church website, it’s important to prepare and be mindful of the environment. Start by familiarizing your photographer with the schedule of the church service so they know when key moments will happen. This helps them be in the right place at the right time for upcoming shots.
Make sure they adjust their camera settings to suit the lighting inside the church. Churches often have dim lighting, so they may need to increase the ISO and use a lower shutter speed to capture clear images without too much blur. Be cautious with the shutter speed; too slow and the photos may be blurry, especially if there’s movement.
During the church service, focus on capturing the essence of worship. Take photos of the congregation singing, the pastor speaking, and the worship team performing. These moments are central to conveying the spirit of the service. Look for candid, intimate moments like a person in prayer or a child’s joyful expression.
You don’t want the photographer to disrupt what the Lord is doing during service. Have them move around discreetly to get various angles and perspectives.
4. Choose Compelling Photos
Choosing the right photos for your church website is crucial to making a good impression. The right images can show the warmth and community spirit of your church, while bad photos can give the wrong impression. Here’s how to select the best photos for your site:
- Show Joy and Connection: Pick photos where people are smiling, interacting, and looking happy. This shows that your church is a welcoming and friendly place.
- Highlight Key Moments: Use pictures from important events and services. These can include special celebrations, worship services, and community activities.
- Focus on Quality: Avoid bad photos that are blurry, poorly lit, or unflattering. High-quality images with good lighting and clear focus are essential.
- Diversity and Inclusivity: Choose photos that represent the diversity of your congregation. This includes different ages, ethnicities, and activities to show that everyone is welcome.
- Consistency: Ensure the photos match in style and quality. Consistent images create a cohesive and professional look for your website.
- Social Media Platforms: Select photos that can also be used on your church’s social media platforms. This helps maintain a consistent online presence across different channels.
By following these tips, you’ll choose photos that best represent your church and create a welcoming and engaging online presence.
5. Add Photos to Your Website
Adding photos to your church website’s graphic design involves a few key steps. Now that you have your chosen photos, edit them for consistency in color and brightness. This ensures a cohesive look across your site.
Next, integrate the photos into your website’s layout. Use high-quality images for banners and headers to create a strong visual impact. Place photos of church members and events in relevant sections to make the content engaging. Ensure that the images are optimized for web use, so they load quickly without compromising quality.
Use a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Wix to easily add and arrange your photos. Include captions or descriptions to provide context and enhance storytelling. Regularly update your photos to keep your website fresh and current. By carefully integrating photos, you can enhance your website’s visual appeal and better connect with visitors.
Church Photography
Choosing and integrating the right photos for your church website is a vital step in connecting with your community and potential visitors. Quality images that reflect the joy, diversity, and spirit of your church can make a significant impact. By following these guidelines for selecting, shooting, and adding photos to your site, you ensure a welcoming and engaging online presence.
Remember to keep your photos updated to reflect current events and activities. Consistent, high-quality visuals will not only enhance your website but also extend to your social media platforms, creating a cohesive and inviting representation of your church. Ultimately, the right photos can tell your church’s story in a powerful way, helping people feel connected and eager to join your community.
Let us know any other tips and tricks for choosing the right photos for your website!
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