6 Principles of Storytelling Through Photography

1. Candid Not Posed

When taking photos of a Sunday service, it’s important to keep the storyline of the service in mind. Be sure to capture establishing shots that set the scene, as well as concluding shots that give a sense of closure. By doing so, you’ll be able to create a visual narrative of the service that is both engaging and meaningful. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone capturing memories for your church website or social media, these tips will help you produce visually compelling photos and tell your community what your church is all about.

As a photographer, it’s essential to stay versatile and not get too comfortable with just one style. Experiment with different techniques such as wide, close, push-in, horizontal or vertical framing, lead lines, below eye level, through the truss, from the balcony, from the catwalk, shooting from the stage, from the side, and so on. This will help you to develop your skills and find new creative ways to show what God is doing in your community.

Don’t just get pics of your bestie at church! your photos should represent the whole body of Christ at your church. Find new faces to make a part of your church’s story every week. By including new faces in your weekly photos, you can help tell your church’s story and showcase the wide range of people who make up your community. So, don’t be afraid to explore the various groups and individuals within your church, and snap photos that highlight the unique qualities and experiences they bring to your faith community. This is a great way to strengthen your church’s online presence and attract new members who are looking for a welcoming church family.

If you don’t anticipate the action you will always be behind the ball. Think about a wedding, you have to anticipate the first kiss, the cutting of the cake, and walking down the aisle. Don’t live in the moment, live a couple of moments ahead. Is there a big drop coming up in the worship song? Get the stage to capture the drummer’s fill coming back in. Does the next chorus hit deep? Find that member who is feeling it. Are the stage lights about to burst full of color? Get that backlit shot ready! A million moments are happening every Sunday that are powerful and all you have to do is be ready to capture them.

Static photos sometimes don’t show emotions. Look for powerful emotional moments, and anticipate them. Think about the range of emotions that your church family goes through and express each week and plan to capture them. For example, if you only get ugly crying images at the altar, powerful as they are and authentic as they are, they could portray your church as a very sad place! Or if you only get pics of happy people around the coffee and donuts station your community may mistake your church for a Dunkin Doughnuts!