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Photography

general guidelines
  • Photos should have a minimalistic subject. “Busy” photos are not preferred, as it will be difficult for the viewer’s eye to find an immediate place to land. Photos of individuals or a few people interacting are preferred over crowds.
  • Photos must have a definite focal point and be in focus. Blurry photos should never be used (unless photo has been intentionally blurred to use as a background image for web, print or other specific use).
  • Outdoor, natural light is preferred. When photos are taken indoors (for example, to document a specific event), natural light from windows is preferred. Backlit photos may not be used. Photos taken using flash may not be used in promotional materials.
  • Where possible, natural, on-location photos are preferred over a backdrop or studio, including for staff headshots.
  • “B-roll” photos (photos of locations, landscapes, objects, etc.) are acceptable to use as needed as long as they do not appear staged or posed. While original images unique to Village are preferred, stock photos are an option as long as they are consistent with the visual look and feel already established in existing Village photos used in the project or piece.
  • Images must be at least 72 ppi for digital use and 300 ppi for print use. When a high quality image is not available, it is better to choose a graphic or stock image than use a low quality image.
editing

Photos may be edited to clean up the image and adjust lighting, colors, etc. However, all photo filters, vignette effects, feathering, frames, distortion, etc. are prohibited. Only full color images (no black and white images) may be used.

overlay

The Village Church photography may use a 40% transparent navy overlay. This gives the images a modern filter look and feel. The overlay may be used either to give a group of photos a uniform look or when images or words are being used over the photo. If there is no logo, brand mark or type over the image, the overlay does not need to be used.

communicating through images

Photos chosen for use in digital, print and other marketing and educational materials should be specifically chosen to emphasize our communication pillars as outlined in our Brand Mission. This thoughtfulness goes beyond simply sharing images of various events at Village—even if they are good quality images. Below are just a few examples of photo subjects that might meet these goals.

STRENGTH OF PULPIT & MUSIC

  • Worship services, pastors, liturgy, holy days, sanctuary
  • Musicians, choirs, concerts, instruments

ACCEPTING OF ALL & EQUALITY

  • Seek to capture and display diversity of age, race, family type, gender presentation, sexuality, ability, and even personal style
  • LGBT weddings are a good example

MISSION & SERVICE

  • Volunteers at Food Pantry, community garden, blood drives, delivering lilies to homebound church members, other mission events
  • Community organizations that we sponsor and the individuals and families served by those organizations
  • Overseas missions efforts

FAMILY & COMMUNITY OF CARE 24/7

  • Families, children, and seniors interacting with one another
  • Closeness, warmth, sacredness of community
  • Sharing food, a hug, tears, laughter, other overt expressions of emotion
  • Baptisms, weddings, funerals

TAKING A STAND & SOCIAL JUSTICE

  • Church members and leaders at community social justice rallies and events
  • Seek to capture and display diversity of race, gender expression, sexuality, ability