Photo Appeal (Ministries....Why You Should Have Professional Photos!) The number one tip is excellence! And one of the fundamental parts of excellence is patience. I get quite a few clients that want websites, fliers and other branding for their ministries. And as happy as I am to comply, one of the tips that I always give everyone that I work with is: Everything tied to you must represent excellence. Sure, as ministers, we know that GOD has to be in all we do, which means, truth has to be there. Our motives have to be soul rescue. But, as a temple of the Most High, we should represent HIM in every shape, form or fashion. And, as HE has demonstrated to us via the scriptures, HE is a GOD of excellence! But, rather than 'preach' to you as to why your image is important, I'm going to share with you a few tips so that you can make the best decision when it comes to branding. 1. Anywhere that you are going to display your photo should be a place of GOD, representing the WORD and all that HE stands for. 2. If you plan to display photos, please submit professional photos. I get it. Money's tight, but there are free or inexpensive ways to get professional photos. Let me share something with you. Your image says a LOT about you. Of course, it would depend on what it is that you want to do in your ministry. If you are looking to reach a few souls, then okay, stick with the picture of you in the car, but, if you're mega-soul-saving minded, you have to do mega things. In truth, you draw more people to you by your image and you keep them coming back through your communications. It's kind of like a romantic relationship. Initially, your mate is attracted to the external you, but what keeps them is the heart of you. It works the same way in ministry in many cases. In addition, someone with professional photos is a graphic and web designer's fav! Please avoid: 1. Pictures taken with your cellphone. 2. Scanned images of yourself. 3. Photos taken in low lighting. 4. Photos taken with low resolution cameras. 5. Pictures of yourself with 'unprofessional' backgrounds. (Who wants to see a picture of you standing in front of your television set?) Please go into the first studio present and get some professional shots! You will be glad you did and your designer will thank you. Be sure that you get: 1. In studio shots. These should be first and foremost when you are looking to have media done such as websites, fliers, CD and DVD covers, and any place you plan to have your photo. The 'why' of it is, your designer can remove the background from these photos with ease and do more with them, as opposed to you taking photos of you standing in front of a bush. That's a designer's nightmare. 2. After you've taken some in studio shots, you can eventually venture out and take some scenic shots.
Like photos of you on the beach, in the jungle, etc. 3. In addition, make sure you dress appropriately, avoiding midriff shirts and extremely short skirts. If the photo is for ministry, dress accordingly. Yes, you can be creative, but just don't disrespect the calling. 4. You can take a change of clothes for in studio shots, wearing some formal wear, casual wear and if you're a ministerial leader, you can wear your garment. If you are going to list another person on your website, flier, etc., please ask them to send in professional shots. I know this is a sensitive conversation since they have to pay for it, but if they comply, they'll be glad they listened. You can suggest they go to Walmart Portrait Studio and get the $7.95 special (one pose) or find a local photographer by searching out www.craigslist.org. They can also check with their local universities for photographers looking to build their portfolio. --Please be sure to ask the photographer what kind of photography he or she will be doing and if they are open to all kinds, do not work with them. You want to stick with family and Christian photographers. And no, professional photography isn't someone that shows up with a disposable camera! Get into a studio! With lights and DSLR cameras. Not someone that poses you in front of a white wall and asks you to smile. You want to see backdrops! Your fliers will look better. Your website will pop! Your CD and DVD covers will say, “I am Excellent!� No one has to know if you have a congregation of 5, including a spider that happens to live under your podium. Your branding should wow onlookers, not repel them. If you need help finding a photographer in your area, contact me at info@anointedfire.com. Written by: Tiffany Kameni www.tiffanykameni.com