Storytelling Through The Lens Of Photography
Q+A from our members call with guest Brandon Smith
Photography is the visual testimony of what’s happening in your church and people’s lives. They show people what God is doing. “If people can’t see what God is doing they stumble all over themselves.” (Proverbs 29:18)
Here are a few thoughts from our conversation with photographer, Brandon Smith.
How Do You Balance Being Present In Worship While Documenting It?
Brandon: Trying to deliver what has been asked of you while serving or working as a photographer, but also wanting to be present in worship is something your always going to wrestle with. You have to recognize first that what you do is worship. It might not look like lifting your hands, and that’s okay. God has given you the ability to worship through the camera (or whatever gift God has given you) and honor Him with it.
Some Key Technical Tips
Brandon: Our job as creatives is to capture the church in a way that is accurate, and truthful but also inviting. People want to be a part of God’s movement, and social media is a great way to showcase this. You want people to come across your church’s socials or website and say ”I want that.” This is the goal we are trying to get to when we capture, and you can do this in every environment at your church.
Here are some technical tips he mentioned:
Generate a shot list for your team/volunteers (If people don’t know what they are looking for they’re not going to get it!)
Get to know your church building
Find the spots are your church that are best to achieve the shot list you’ve been given ahead of time. Places with natural lighting, reflections, hotspots etc.
Always be generating new ideas
Have reference photos
Building A Successful Team
Brandon: As your church grows this means you are going to need more volunteers. Having an easy and structured way for new volunteers to learn how your team works and flows is crucial. Creating training and providing guides for volunteers will give them structure and more confidence before you send them out to capture. This could include:
Shot list
Camera setting guide
Equipment training
Take the pressure off of your volunteers! The good thing about volunteering at church is that the expectations are usually low when volunteers start and there is room for mistakes.
