We like to take a photojournalism approach when shooting events. Try to capture a bit of everything. Take some wide shots and some close-ups, and basically try to tell a story without words. Here are some general principles:  

• Be brave! Get in close. Focus on a single, frame-filling center of interest.

• Generally, no more than 2-3 people or objects.

• Seek a clean, contrasting background. 

• Find unusual angles–kneel, climb on something, crouch, move around. Don’t sit or stand like everyone else.

• Take a lot of shots, so you’ll have more to choose from afterward. 

• Get permission from parents if photographing their children–either before or after you get the shot. Tell them the photos could be used by BVG for the website, social media, or in other (similar) media. If they aren’t okay with it, no problem; just find another subject. 

• Seek natural-looking action shots, not people posing.

• Try to make your shot stand out as unique. 

• Add light, but don’t make it obvious. Find an angle which best enhances the scene. Try to avoid shadows on faces, etc. 

• Focus and remain steady. Consider using a tripod or monopod, if needed. 

• Have fun! 

WEEKENDS

We want to show happy, smiling, caring, friendly-looking, genuine people of various ages and ethnicities. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some ideas for subject matter:

         Volunteers: parking / greeting / info center / ushers / Mustard Seed greeters / etc. 

         Cafe Istoria: workers / menu / people ordering / hot cups of coffee / folks sitting at tables / etc. 

         Kids Ministry: checking in / teachers teaching / anything that doesn’t compromise the children’s identities 

         Student Ministry: worship / fellowship / teaching / small groups / kids with Bibles open / etc. 

         Worship Gatherings: worship on stage / people worshipping / fellowship / arriving on campus / etc. 

         The Nook: people browsing / people buying / the name on the glass / volunteer working / the store / etc. 

         The Altar: outside / the sign / the inside / someone being prayed over / etc. 

         Welcome Center: Joel talking to someone / etc.