Looking for how to get the right photography shots on a Sunday morning? Want photography tips to make your photos and social media feed look top-notch? I’ve got you covered!
1. Make a shot list / have an inspo folder
Whether it be writing down a list of specific shots you want to get or making a Pinterest board with photos for inspiration, both are so helpful! Planning helps you have direction on a Sunday morning and makes sure you are getting the shots you want and need. My current list consists of shots of the greeters, attendees walking in, worship, and meet-and-greet time.
2. Take more than one photo of the same shot
Say you take a burst of 5 photos of a group of people joyfully chatting before the service starts. In one photo someone probably has their eyes closed, in the next someone moved their hand in front of their face, and in the next the photo was a little blurry from moving your camera. I don’t end up using nearly as many photos as I capture – make sure you’re giving yourself enough good options to choose from later.
Get both horizontal and vertical photos of the same shot. Sometimes you don’t know what capacity you’ll use a photo in, but it’s always a bummer when you really like a certain photo and the space you’re working with doesn’t fit it. Better safe than sorry !
3. Stay close to the greeters
The greeters bring genuine smiles and lively spirits to early mornings! Hang around the lobby or entrance to capture the ‘hellos,’ smiles, and friendly interactions. You want your photos to feel real and genuine, displaying what a common Sunday looks like at your church!
4. Bring a long lens
These are helpful for meet-and-greet times to get those friendly interactions from a comfortable distance away. Being too close can 1) make someone uncomfortable, 2) make them look directly into your lens (which both them and you don’t want) and 3) be disruptive of the authentic moments people have. Plus no one likes a camera in their face when they’re trying to have a conversation with someone or during worship — or I definitely wouldn’t anyways!
5. Use a preset
Consistency in shots and color will bring your photos together and give your social media feed a unique look and feel! You want your photos to feel like you but also look like you.
6. Get creative!
This is where my Pinterest boards come in handy! 😉
Don’t be scared to try something new and expand your shot list! I recently tried shooting from the top of our auditorium and I think it will add a fun perspective to the next carousel of photos I post. Sprinkles of detailed shots are fun to add too!
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