Standards for Taking Photos your Editors Will Use

The following procedural standards used by the news media are also guidelines directors of public affairs need to follow to have their pictures accompany stories at www.lds.org/newsroom.

Photography plays a crucial role in today’s news reporting. Since newspapers and Web editors compete with television’s more exciting visual impact, print editors often need an excellent photograph to enhance and complement a story. Professional looking pictures are essential.

Submitting a suitable photograph with a story increases the chances of the story being published. Ask your newspaper or Web editor what specific format they need for photos. The more resolution you can provide in your photo, the better your placement chances. A .jpg format of 3,000 pixels (width) by 2,000 pixels (heighth) works very well for most photos.

If you are unable to provide a photo, the newspaper might provide a photographer, but only if the story is newsworthy and has strong visual interest. For instance, a local newspaper might send a photographer to a groundbreaking ceremony or to a youth participating in a local Helping Hands project.

You can suggest that a photographer be assigned to cover a story by inserting a message at the top of your news release or media advisory, or by mentioning the idea in a telephone conversation. The Media Section of the Church’s Web site also has hundreds of downloadable, professional photographs for media use at www.lds.org/newsroom. However, local stories are best accompanied by local photos.

As the contact between the Church and the news editor, you will be publicizing events that can seem photographically dull—such as the presentation of a Scouting award or the calling of a new bishop. Learn to recognize visual opportunities to accompany your story.

The following suggestions should help you take a good photo. Remember the editor has the final say in whether a photo is actually used.

1. Look for action shots that include people. A picture of a new meetinghouse can be architecturally pleasing, but dull unless there is also a person involved. A picture with people in it can be dull if they are standing around with their hands folded looking at the camera. Ask your subjects to talk casually with each other, then snap them in the midst of their conversation. A newly-called bishop might be photographed while talking on the phone in his office. A committee of two or three people might be photographed while actively discussing something over papers on a table in front of them. Photograph your subjects doing something that conveys the story to the reader.

2. Make the picture uncluttered. The fewer people in a photograph, the better, and the simpler the background, the better. Concentrate on “close-ups” using the faces and shoulders of your subjects. Be aware of the background—is there a lamp pole behind someone’s head that makes it appear as if the person has a pole coming out of his or her head? Is there a mirror that will reflect your flash and ruin the picture? Is the background darker than your subject’s skin tone so the person will be emphasized, not what is in the background?

3. Watch the light in your photograph. Light is most flattering to people when it strikes them from the side, not directly from the front, and never from behind. If the picture is taken indoors, have your subjects stand next to a window so soft light (not direct sunlight) falls on them. An outdoor picture follows the same rules—when it is sunny, stand so light comes from the side. Dark backgrounds such as a tree or brick building work well. Of course, it is sometimes necessary to use a flash—just be sure the light from the flash extends far enough. Are there shadows because of lighting problems?

4. Take several pictures, both horizontal and vertical. Professional photographers have learned that it usually takes numerous pictures to get the right one. The subject might close his or her eyes, or the family dog might wander into the setting. Sometimes editors only have a certain amount of space. If they have to cut your vertical picture into a horizontal format, important parts of the photo might be trimmed. Offer your editor a choice when possible.

5. Digital cameras work the best for today’s needs. Photos are easily transmitted electronically. If you don’t have access to a digital camera, a 35mm camera can suffice. Don’t use an instant or disposable camera as their prints are more “grainy,” especially when enlarged.

News Story Photograph Suggestions

• Open House Announcement: bishop talking with member inside or outside meetinghouse
• New Meetinghouse: members entering meetinghouse
• Family Home Evening: family playing a game
• Human Interest Story: featured person showcasing talent or unique skill/trait
• Personal Preparedness: member taking food from a shelf
• Disaster Preparedness: member inventorying emergency supplies
• Church Members Are Christian: teacher using photo of Christ in class
• Family History Seminar: member working at family history library
• Scouting Program: scout rendering local service
• Visitors’ Center: family viewing exhibits at visitors’ center
• Pioneer Day Celebrations: children dressed in pioneer costumes
• Temple Marriage: couple outside temple
• Church Pageant: cast members rehearsing
• New Missionary in Town: missionary riding bicycle
• Missionary Returns Home: missionary talking with family
• Departing Missionary: missionary looking at future mission location on globe
• New Priesthood or Auxiliary Leader: leader conducting quorum or class
• Young Women Awards: young woman receiving award
• Seminary Graduation: students in class or at graduation
• Service Projects: one or two people in action at the project
• Word of Wisdom/Health Code: member showing healthy lifestyle—gardening, walking, jogging, etc.
• Fireside Announcement: speaker

Adding a well-written, short caption or cut line for your photo will be appreciated by your news or Web editor. Identify the individuals included in your photo.