Photography Guidelines

As you review the photos you have taken, keep in mind that we and our members need your best. Not all photos will be accepted to be used or included as part of our media library. Please read carefully over the standards below to understand what quality of photos will be accepted.

Minimum resolution is 900 x 900 pixels. Please submit the highest resolutions you have. While some smaller photos are useful for the Internet, they are not usable for print.

Preferred Format: Please submit your photos in jpg format.

Tips and Tricks:

Check your focus. After you click the shutter, zoom in on your image and make sure that what you want focused is actually in focus.

Fill the frame. Don’t be afraid to allow your subject to fill a good portion of the frame. 75% is a pretty good measure of what can be filled. Get in close.

Grouping people: Get people grouped in closer than they would in just a normal interaction. Visually this creates a sense of connection.

Check the perimeter: Before you click the shutter, scan the perimeter of your frame. Look for items that clutter your composition and remove them. We won’t be photoshopping anything.

Copyright issues. Please remove any identifiable logos. These photos are unusable.

Composition (Rule of Thirds): If your camera has a grid display, turn it on. Place subjects of interest on one of the intersecting thirds to create a pleasing composition. Don’t feel like your subject needs to be centered in the frame.

Lighting: Natural window lighting that is front facing is ideal. When shooting outdoors try and place the light at the subject’s back and fill their face using a reflector or piece of whiteboard.

Clothing Colors: Choose clothing that contrasts your background.

Because of the need to present people modestly, regardless of age, please avoid submitting photos of them in sleeveless tops and dresses or short skirts.

Also, we cannot accept photos of people, even children, in swimming suits.

Please Do Not Submit

  • Photos that have modesty issues.
  • Photos that are inappropriate for Church use.
  • Photos you did not take. Submit only those photos that you own and hold the copyright to.
  • Photos that contain credit lines.
  • Photos with logos or trademarks.
  • Photos with embedded copyright notices or watermarks.
  • Photos of other photos, advertisements, paintings, sculptures, or any object in a museum or art gallery.
  • Photos that include people who do not represent the teachings of the Church (in their dress, grooming, gestures, and so on).