6 Tips for Impactful Custom Photography for Your Nonprofit

Nonprofit

6 Tips for Impactful Custom Photography for Your Nonprofit

Nonprofit

Investing in custom photography for your nonprofit is one of the best ways to communicate your impact, mission, and work. Follow these 6 tips to make sure you get the best results from your photography.

1. Identify the Purpose

The first step of planning your photoshoot is identifying how the photos will be used. For example, will you use the photos on your website, in printed mailers and reports, on social media, in your office space, or all of the above? What is your goal for this photography (i.e., to help raise funds, to announce a new service line, to raise awareness of your organization, etc.)? Brainstorming all the ways you would like to use your photos will help your photographer get all the necessary shots.

Make a list of all the ways you want to use your photos to share with your photographer.

2. Research the Location

Deciding where to take your photos is another important aspect of planning your photoshoot. Will they be inside, outside, or both? Do you need to rent or borrow a space? Lighting is another important consideration. Ideally, choose a space with good natural light. If this isn’t possible, talk with your photographer about lighting options.

Ask your photographer what the best time of day is for your lighting.

3. Choose the Subjects

Who will be participating in the photoshoot? Are your subjects your nonprofit clients, staff, or stakeholders? Refer back to the purpose of your photoshoot to determine the best people to include in your shoot. Consider diversity: Are your clients accurately represented? Do you have a variety of ages, races/ethnicities, genders, and people with varying levels of physical and mental abilities?

Plan ahead to make sure your subjects are available for the shoot.

4. Suggest the Clothing

While we don’t recommend asking your subjects to match, it is a good idea to provide guidance for clothing. If you are doing a staff photoshoot, do you want people in business casual or branded work shirts? If the shoot is outside, more casual clothing may be appropriate. If you want more formal photos, provide specifications for what to wear (suit pants and coat, dress shoes, etc.). Advise your subjects to wear clothing they are comfortable in.

Stay away from sports/brand logos and busy patterns on clothing.

5. Remove the Clutter

To put the emphasis on your subjects, do a check of the space and remove clutter such as water bottles, trash cans, and stacks of paper. If providing props for people to use, choose simple props that won’t confuse the subject or viewer.

Make sure phones and water bottles are out of the shot, unless their use is intentional.

6. Provide the Shot List

One of the most helpful things you can do for your photographer is provide a shot list for them to work with. This can include specific groupings of people, actions, and photographs in certain locations. Refer back to the purpose of your shoot as you create a shot list so you can think about photo setups and subject grouping. While your photographer will use their creativity and expertise, you know your organization, and providing this resource will help guarantee that you get the photos you need. Keep the lines of communication open with your photographer and ask for their guidance on your shot list if needed.

Give the shot list to your photographer at least a week in advance.

Planning a successful photoshoot takes preparation and forethought. Following these tips will result in photographs that are well worth your time and resources.

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6 Tips for Impactful Custom Photography for Your Nonprofit

6 Tips for Impactful Custom Photography for Your Nonprofit

1. Identify the Purpose

Make a list of all the ways you want to use your photos to share with your photographer.

2. Research the Location

Ask your photographer what the best time of day is for your lighting.

3. Choose the Subjects

Plan ahead to make sure your subjects are available for the shoot.

4. Suggest the Clothing

Stay away from sports/brand logos and busy patterns on clothing.

5. Remove the Clutter

Make sure phones and water bottles are out of the shot, unless their use is intentional.

6. Provide the Shot List

Give the shot list to your photographer at least a week in advance.

Get 10 Tips for Great Nonprofit Photography with Your iPhone

View other insights

test

5 Benefits of Being Transparent with Your Nonprofit Marketing Budget

Contact

Services

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