With improvements to cell phone cameras, it’s easier than ever for nonprofits to take pictures of volunteers and donors. Yet very often these shots look like they belong at awkwardfamilyphotos.com.
The problem is that the photographer just has a group of volunteers line up next to each other. “Click,” goes the shutter and another boring photo is born.
This kind of lineup doesn’t convey energy or enthusiasm, which is what you want to give to your supporters.
If you must take shots of the lineup, take an additional picture where you ask the group to cheer. Then compare the ordinary picture to the cheering one.
Which one produces more of a reaction in you? Which one do you think would make a donor stop and check out? Which do you think would make a donor forward a copy to friends and family?
I’m also a big fan of candid shots at your events. Try to get away from so many posed photos, like check presentations. Take me behind the scenes.
Show people doing things, especially as it relates to your mission. If your group has just held a food collection drive, can you take a picture of your volunteers surrounded by cans? Get creative.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good picture.
Posted by Ken Okel 
