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This month we are continuing Website Design Month at OurChurch.Com, and continuing to walk you step-by-step through the process we use to a great Christian business, ministry, or church website.<\/p>\n
In this article, we discuss one of the most critical aspects of a website that is so often overlooked\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n The process for deciding which photos to use on a church website usually goes something like this\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just use some stock photos we see online\u201d or \u201cI think the Sara (the youth pastor) has some pics from the church picnic and building dedication that she posted to Facebook.\u00a0 We can use some of those.\u201d<\/p>\n Most of the time, there isn\u2019t much thought given to what images will be used on the church website.<\/p>\n While the text that explains your mission, beliefs, and programs are an important part of the website, it\u2019s the photos that make the first impression when someone visits to your website and give visitors a glimpse into who you really are.<\/p>\n Because your website images are so important, in this article we\u2019re sharing with you\u2026<\/p>\n Do NOT go to Google, search for an image, save an image in the search results and use it on your website!\u00a0 Those images are most likely copyrighted, and therefore using them is stealing.\u00a0 If you use them, you could find yourself on the wrong side of a lawsuit \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n Some people think Christian churches and ministries don\u2019t need to worry about this because they nonprofits.\u00a0 Wrong!<\/p>\n Others assume if they find an image on a Christian website, its ok to use because as fellow Christians we are called to share with one another. You can\u2019t assume.<\/p>\n You can ask and the owner of the website for permission to use an image, but keep in mind\u2026 if it\u2019s a stock image they purchased or a copyrighted image they are using without permission, they do not own the copyright. In this situation, if they tell you an image is ok to use and they are wrong, you are still liable for violating the copyright.<\/p>\n It is very tempting to resort to using stock photos \u2013 many are free, they are good quality, and they have great looking people in them.\u00a0 However, most people can spot a stock photo from a mile away.\u00a0 In addition to looking \u201cfake,\u201d the stock images you\u00a0 choose could also be used on a dentist\u2019s website, an ad for a local gym, or worse.<\/p>\n Stock images are okay on pages about generally topics (like this blog article). \u00a0 However, for pages where you\u2019re describing your church, ministry or business, using real photos of real people is more personal and shows authenticity.<\/p>\n Blurry images are impossible to correct (although AI may be changing that), so make sure the subjects of your photos are in focus. Make sure the lighting is good.\u00a0 Also, unless the image is supposed to be a candid, look closely to make sure everyone is facing the camera and their eyes are open.<\/p>\n Sometimes photos benefit from minor editing, for example if its too dark, the shot is too wide, or there\u2019s something distracting in the background. We\u2019re not talking about completely replacing the background or adding people into a photo who weren\u2019t there.\u00a0 Just minor touch-ups.<\/p>\n Text and email services often compress images to reduce file sizes and data usage. This compression can reduce the resolution and quality of the images.\u00a0 When sharing images, use Google Drive or Dropbox.<\/p>\n Often I see images of different sizes in an image rotator or a portrait-shaped image at the top of a webpage when a landscape shaped image should have been used.\u00a0 \u00a0Once you have the correct format (landscape\/portrait), crop and\/or resize the image to the correct dimensions.\u00a0 If you are not sure what dimensions should be used, contact your website provider.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t have software to edit your images, you can use Pixlr X\u00a0which is free.<\/p>\n Though you don\u2019t want your email provider to reduce the image file of your images, you don\u2019t want to the images to be so large that they slow down your website.\u00a0 Use software like Pixlr X or the WordPress plugin, Smush to optimize the image for your website. OurChurch.Com includes Smush with all of its websites.<\/p>\n If you are not taking pictures for the website every week, it is important to set a reminder in your calendar to get new pictures every 6 months.\u00a0 Doing this will keep the images from getting old and allow you to get rid of pictures of people who are no longer at the church.<\/p>\n The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it? \u2013 Edward Weston<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Click to share this image on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram <\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to save time and make sure the job is done right, consider working with our team of pros on your\u00a0Christian business, ministry or church website design.<\/p>\n Complete the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop).<\/strong><\/p>\n Continue reading\u2026\u00a0The inside scoop on our 10 step church website design process<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n President at OurChurch.Com<\/strong><\/p>\n Mark has served as the President of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, leading the Custom Website and Sales departments with dedication and expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n Over the years, he has managed hundreds of custom website, graphic design, and marketing projects for churches, non-profits, businesses, and schools.<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond his professional work, Mark is deeply committed to serving his community. He coordinates and packs over 700 meals each week for children through <\/span>One Community Now\u2019s Pack A Sack for Kids<\/span> program, volunteers in the Children\u2019s Ministry at Generations Christian Church, and participates in a weekly Bible study.<\/span><\/p>\nWebsite Photos<\/strong><\/h4>\n
8 crucial tips to ensure you have great photos on your website<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1) Never copy an image that you find online.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2) Use real photos whenever possible.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3) Take the time to take good, quality photos.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
4) It is not a sin to edit photos.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
5) Don\u2019t email or text photos<\/strong>.<\/h4>\n
6) Crop and\/or resize the image to fit.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
7) Optimize your images for your website.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
8) Set a reminder in your calendar to take new pictures every 6 months.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Partner with a Pro<\/h4>\n
Comment and discuss:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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