Stock photography on church web sites
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Is stock photography on church web sites appropriate? It irks me to see it. I think it is false and deceptive. You are lead to believe that these happy, multi-ethnic, multi-generational attend this church when they do not. Why can’t churches post pictures of their own members?
I remember when Northland used stock photos on their site while I was a student. I would say the majority of the students were quite outraged about it. I don’t think they have used stock photos since. At the same time, if you use ‘your people’, make sure they are professional looking photos.
My church used photos of “real people” and our attendance declined.
:)
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/jrpeet/SharperIron/hillbilly.j…]
:)
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/jrpeet/SharperIron/hillbilly.j…]
Some churches may choose to use photos of non-church members for the sake of privacy or safety issues. Also, one practical problem with using church members is you have to make sure they are still members! In some large churches it is harder to monitor who is still a part of the church, and it is a pain to continually have to change the pictures because the people are no longer a part of the church.
(Our church web site uses pictures of church members, however.)
(Our church web site uses pictures of church members, however.)
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Greg Long, Ed.D. (SBTS)
Pastor of Adult Ministries
Grace Church, Des Moines, IA
Adjunct Instructor
School of Divinity
Liberty University
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