Courses in photography and video: Key aspects and tips for successful filming in church service

Photography and video have become an integral part of our daily lives thanks to advances in technology and the availability of cameras on every cell phone. We all have experience serving in different churches, and we are actively engaged in taking photos and videos that we want to use later in photo reports and other materials. These tips will help your images look more professional. If you want to improve your skills in these areas, here are some key things to consider.

1. A person takes a photo, not a camera: Focus on your vision and creativity. Your phone or camera is just a tool, and you determine how you want to capture the world through your lens.

2. Learn your camera settings: Learn how to use the basic settings on your camera or phone. Understanding the focus, exposure, and other settings will give you more control over the quality of your images.

3. Use apps to customize: On the Android platform, you can install apps like OpenCamera or Camera DSLR to extend your camera settings.

4. Format and composition: Shoot photos and videos in either 16:9 or 9:16 (different spellings). Ensure horizontal orientation for most shots, using the rule of thirds to ensure proper composition.

5. Lighting plays a key role: Pay attention to the lighting. If possible, position yourself so that the light is behind you. Use additional lighting if necessary.

6. Video recording:

• Shoot video in FullHD format with a bitrate of 5-15 mbps.
• For YouTube, it is recommended that you shoot video only horizontally on a tripod.
• For Instagram or Shorts Video, use a vertical format of up to 1 minute.

7. File transfer:

• Upload photos/videos to the fex.net service.
• Send the link via Telegram or another convenient way.
• In Telegram, use the “Transfer files” option to avoid file compression.

With these tips, you're ready to improve your photo and video skills. Remember that technology is just a tool, and your vision and creativity determine the quality of your creations.