Photo Standards

Acceptable

Not Acceptable

In Focus

These images are in focus when viewed in both small and full sizes. The secret? Use a tripod.

Not in Focus

Is your photo in focus? Hundreds of submitted photos we receive may have looked good on a camera's small screen but are really out of focus and cannot be used. Look at them at full size to check the focus.

Subject Good Size

The subject of your photo should be large enough to see without distracting elements.

Subject Too Small

If your subject is too small, your message gets diluted by other elements in the photo, making the photo unusable.

Good Grouping

Pull people in group photos closer than normally seems comfortable, and they will look good in a photo.

Poor Grouping

Gaps between people in a group or between family members are a distraction that causes a lower-quality photo. These photos are unusable.

Carefully Enhanced

If you must enhance your photo, be gentle.

Over Processed

Heavily processed photos are not usable and sometimes make the photo look eerie or forbidding. Most High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos we see are overprocessed and unusable.

Filtering photos to be black and white or sepia tones will limit the possible use. Submit the original full color photo and designers can alter the photo as needed.

Clean Backgrounds

Keep backgrounds as uncluttered as possible.

Distracting Backgrounds

Cluttered backgrounds make it difficult to focus on the message of your photo, making the photos unusable.

No Copyright Issues

No visible logos.

Copyright or Legal Issues

The logo on the shirt and computer make this photo unusable. Some logos can be removed digitally, but most have to be blurred, making the photo less desirable.

Good Composition

In a well-balanced photo, the people are the focus with few distracting elements. Use the rule of thirds to place your subjects in pleasing spots.

Poor Composition

The people are centered, and the door pulls your attention to the right.

Good Lighting—Natural Lighting

Gentle light on your subject is not distracting.

Poor Lighting—Natural Lighting

Having light behind your subject makes it difficult to see your subject unless you reflect light into the person’s face to compensate. This photo is unusable.

Bright Flash and Harsh Shadows

If you use a flash indoors, chances are the photos will not be usable because the light will be harsh with dark shadows. These photos will not be accepted.

Good Lighting—Inside

You can get pleasing light on both sides of your model by using a sheet or large paper to reflect the light onto the shadowed side.

Poor Lighting—Inside

Underlit on one side and bright on the other is not acceptable.

Good Clothing Colors

Clothes that contrast in color from the background help separate your subjects from the background.

Poor Clothing Colors

Clothing colors that are similar to the background tend to blend your subjects into the background. However, avoid loud clothing that overwhelms the rest of the photo.

Appropriate for Church Use

Members photographed in Church buildings should be dressed appropriately for sacrament meeting attendance except when shown in an activity.

Not Appropriate for Church Use

The above photo would be inappropriate if it was in a ward building.

Photos with models wearing large jewelry are less desirable because the jewelry distracts from the message of the photo.

Because of the need to present people modestly, regardless of age, please avoid submitting photos of them in sleeveless tops and dresses or short skirts.

Also, we cannot accept photos of people, even children, in swimming suits.