Episode One: Photography and Worship with Patti Morabito
While we sipped Trader Joes Maple Autumn coffee beneath the golden canopy of trees at lower Goldwater Lake in Prescott, Arizona, we had a conversation with Patti Morabito.
Patti is a member of Grace Church’s digital team and often volunteers to do photos at different events. She loves the people in our community and her endless energy is contagious. Through this interview, you’ll learn that your camera is not just a tool to do a task, it’s an instrument that connects people and is an expression of worship.
Tips For Photographers Who Serve with Churches:
- Use photography to show, not tell, the love and friendliness of your church. Let the visuals tell the story, and sometimes add words to it for depth.
- Encourage the photographers of your church to submit photos. These photos can be used to frame Scripture. Give your photographers credit on the social media posts.
- People like to see photos of themselves. Make the photos downloadable and sharable.
- Spotlight volunteers and have them share a two-paragraph devotional to go with the photo.
- Challenge yourself to be curious about other cultures. Take photos at festivals and events that are multicultural and share about what you learned on your social media.
- Create a group on Facebook where you can do a photo dump, then have your church social media person post a photo or two from the batch and invite people to go to the group and download their photos.
- Exercise restraint with your photos. Post only your best ones in small batches.
Photographs can inspire people to do something, to give, or to think differently. Here are some different photograph sites that have great ideas on how to use photography for ministry:
What is Wilderness Brews: Trailside Talks?
Years ago, I began a similar series with far less video skill, but deep stories. After an absence of time, I re-branded the series and its direction. I hope that you will be inspired by this series. We’re going to talk about coffee, technology, and Jesus. Each episode will be different but will involve serving our guest coffee brewed on the trail and hearing his or her story. Stay tuned! Episode two will be published sometime in January.