Stop Using Stock Photos: The Ultimate Church Shot List That Fills Seats

by | Sep 29, 2025 | Youtube

Stop relying on stock photos. Use this church photography shot list to show visitors exactly what to expect—and grow trust fast.
In this episode, Zack Esgar breaks down an easy, volunteer-ready church photo checklist for your website, worship, kids ministry, and social media.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome + why imagery makes or breaks church websites
01:02 Stock vs. authentic photos: trust and first impressions
02:20 What visitors want your photos to answer (fit, culture, attire, worship)
04:45 Practical tips: gear, staging smiles, landscape vs. vertical
08:10 Planning the shoot + downloadable shot list
09:30 First impressions: exterior, entrances, greeters, families arriving
11:10 Interior & unique features to highlight
12:30 Ministry shots: Kids, Youth, Adults, special events
14:15 Worship photography: run-throughs, congregation angles, pastor teaching
17:20 People/culture shots that communicate “welcome”
19:00 Staff photos + Canva background tips
20:10 Final encouragement + resources

Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@SmarterChurchCommunications
Watch previous episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@SmarterChurchCommunications/videos
Resources for churches: https://tentapps.com/resources/
Website: https://www.tentapps.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tentapps/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tentapps
Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smarter-church
Keywords to include naturally:
church photography, church shot list, church website images, church communications, worship photos, kids ministry photography, volunteer photographer tips, church social media, church branding

#ChurchPhotography #ChurchCommunications #SmarterChurch

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About the Author

Zack Esgar

Zack Esgar is the owner and founder of Tent Apps. He loves helping churches and ministries further reach their communities for the Gospel through digital marketing and smart ministry websites. Zack graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Business Websites and has served on staff at churches and ministries for the last 12 years.

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Don’t miss out!:

Watch previous episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@SmarterChurchCommunications/videos
Join our community for more support and ideas: https://www.instagram.com/tentapps/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tentapps
Listen on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smarter-church
Subscribe for weekly church communication strategies: https://tentapps.com
Download free resources to help your church grow: https://tentapps.com/resources/

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