Often in the church artistic gifts are overlooked unless they are performing arts. When I was in college I began attending a church that valued the arts, all of the arts. There were Sundays when a painter would paint during worship or sermon series where graffiti artists would paint the stage set. It moved me in a BIG way! I never knew that I could use my gift or trade of photography to bless people visually. When you hear the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words", it's so true. You can convey so much emotion within a photo to truly move the heart of individuals into God's throne room. I have compiled a list of the Top 5 photos every church should have hanging in their common spaces (this includes your website), "family photos" if you will:

1. Worship
   
   

   
   
   Images of hands raised in worship or musicians playing their heart out can be truly moving. Witnessing musical worship can move an otherwise cold or hardened person into worship. It can remind you of a time when you felt freedom to worship without restraint. 
   
   

2. Baptisms
   
   

   
   
   Always, always document life change! Some of the most powerful images that hang in our church are of lives that were radically transformed by God's grace. When you see these images it reminds you of God's faithfulness & all that he has done in your ministry. 
   
   

3. Children

   
   
   
   Children typically make up 40-50% of a churches attendance numbers, not to mention they are our future! Document them. Photograph them as their lives are transformed & as they form relationships that will last their lifetime. It can take even the oldest in the congregation back to their youth. 



4. Prayer

   
   
   
   Some of my favorite images I have captured at our church are of people on their knees. Kneeling at the altar and seeking the Lord. When I see these images I am reminded of my need for Him and how He has answered our prayers. 
   
   

5. Outreach

   
   
   
   Your church and it's mission should go beyond your walls to the people within your community and throughout the world. Images of your city or a child in Africa drinking clean water will help your congregation to think past themselves and truly be the hands and feet of Christ. 

Ultimately you should think about your church culture & mission. What moments do you want to remember? What images do you want to fill the hearts and minds of your people? Worship, life change, growth, prayer & outreach are just broad terms that evoke memories and emotions that can spur you on to greater things. So, document, document all that God does within your church. It can truly bless and inspire you to deeper faith and impact.