Tips to Gathering Photo & Video Content

How to capture content

• Center and focus subject 
  • Quick tip: tap the subject on your phone screen to focus it
• Use horizontal and vertical formats
• Don't zoom
  • Zooming makes images blurry
• Simple background 
• Lighting
  • Make sure the light source is in front of the subject
  • Lighting that comes from the top or from the back will cause shadows or make the subject too dark
• Use auto editor on phone 
• Be steady, use two hands

🗒️ While all New York Cares volunteers sign a photo release waiver during account creation, it's always best practice to ask first before taking their photo. Be mindful to not photograph the faces of clients that you're serving to maintain their privacy, especially when working with vulnerable populations like children. Instead, try taking photos from behind or wide shots."

Types of Photos to Capture

Action shots

Group shots

Fun & memorable moments

Video Guidelines

• Capture actions - ex. People painting, people digging, packing a bag
• Keep it short 
• Noise level – if you’re interviewing someone, make sure to bring them to an area with less background noise
• Example video

How to Share Content with New York Cares

• Submit photos and videos by using our Volunteer Experience Form
• If you have trouble using our form, you can also share these photos and videos with your Leadership Coordinator via email.