(Source: lds.org)

Editor’s Note: Whether you’re ready now, or you’d just love to do it someday, you need to know what a Church Service Mission as a photographer/videographer would entail. It’s not for everyone who has a point and shoot camera! While you don’t have to be a professional photographer with an art school degree, you do need to be highly skilled. Here are some questions and answers from “Church-Service Missionary Photographers and Videographers” at LDS.org.

Are these Church-service missions available worldwide?

Yes. Any professional or highly skilled amateur photographers or videographers anywhere in the world may serve from their home and submit photos or video clips.

How long do Church-service missionary photographers or videographers serve?

You can choose to serve 6, 12, 18, or 24 months.

If I am only able to work the minimum 8 hours per week, does that need to be on one day?

No, feel free to spread your hours around as you need to. Some will be serving full-time, but even those hours can be spread through the days, evenings, or weekends as you need to fit your schedule. If there are specific questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Can I still work while being a Church-service missionary?

Yes. Contact us at [email protected] to work through any issues.

What are the most needed photos?

Photos of temples and members are most needed. Photos of members of all nations and ethnicities are needed because of the need for all Church projects to include photos of members worldwide. The Photo Needs List shows needed photos in priority order.

Are there photos that aren’t needed?

Yes. Unless they are exceptional, photos of the Salt Lake Temple, flowers, pets, and typical wedding reception shots are not needed.

Are there restrictions that limit the types of photos I can take?

You can take photos of pretty much anything. Please use the Photo Needs List as you decide what to shoot so that you know what is needed. Photos of members living the gospel are always needed for nearly every Church project.

Can we set up photo walks with other photographers or videographers and then get them to submit their photos taken on the walk?

Yes, feel free to gather photographers or videographers and go on photo walks as a way to get photos to submit. You can also get volunteers from your ward or stake to act as models for the photographers. If you do get models from your ward, remind the photographers or videographers that the photos and video clips should not to be used for other purposes.

Who owns the copyright to the photos I submit to the Church?

You own the copyright to all the photos you submit. You give the Church an unlimited license to use the photos and to share them with members of the Church to use for non-commercial, sharing-the-gospel purposes.

Can I use the pictures I submit on personal projects or even sell them?

Yes, since you own the copyright, you are free to use them however you would like. The only restriction is that you cannot sell them to someone and give that person exclusive rights that would limit the rights you have already given the Church.

Read the rest of this article at LDS.org