A call for the creative to further the work of the Church
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The Creation is something God's children have marveled about for thousands of years. Animals, flowers, mountains, oceans, starry skies and people have inspired video, music, art, writing and photography. Every child of God is given talents and encouraged to share and develop them. In the 2008 semiannual general conference, President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency said, "Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. … The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come."
To help members share their creations and further the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Church has developed a website called create.lds.org. Currently, visitors can submit photos, video and music for potential use in Church magazines, brochures, videos and other products. Scott Olson, product manager for Member Contributed Media said, "More than anything else, we currently need photos and videos of people. We need to show members living the gospel in many ways." Submissions may be used by the Church for projects and shared with members through an unlimited license given the Church by the copyright owner. Therefore, only the copyright owner should submit their work.
Because of the need for high-quality photos, professional and highly experienced photographers are encouraged to participate. While many highly-skilled photographers sell their photos, many have thousands of beautiful photos that lie hidden on their hard drives, never to be seen or used by anyone. This effort is a way photographers can share their unused photos with the Church and members around the world.
Many non-professional photographers may have a photo they have taken that is exceptional. They are invited to share those photos. Many photos that members have submitted have been used on LDS.org and other Church web sites. The temple department has used many temple photos that members have submitted. The most common problems with submitted photos are things being out of focus or too dark. Also the subject of photos should be dressed modestly. For example, adults or children in swimming suits are not appropriate. Children in sundresses or diapers cannot be used. Finally, if a photo contains a person giving a hand sign such as "OK" or "I love you," it will not be used. Hand signs have different meanings around the world depending on the culture.
Video submissions must absolutely be high quality. Shaky home movies, grainy images or poorly lit video cannot be used. Most videos should be under 10 minutes unless the story you are telling requires a longer length.
To create good content, it helps to constantly work at it. Brother Olson said, "Take photos or videos every day and develop your eye for what looks good. If you want to be a great photographer, throw away 95% of your photos and keep only the best."
The Church also needs music that is at or near professional quality. Copyright owners of music will retain the copyright and will be able to use and sell it, but the Church will be allowed to use it freely. For example, individuals may submit instrumental or vocal underscore music they have composed. They can send in a vocal or instrumental recording found in the public domain (written before 1923) from the Church Hymn Book or Children's Songbook. They can make their own original arrangement of one of the public domain hymns or songs. Also, they may submit an instrumental or vocal recording of original music they have composed.
The future of the site will include more ways for members to share their talents. For example, in the not-too-far distant future, members will be able to submit graphic design projects, create blog templates, submit scripts for videos, plays, pageants and participate in contests.
Here is a short list of photo and video needs. A more detailed list is available at create.lds.org
People serving
others
Families doing spiritual
activities
Families doing activities
together
Images that illustrate
gospel principles
Scenic videos and
photos
Activities around the
house
Youth doing regular and
Church activities
People on temple grounds
for weddings, pondering, walking, thinking
