Picture Submission
Best Practices
We deeply appreciate all your care and effort, and want to make sure you have all the information you’ll need to get started. Below you will find best-practices for picture submission, along with other helpful hints.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
*Note: For candid photos, not all steps will apply.
To take high-quality photos, follow these steps:
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Set the Scene
- To begin, make sure that your filming area is presentable for the purpose of your photo. Removing excess clutter will help ensure the viewer keeps their focus on you.
- Clear your area of any items that have visible personal details. This is for ID safety purposes.
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Lighting
Ensure that the lighting for your area is suitable for your project. This is one of the most important steps. Be willing to play with positioning and location to get your best shot.
- Avoid lighting that falls directly on top of you or lighting that is positioned slightly to the side of your face. This causes long and exaggerated shadows to fall on your face.
- Be sure to periodically check your camera viewer to ensure the adjustments you make are having the intended effect on the captured image.
- Double check with your subject that they will be comfortable in that position while you are taking their picture.
Tips: When you film from high above, it will make your head look larger. When you film from below, your body will appear larger.
You are now ready to begin taking pictures!
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Frame Your Subject
When setting up your camera, be sure that it is at an appropriate distance away from your subject, and that the subject is properly framed.
- Place your camera a short distance away from the film subject, and play with the positioning and focus until your captured image is as you want it.
- Be careful to not place your recording equipment too far or too close to the subject, as that will make any future editing more difficult.
- If possible, please film at the eye level of the subject. Maintaining a flat and level angle will help keep viewers focused.
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Export & Share
After you have completed your photoshoot, you are welcome to make any needed edits, or send us the raw photo.
- Save your photo as a .jpg, .png, .pdf, or post to your Social Media.
- If possible, try to export in a high resolution setting. 720p or HD work best.
- Please ensure that the submitted content is entirely family friendly.
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Photo Content
We encourage creativity! Not every submission needs to be a perfect headshot. If you need help deciding what content to feature in your photo, here are some suggestions:
- Family Photo
- Using a HeartMath Technique
- Playing a HeartMath Game or Program
- Art Projects
- Landscapes
- Still Life
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Parental Consent
If you are working with underage children, you will need to seek and provide parental consent to share their image with us.
You are welcome to use your school’s/organization’s own parental consent form, or use the permission forms provided by HeartMath Institute.
Click here for video submissions, along with other helpful hints!