Photo and Video Guidelines

We’re always seeking fresh images and videos to help us convey the transformative power and joy of Special Olympics Arizona. Below are some guidelines to help you capture footage that aligns with our mission and vision.

What We Love:

Special Olympics events are like no other sporting competition. You see this in the faces of our athletes – and in the faces of their coaches, family members, friends, volunteers, and fans. We’re looking for content that highlights the uniqueness of Special Olympics Arizona events, focusing on our athletes’ and supporters’ emotions, camaraderie, and individual stories. Some of the most interesting and emotive Special Olympics moments often come both before and after a competitive event – the anticipation before and the celebration after.

Types of Shots:

1. Close-Ups: Capture the expressions of athletes’ faces, their concentration, determination, and joy. Close-ups should also focus on the hands and feet to show the intricacies of the sport or event.
2. Mid-Range Shots: Show the interaction between athletes and coaches, athletes with their families, and volunteers cheering on participants.
3. Wide Shots: To convey the atmosphere and setting, include shots of the venue, crowds, and the overall excitement of the events.

Footage that obscures an athlete’s face – under a helmet or wearing sunglasses – can only work for action or crowd shots. The best photos show an athlete’s concentration, determination, or joy.

Video Format Recommendations:

1. Standard Horizontal Videos: Ideal for most platforms, maintain a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) for high-quality footage.
2. Vertical Social Media Videos: For platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, or Snapchat, use a 1080×1920 resolution.

Recommended Video Lengths:

1. Standard Horizontal Videos: Aim for 1-2 minutes for feature videos that can be shared on platforms like YouTube or Facebook.
2. Vertical Social Media Videos: Keep these videos shorter, between 15-30 seconds, perfect for quick and engaging content.

Dimensions and Aspect Ratios:

1. Standard Horizontal Videos: 16:9 aspect ratio (e.g., 1920×1080).
2. Vertical Social Media Videos: 9:16 aspect ratio (e.g., 1080×1920).

Shooting Tips:

• Ensure videos are well-lit, stable, and in focus.
• Avoid shaky footage by using tripods or stabilizing equipment when possible.
• Prioritize natural sound to capture the event’s atmosphere, but consider brief interviews or narratives to add context.
• Respect athletes’ dignity; do not capture or share footage that could be seen as disrespectful or embarrassing.
• Adhere to Special Olympics branding guidelines, including logo usage and on-screen graphics.
• Capture a variety of angles and perspectives to keep the video dynamic and engaging.

Remember, the best content reflects our Special Olympics values: Bravery, Perseverance, Unity, Athlete Leadership, and Joyful Sportsmanship. Here are some examples to help you get started. We can’t wait to see your footage!