Photo and Video

Images are one of the most powerful ways of getting our message across. To help reinforce our identity and communications strategy, we should aim to use images which are empowering, engaging and which depict solutions.

Children sit under solar panels at Bishunpur Tolla, Dharnai village. A solar-powered micro-grid is now supplying electricity to the village. © Vivek M. / Greenpeace

Children sit under solar panels at Bishunpur Tolla, Dharnai village. A solar-powered micro-grid is now supplying electricity to the village. © Vivek M. / Greenpeace

In a nutshell

Use sharp imagery that clearly illustrates a purpose, threat, or victory. The subject of the image should be distinct and straightforward. Choose impactful images that contribute to communicating the message.

Use portraits

Showing the people on the frontline of climate activism and environmental impact is essential. Show the faces behind our name. Choose close-up shots of people – making eye contact if possible – and use the headline or caption to put them in context. Make it real, not staged.

A collection of recent Greenpeace campaign images. Image credits from top left to right: © Rodney Dekker / Greenpeace, © Steven Lyon / Greenpeace, © Greenpeace and © James Alcock / Greenpeace

 

Include everyone

When you can, show both men and women, and different age groups and ethnicities. This won’t be possible in every single photo, but, as a set, our photos should reflect how massive and diverse our movement is.

Show it’s clearly us

When you can, use images of people who have a Greenpeace logo on them so we can’t be mistaken for anyone else.

Use colour

Always use colour photography when possible; images should be attention-grabbing and illustrate real people, beauty or threats.

Crop for maximum effect

Crop photos to put focus on subjects for maximum impact.

Incorrect usage

Greenpeace photography policy is against distorting images to make them look more dramatic than they really are, but effects and tweaks can be used on collateral that does not serve a documentary purpose.

Crediting photographers

Powerful photos are crucial to our visual communications and it’s hard to get good photos without good photographers. Make sure you give appropriate credits (eg ©Greenpeace/Photographer) and don’t use photos without permission.

Media library

We have an extensive library of high quality photos and videos available from:

MEDIA LIBRARY