Information
Please read the FAQs below to familiarise yourself with the services that the Communications Team undertake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a photographer for an event?
Photography is commissioned internally by the Communications Team. You are welcome to take photographs yourself, and post them to the Provincial Facebook Group.
Can Communications make a video for me?
Videos are commissioned internally by the Communications Team. You are welcome to create your own video, but this may not be used, especially if it is for external consumption.
I am undertaking an Individual Challenge for the Festival. How can the Communications Team help?
These challenges can be highlighted in the Provincial Post if you send in a relevant photo and some background information. You are welcome to post to the Provincial Facebook Group as you wish. It is better to start by talking to the Festival Committee first by completing the following form: https://bit.ly/3ZRHkr5
Who is responsible for taking photos at an event?
This is usually the responsibility of the Lodge to organise. The Communications Team will usually take charge at Provincial Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand Chapter and visits by the Acting Officers. Arrangements should be made beforehand with and within the Lodge / Chapter to ensure there are no misunderstandings. The priority list is:
- The Lodge
- The Company of Past Provincial Stewards
- The Communications Team (except visits by Acting Officers, Provincial Grand Lodge / Provincial Grand Chapter where the Comms Team takes precedence).
How do I add something to the website?
Generally speaking, we do not post material to the Members Website. This is especially true of material that can date quickly. Rather, we ask you to post to the Provincial Facebook Group (PFG). Websites are good for reference material, such as Toast Lists. However, social media is approximately 40x more effective at communicating news as it uses "push" technology (rather than a website that uses "pull" technology). The PFG has the additional advantages that it is (largely) under your control in terms of content, and the way the technology works old material does not need removing.
Why are there two websites?
Different audiences require different messaging. The Public Website is where members of the public can see who we are, what we do and where we meet. This website is kept deliberately "lean" to make it easily navigable. If people want to know more, they can contact us. The Members Website (this one!) is for members and is composed mainly of reference documents. This website is less high profile, but it is not "hidden" as this a) makes it more difficult for our members to find, and b) there is nothing confidential on this site.
I have some photos for the Provincial Facebook Group, where do I e-mail them?
The Communications Team do not post on behalf of other people on the Provincial Facebook Group. This would entirely defeat the object of social media, which features user-generated content. You are invited, instead, to post it yourself to the group.
Where do I send what to where?
Generally speaking, we try and decentalise communications and make it as accessible as possible. For the Provincial Post, you will need to send the information to the Provincial Communications Officer (PCO). Please use the e-mail address that is used to send out the Provincial Post. The e-mail address is not included here, as it will be "hoovered up" by e-mail spammers. Sorry!
Why is Facebook used so often?
Facebook is by far the most popular social media app used by freemasons. We have the Provincial Facebook Group (PFG) which is only for members of our Province. All members are welcome to post to the group. The Provincial Facebook Page (PFP) is controlled by the Communications Team and is mainly for an external audience. Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for example, are used but we know from the metrics that these are less effective.
Which social media channels are we active on?
Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly known as Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn
What tips do you have for taking photographs?
- Masonic Rooms are usually dark, so we always struggle with low light. However, avoid using a flash as this tends to "bleach" the photo.
- Frame the photo with the subjects, so they appear as large as possible.
- Ask people who may be in the background clearing Lodge equipment away to wait for a few minutes while photos are being taken.
- Remove any extraneous items such as bits of papers and books from the photo.
- Ask people to look directly at the camera and ask them not to be distracted from anything else going on in the room. If someone is not looking at the camera, it looks unusual.
- Ask people not to speak while a photo is being taken. If you take the shot mid-sentence, faces can appear distorted.
- Only use one photographer at any one time. If more photos are needed, take it in turns. Otherwise people will end up looking in different directions, which looks odd.
- Use steps to condense the width of a photo. A long, thin photo makes it difficult to look at, so people may not bother.
- Try and avoid cheque presentations. Sometimes unavoidable, but the "grip and grin" is something of a masonic cliche. Generally, it is better to photograph what the money has been spent on to benefit people, such as a renovated garden or a coffee machine.
- Beware of mirrors and glass, they will reflect the photographer who has taken the shot. This is known as the "Benny Hill" effect, after a sketch where the camera crew was jokingly shown in the mirror as part of the comedy.
- Make sure brethren do not wear sunglasses. People need to see eyes to trust someone. Sunglasses are used to hide features, we need to be open and not look like The Blues Brothers.