By Jerald Council, CouncilMag.com

Recently, I had the privilege of serving as the official photographer for True Holiness International Fellowship’s Holy Convocation 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Chief Apostle James D. Council, my brother, asked me to provide my photography services.
My challenge was twofold: first, how to capture images that express the emotion, reverence, celebration and worship befitting the Holy Convocation; second, how to maintain professionalism and respect for the event’s sacred nature.

“I was entrusted with transforming four days of worship into a memorable visual narrative.”

Churchgoers filled the space throughout the entire four-day convocation, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Chief Apostle James D. Council delivers a sermon.

My role extended well beyond simply taking pictures. I served as the visual storyteller for one of the church’s most significant annual gatherings, capturing the moments that define the organization’s history, faith and community.

Seeking out the best images requires paying close attention and recognizing special moments. Working discreetly and efficiently across multiple days of programming to preserve important moments without disrupting the worship service takes experience. Below are a few examples showing select captures.

““Operating discreetly and efficiently over several days helped secure key moments while preserving the sanctity of worship.””

— Jerald Council, Photographer

As the event photographer, I worked with precision and discretion, anticipating key moments while remaining unobtrusive during worship and ceremonial proceedings. My goal was to produce imagery that authentically captured the fellowship’s mission, values and sense of unity. By balancing documentary storytelling with creative composition, I delivered photographs that celebrated the attendees’ joy, reverence and shared experiences.

There were so many memorable moments, such as when Co-Pastor Lashoneda Council came onto the main floor to check on everyone and cheerfully greet the congregation. In these moments, there was an opportunity to capture her enduring presence. Here are some more images to view.