advice for field photos draft 4
DESCRIPTION
This is a PowerPoint presentationcreated for internal staff at NABDP (part of UNDP and the Afghanistan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development) on taking photos in the field. The communications office here relies heavily on all staff, no matter what their job titles, to take photos whenever possible at events and workshops, as so many of us aren’t allowed to leave Kabul. You can adapt this presentation by replacing photos with your own and adjusting the text as needed.TRANSCRIPT
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Advice for Field Photos
By Jayne CravensCommunications & Reporting Advisor
August 12, 2007
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Firstly: THANK YOU for sharing your photos
already!
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Every Picture Tells A Story
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
What Does This Photo Say?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
What Does This Photo Say?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
What Does This Photo Say?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
What Does This Photo Say?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
What Does This Photo Say?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
What Does This Photo Say
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
The best photos don’t completely rely on text to explain them
in order for you to “hear” at least part
of the overall story.
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
NABDP needs photos for many different reasons,
to serve many different audiences
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
“I urgently need photos…”• “…of children using a water pump”• “…of men working”• “…of that workshop in Herat last year” • “…of NABDP staff in action• “…of the Belgians on a field visit”• “…of women in discussion”• “…with lots of color”• “…of smiling faces”• “…of the Japanese donors signing our latest
agreement”
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Who Are Photos For?• Donors• Media/Press• Citizens of Afghanistan• Government• Internal MRRD / NABDP /
UNDP Staff• Partner Organizations• Other Organizations• International General Public
• Others?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Why Do They Want Photos?
• Donors • To show progress on projects they are funding
• “Proof” of work
• To put images with the text they read in reports
• Other reasons?
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Why Do They Want Photos?
• Media / Press
• Government
• To use in their publications
• To use in reports, publications, web site, etc.
• To demonstrate progress/action
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Tips for Field Trip Photos1. Be respectful; ask for permission; notify the group that photos will be taken and
how they will be used.
2. Take LOTS of photos. When in doubt (is this a good photo?), take the photo. Take several photos of the same scene, from the same angle and different angles.
3. Outside shots are best (because of light), but take pictures away from the sun, if possible.
4. When inside, get close to the subject, and try to aim away (instead of into) light sources.
5. Get FACES and ACTION when possible.
6. Get C O L O R when possible.
7. Show local people talking, teaching, learning, working, etc.
8. As much as local culture and circumstances allow, get photos of women.
9. It’s okay to arrange people for a photo (e.g. asking people to stand in a certain place).
10. Remember that photos will serve many needs (donors, government, internal use, etc.).
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Special Consideration for Indoor Workshops/Indoor Ceremonies
• Get CLOSE to the main subject(s), and try to aim away (instead of into) light sources.
• Get FACES, with EXPRESSION if possible.
• Ask signers of an agreement to pose together (stand close together with the agreement, have them shake hands and face the camera, etc.) after signing for a photos.
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Don’t wait for the perfect shot!Take lots of photos, and the “right” photo
will show up when you review the pictures later.
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Photo Advice in Action
Bored? Not participating? Not included?No expression.
Participating. Thoughtful. Included.
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Photo Advice in ActionWho?Too dark. No faces
Participating. Thoughtful. Included.
Better photo even though it is out-of-focus
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Labeling Is Key• Make sure your camera’s date is set correctly (so we
know when the photo was taken; the date does not have to appear on the photo, however)
• When you download photos onto your computer, put them in a folder with a very descriptive name (location and project name are key).
• Adding a narrative in a MS Word document and putting it in your photo folder is GREATLY appreciated (for instance, noting why a photo is important if it won’t be obvious when others view the photo)
• If there are donors/VIPs, etc. in the photo, please provide proper IDs
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Please Share!
• Please share field and event photos with communications unit promptly!
• Videos are welcomed too! (same rules apply: good light, faces, etc.)
• We have a 300+ file of the very best photos and can burn these onto a CD for you!
• Many of the best NABDP photos also available at www.flickr.com/photos/nabdp/
National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
Kabul, Afghanistan
Most Important Things
to Keep in Mind:
(1) Take lots of photos&(2) Share them with communications unit (Jayne, Gunda or Fariba) via a memory stick (never via email!)
THANK YOUhttp://www.mrrd.gov.af/nabdp/