Missions Photos with a Purpose

MISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES ~ PART ONE: 

Pictures Speak in Ways That We Cannot.

Several young men in South Africa waiting to have
their eyes checked at a free clinic with Blessman Ministries. 

The following situations may apply to you: You plan for months to leave on your first missions trip with the idea of changing the world. Or perhaps this has become an annual event and you can't get enough of it, or you have taken the steps to become a career missionary. What does photography have to do with reaching our world for Jesus? And how can you best utilize this tool? Some of you may be amateur photographers but desire to become better, others have an iphone and are not afraid to use it, and still others are wondering how to become a professional in this area?
    This is a summer blog series on the many aspects of Missions photography. Every Monday morning for the next several weeks, many more topics will be explored: from relationship-first photography to using your camera as a witnessing tool, what equipment to use, to cultural sensitivity and any questions you may ask in the process, but today, let's look at purpose. 
    First a little introduction. I have had the privilege of traveling in over 30 countries, doing ministry in at least 19 of those to date with the hope of doing much more. For me, photography has opened many doors of opportunity. Having a camera in my hand has emboldened me to step out of my comfort zone and talk to others I might not have otherwise. Telling stories through visuals has helped to inspire others to reach out. And most of all, it has allowed me to tell the stories of hope of those who cannot speak for themselves.

(Left) Dr. Blessman and his Des Moines, Iowa team greet local volunteers from Mokopane,
Limpopo, South Africa. (Right) Lisa works to get this young mans prescription just right.

Purpose One: Communication. 
If you are going on a traditional missions trip, then you are being sent-out by your donors: your church, friends, and family. You are their hands and feet extended. As part of the process, you will need to report back on the work that they have partnered with and what better way to do that than visually. It is a fact that images make any presentation, whether in print, web or multimedia much more impactful. Visuals of the people you meet and the places and cultures you visit give your audience a framework to build upon and a more memorable point of reference. 
     I know for a fact a few friends and family will never travel to the places I've been (they've told me so). Taking photos has been my way of taking these places to them. There have been a few times when I have been somewhere encouraging others and the faces of those back home flood my mind, and I have been overwhelmed with emotion knowing that my words and actions also represent theirs. It makes me realize that the love of God that is extended not only pours from me but everyone else back home so much so that I have to share the experience and blessings the best way that I know how --visually.

(Left) Ann counsels with this young girl about AIDS prevention and then gives her a
copy of the Book of Hope. A book that she can now read thanks to her new glasses. 

Purpose Two: I call this "pay it forward". 
Visually telling these stories helps future endeavors. This is two-fold. It helps you with your fundraising because people now have a visual reference of what God has done through you and the possibility of what can be. This makes the fundraising process flow a little easier. But the most important are the souls that will be reached. Showing photos of what God has done perpetuates giving to reach more people, both on an ongoing organizational level for those entrenched in various areas of the world and for those at the grassroots level. 
     Okay, the question can now be raised, is this emotional manipulation? This depends on your approach. I believe using photos should be purposeful but never take advantage or exploit another's misfortunes. I prefer the "stories of hope" approach. Yes, you will probably be presented with scenes of starving children, of misery and depressed conditions and abject poverty. I've seen my share of it first-hand. But to only show that is skewing the picture. A more balanced approach works best. Be real about the situation, but make it a point to show those who are making a difference, how they are doing it and what you can do to partner with them. This way people are part of a solution and not just a cause. Show how the proven methods are really making a difference. This is transformational story-telling at its best.

(Left) Most of these children have never had their eyes checked before. Many will leave with a new pair of glasses. They will not only have physical sight restored but spiritual sight as well. (Right) the rugged beauty of South Africa and a bit of hope for many many students who won't be left out due to eyesight issues.

Purpose Three: Story-telling images can bring the world closer to God.                  When Jesus was on this earth, he used word pictures when speaking to the crowds. If he had a camera and the ability to show visuals, I'm sure he would be using that as well. By capturing another person's story especially in a missions setting, you are bringing their transformational story to light for others and showing God's power and love at work. Now, I have also heard how images of starving children have caused people to doubt God's existence, but that is where "stories of hope" are different. I've seen the incredible changes of God at work in this world through obedient hearts and to not show that would be a travesty. All good story-telling shows the conflict, transformation and the solution not just the conflict.

My favorite example is a photo I took of a young boy of eight worshiping in the midst of chaos in a very difficult school in Cape Town, South Africa where drugs and rape are common even in ones so young. I could have easily shot the problems only, but it was his peace and serenity that caught my eye. Six months later while teaching a photography class in Russia, the photo wound up deeply impacting a 20 yr old girl who had to know why his hands were raised and why he looked so peacefully. Since then I have heard stories from other people how this one photo gives them hope. To see what God sees in desperate situations and to be able to capture redemption is a honorable calling, one that I hope many of you aspire to as well.


Next week I will go more into what types of images you should be making to be an effective story-teller.


PS. Wow, this is just the first post in this series and it has sparked so many more ideas. Please ask questions or comment. I'd love to have dialog, different opinions are welcome, just keep your comments civil. If you have tips feel free to share. 

It's All in the Glass

What a difference a lens makes! Ever wonder how the pros have these super sharp images? How they can shoot in seemingly impossible situations? When the best you can do is outlines, silhouettes and a lot of grain. Fast lenses my friend. They are not cheap but the results are amazing. I like to rent the 70-200mm, f/2.8 lens. The difference speaks for itself. Fast lenses have the larger aperture openings that range from f/1.4-f/2.8, where the average kit lens might start at f/3.5-f/5 which are fine for outdoors but difficult to work with in low-light situations.

Grant Reitzal, Monthly Pursuit Service @ 422CHURCH.COM

Randy DonGiovanni, Monthly Pursuit Service @422CHURCH.COM

Grant Reitzal, Monthly Pursuit Service @ 422CHURCH.COM

Close-up of old glory with a little diffused light shining through.

Fading light & shallow depth of field.

Using the longer focal distance foreshortens objects.

A moment of rapt attention caught from across the room and perfect window light. 

Literally a game of catch me if you can. This lens had no trouble keeping up.

There are several rental companies out there that allow you to try these lenses before buying. It is a great way to generate professional looking images for important projects. This allows you to build your portfolio and clients until the day comes when you can afford to own this type of glass. Try the 70-200mm, f/2.8 lens, I guarantee it will be instant love. It is heavy but the results will be noticeable.

Hats Off to Reading

I love that people still love to read, even in an age where everything has to have a screen and movement. Now, don't get me wrong, I teach digital media and fully understand its value but there is still something to be said about having a tangible book in your hands. Oh, I love my Kindle, its great for travel and nighttime reading. I don't lose my page when I put it down, but it's hard to look ahead or to go more than a few pages back. It's not very practical for textbooks and reference material. That sense of accomplishment after perusing stacks of pages is lost on the percentage line. But both work for me. Although I will tell you it was fun a few weeks back when several from my church set-up a book fair with hundreds of books in the center of Norristown. For several hours we had a light but steady stream of people from all walks of life come-in to find something to read. I'll never forget the young boy who was overjoyed to find a book about his favorite mouse. Or the young man who diligently looked through every title on the table and then through the overflow boxes on the floor. We had a few homeless people, a lot of Spanish speakers, the man from the tax place next door, families, children, seniors, and even a lady in full burqa. You see a good book knows not age, gender, race or religion but it sure does make for good company. And there are some books out there that can even change your life.

 "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” ― Oscar Wilde


"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"


"The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that." --Mccosh

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ― C.S. Lewis


I am currently reading a biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer...how about you?

f/1.8 Goodness

              Nothing is more relaxing on a Spring day than a walk with your camera. 

              A lot of times I will try to focus on one thing just to harness and 

              experience everything that the one photo concept has to offer. It maybe a 

              focal distance, or last week it was monochrome but today it was f/1.8.

Uganda in Three Acts

Jesus feeds 5,000: God's Big Story

ACT ONE: This is where I got to do more OneHope work. The first few days in any new country are an adjustment period. Learning the terms and customs especially when it comes to interviewing. The first thing I need to learn is how the school system is set up and then how to phrase things to get the answers that I am seeking. I had the privilege of spending a week with the OneHope staff in Uganda where I did 95 interviews! I believe this was a personal record for one week. No matter what, I wanted to spend quality time with each interviewee. The majority were children and for those 15 minutes the one in front of me had my full attention. A handful of interviews were excellent and will be used by OneHope as tools to continue the work, but more than anything after recording the child's story I always want to encourage them or pray for them regardless of the results. After all, it is another point of contact where they can be strengthened in their faith.

Happy

And so I will not forget the story of Happy, a 14 year old confined to a wheelchair who converted from Islam at 9yrs. His real name is Saddiq but when he came to Christ they said to him "we will no longer call you Sad (the nickname for Saddiq) you are now Happy." I was able to observe him as he taught bible stories using OneHope's God's Big Story. It gave him great pleasure and encouragement to be used to teach others. I will never forget the teen boys who confessed pornography addictions that have now been broken thanks to reading the Teen edition of the Book of Hope. And then there was the one young man who attended a predominately Muslim school who was saved when someone gave him a Teen edition Book of Hope and in the couple of months since he has personally distributed and witnessed to 29 others in his school as well as the surrounding schools. One girl however wanted to become a Christian but she feared her parents and so she kept her book at her friends house to read whenever she wanted. I encouraged her that when she was ready that there was a very special page that would help her with that decision.

The Girls with their favorite card: God's Big Story

I spoke with children whose parents were incarcerated, orphans, those in public schools, Christian schools, and Muslim schools. I was also privileged to visit one of the Watoto campus's and interview a few of their kids and I believe that experience pretty much summed up many things I noticed throughout Uganda. I first talked to a few kids that were new to Watoto, they were quiet and shy. They still were uncomfortable with strangers and had a lot of hurts to be dealt with from past abuse and abandonment. They were learning and could tell me the stories from God's Big Story without problems but still needed something more. But then the others who have lived in a loving nurturing environment for a while spoke easily and confidently about their personal stories and their experiences of ministering to their peers. And it is in those kids I knew Uganda was in good hands. Both situation still exist in Uganda today, but what I noticed was where the Word went deeper, true healing and transformation took place and there are indeed pockets of that throughout. Photos: OneHope Uganda

ACT TWO: This is where I met up with a team of 14 from my church (Victory) and 26+ others from 8 different nations to do some amazing ministry with Adonai Partners literally to the "least of these". I was so happy to be in Africa with some of my own people. It just made me proud seeing people I knew step up and help others. I felt like my leadership skills were suddenly catapulted into another level as I was asked time and time again to speak on various topics to pastors, kids, women and the team. I have to say that the knowledge I acquired just the week prior in my interviews came in handy on several occasions.

Heading up to Gulu was very eye opening. While I had been confronted with extreme poverty before in places like Haiti and West Africa I was able to do ministry for a short time and leave. But this was different as we ministered to the same people all day for several days at a time. There was no quick escape. It was disheartening to have 200 kids for 8 hours who were literally starving, who are so lethargic that they just sat there. Those who craved attention so badly and anything you could give them. We gave them what we could...the Word and a meal, but it just didn't seem like enough. I can say that I am still trying to come to grips with it because it was an experience I was not prepared for. We used God's Big Story which they loved, lots of songs and games. And when our interpreter grew weary we did a lot of mimic games and taught English word to things we could point out.

The rest of the team was involved in Medical clinics and I am happy to say did a great job helping it to run smoothly. They saw patients all day long and at the end of the day we all came back to the hotel sufficiently worn out. We also did community cleanup, a technology workshop, medical & health training, a leadership conference, women's and children's meetings just to name a few things. It was so cool to see everyone speak, pray or do whatever was needed. And for that this leader was very satisfied. See http://www.422churchmissions.blogspot.com/ for more. Photos: Uganda 422 Church

ACT THREE: This is were I succumbed to exhaustion and the flu and were I learned to let go. One of my concerns going into this was letting go. Having led teams for a different organization I knew having to do things a different way would be a challenge. I was surprised at how easy it was. Okay, I caught myself saying a few times in the beginning..."this is how I would do it", but then I immediately stopped. The one thing that was hardest was the children's ministry, but then I got sick and had to let go. And you know what...things continued without me. We had a good core group that knew what they were doing.

It's been a long non-stop year without much rest. Unfortunately, I had to come to Uganda to realize I needed a break and need to slow down once in awhile. But it was a point well taken. It was a blessing not to have to travel home alone and to know people were looking out for me...but not an experience I want to repeat (the flying while sick part). For the first time in a long time I do not have another trip lined up. That probably won't last for long but I am okay with that for now. I think it's finally time to process life after full/part-time missions.

Hopeful Nepal

Nepal is like an little gem nestled between the two giants called India and China. Two weeks prior to boarding a flight to Nepal I knew very little about the country except that Mt Everest was on the Northern border and that several of the worlds highest mountains reside there. I knew that it had been closed off to the world for many decades and that only in the last several years have they had any semblance of freedom. Nepal is primarily a Hindu nation with a little bit of Tibetan Buddhism in the mix. But to be honest the only exposure I had ever had with either religion was in an Asian Art history class many years ago. You could say this was a very educational trip. 

Nepal is a landlocked nation but has a very diverse terrain and population. The southern plains area is flat and very hot. The people are dark and look very much like those in Northern India. A portion of the border is above India's Bihar state, said to be the graveyard of Missionaries and a little bit of that oppressive influence crosses the border. The mountainous north is extremely difficult to traverse but the views are amazing. When there are roads in the North, they are treacherous. Most travel by charter plane or on foot, sometimes for days at a time. There are several Mongoloid tribes that live in this region causing the people to look very Chinese. The central area is very hilly and contains a wide combination of people and tribal groups. The people are very gentle and polite. The children are inquisitive yet shy.

The OneHope program in Nepal is brand new. They received newly translated Books of Hope and The GodMan film the early part of 2011. In March 150 leaders all across the country were recruited and trained. They were then send back to their areas to train more people. In homes, churches and on local cable tv's the gospel is going out in video format. I was privileged to visit several of these people in four different areas of the country and see for myself the early impact. I cannot wait to hear the stories that will come from this. The pastors are very eager to use these tools as it has helped them in networking and getting close to the people. The children love watching movies and are sure to watch this one again and again. It is said that where there is no Christian context they must see the film at least three times to truly understand that it is not just a nice story but one that will change their lives forever.

As White As Snow

This winter much of the US has received a lot of snow. It is hard to resist the urge to run outside and photograph the newly fallen snow before the plows and shoveler's create dirty mounds of the not-so-white stuff everywhere. Those who do venture out with their cameras in hand are usually rewarded with a winter wonderland of shots from the trees wearing their winter white coats to the the fresh, pure and clean ground cover. But have you ever come back inside, thawed out with a nice hot cup of tea or hot chocolate then sat down at your computer anxious to see your new spoils only to be let down by images of grey dull-looking snow? What happened to the white crisp snow? There is an easy answer to this and it lives inside your camera. Don't worry your camera is not defective. It is doing what it is supposed to do. But there are a few tricks to bringing the white back. Of course there is photoshop, but who wants to spend hours cleaning up something you could have fixed while shooting.

Digital cameras shoot in grey values and for most situations this is great. But when you are shooting at the extreme tonal ranges such as white snow your camera meters that whiteness as neutral 18% grey to compensate for the lack of contrast. There are a couple ways to get around this. The first one is simple for some, many camera manufactures have a snow setting in the automatic dial that makes the necessary compensations. But not everyone has this option. 

The next step and most effective solution is to shoot manual. By doing so you can move your settings to slightly overexpose the image. A half to a full stop over for cloud cover, and one to two stops for sun will bring that scene back to white. Be careful not to go too far. You don't want areas that are completely washed out. 

If your are in doubt about how bright your photo is, you can always look at the histogram. What is that you ask? When viewing your photo on the LCD screen most cameras have an info or display button. This brings up a graph that often looks like a mountain. When you are shooting snow the graph information will be mostly over to the right. What you want to avoid is that information going completely off the right side. This means your photo is severely overexposed and there is no way to fix it later. If the majority of the information is to the right but not going off the edge chances are you will have white snow, but histograms that show all the information in the middle, in this situation, will render that grey snow that you are trying to avoid. 

Snow is fun to shoot but to get the results that you are seeking you must trick your camera meter in order to get that 'white as snow' appearance. Happy shooting while the snow last, spring is just around the corner.