Relationships First in Missions Photography

MISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES~Part 3

I learned a very valuable lesson from one of my missions teams a few years back. We were in Bulgaria in an area with a large Roma population (Gypsies). We arrived at a pre-school to do a presentation. In a brightly colored room sat a half dozen toddlers on miniature chairs. The teacher apologized that the majority of the class was not there because it was wood-cutting season and the older ones (the 4 and 5 yrs olds) were out gathering wood with the parents. My team, which outnumbered the kids, were moved by the 2 and 3 year old cuteness and in unison all took out their cameras and began taking photos like the paparazzi. The children were terrified, there may have even been some tears. The adults were speaking a strange language, towering above them snapping away as if they really didn't see what was happening. I saw it immediately and put my own camera away, bent down and started interacting with the kids on their level. The team caught on and followed suit. After some time of playing with the kids, when their fears were gone and the trust was built back up, I then brought out my camera and took some photos to their delight. Simple interaction changed the whole atmosphere.

Having fun with a new friend in Brazil before getting down to business. It may not seem like much but it opens the doors of trust. (Photo by Jenny Custock)

Friendship and a smile goes a long ways when you meet new people. One of my mantras is to always show the love of Christ FIRST, even if that means putting the camera away. You can take photos of a lot of nameless people who are just interesting faces in a crowd but the moment you stop, learn their name, learn a little bit about them, the images take-on new meaning. This also opens the door for more meaningful conversation, better images and even ministry. 


Confessions of an introvert. It is easy to use your camera as a shield especially if you are an introvert. Hiding behind your equipment hoping no one sees you but then spraying them with shutter clicks as you swing your gaze over the crowd.  You tell yourself that you have a job to do and that you don't have to talk to "them" to make good images. Many photographers are preoccupied with shooting and *chimping, so much so, that they don't really see or acknowledge those in front of them. On occasion you may miss the spontaneousness of the moment but I would much rather be making photos that have names and stories attached to them than taking images that leave both the photographer and subject empty. As an introvert I have had to really push myself to go beyond the invisibility bubble many photographers place themselves in. The fly on the wall approach has its place in certain journalistic situations but this is not one of them.
     There are some cultures that do not like their photo taken. In those situations you always build the relationship first. Over time you may be given the honor of photographing them but it is a matter of trust. And if you don't get the image the relationship is really most important. I love a quote from Photographer Greg Schneider, he says, “I love images, but images are not reality. We are called to be more passionate about people than pictures of people.”

Lauren snaps a few photos of a couple of young boys in
South Africa. Boys that we had spent time interacting with first
even though we did not speak their language.

Time: There are some exceptions but this still doesn't make you exempt from making gestures of kindness especially when the subject is looking at you. There are times when you are covering an event and you do not have the luxury of this type of relationship building. You have to shoot what is happening as it happens but a smile and acknowledgement goes a long way in letting the subject know that you see them much more than just part of the landscape. Smiles, hand gestures, raising or lowering your camera, nodding your head are but a few polite measures to ask permission to shoot or even thank them.
     When you have the luxury of time, spend it with a few people getting to know them. While up in the mountains just above Bogota, Colombia I was to shoot a story on two children. The first day was spent playing with the children, getting to know them and gathering the back story from those that knew them. The second day we captured the interview and some images and the third day we were able to capture more intimate moments that took time to develop. Had we tried to do it all the first day the children would not have opened up. I've been in several situations where that was the case. Time and relationship really are key.


Language: Learn phrases in the host countries language. Be bold and unafraid to try what you know. While working in Argentina with a co-worker I learned another valuable lesson. Neither of us spoke Spanish fluently but knew words and phrases. I have always been good at picking up languages but had been afraid to use it because I couldn't speak full sentences. My co-worker however was fearless. She butchered everything but got exactly what she requested even when it was one word posed as a question. My next country was Honduras also Spanish speaking, so I decided then and there I was going to be fearless too. People appreciate it when you try. They will even teach you more if you are receptive. Before arriving make yourself a cheat sheet of phrases and rehearse it often and then use it, even if it is only five words!  (Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, photo?)

Well-traveled notebooks with the all important names
and stories

Names: I always carry a small notebook with me and write down the names of the people I talk to. I tell them I want to remember them and their story and then I ask if it is okay that I write a few notes. I usually make a joke about my age and that I have to write things down to remember. They laugh and oblige. If it is a name that is completely foreign I will often have them write it down for me. If appropriate after our time is finished I tell them that I will pray for them and I will make note of that as well so that I remember to do so. I have a lot of little notebooks now but they are priceless because of the stories they contain. I will review them from time to time and pray over many of them. When possible I also transfer this information into the IPTC metadata in the form of keywords and captions so that the images are properly labeled.
     I would have to say that this has been a long process to get to this point. Speaking to new people is not natural to me, but the more I do it the more I am rewarded with more than just an image. I feel like I am now able to do the person justice by learning their name and story. I am giving them a voice and am able to honor them by shooting with their co-operation rather than just taking the image without really knowing a thing about them.

The lovely Aisha, in Uganda was a bit shy
but she had no problems telling me the story of Moses.
A story she says that taught her how to be faithful.

     There is much more that can be said about this topic from shooting people with dignity in difficult situations to the ethics and exploitation of shooting certain things. Please share your comment and stories. Let's create a meaningful dialog, I would love to know what you think... 

*chimping is looking at your images after you shot them and "Ooo, oo, oohing over them" like a chimp 
~Urban dictionary

Top 10 Shot List for Missions Photographers

MISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES~PART 2 

It's not about you. The direction that you aim your camera really speaks volumes to your purpose and focus. Ministry is always others-focused and so your photography should be as well. Have you ever looked through someone's web album only to see a lot of arms-length self-portraits, or pictures of the group making silly faces, or the group in front of the tourist locations? There will probably be a few food pictures thrown-in and even some local animals but have you ever wondered, what did they do? Who did they reach? This is typical of personal pictures, which we all do and I am not condoning it. But with missions photography you need to be a more purposeful and respectful story-teller. The point of missions is reaching others, tell their story not yours. But remember, to tell the story in a way that brings honor to God and not exploit the misfortunes of others. 

These women find refuge and hope after life on the streets of Bucharest @ Jubilee-Romania

Preparation: Before any trip, I will do some internet searching about the location. I will learn its history, statistics, and culture. I will see what images have been made from that location. I suggest creating an inspiration board of the images you hope to capture. Mine are often in my head but I have scoped out the digital landscape so to speak and have already started thinking about the approach I want to take with my story, the images I hope to capture and what I might expect once I get there.  I am not doing this to copy what someone else has done but to prepare myself to take it further, to show what hasn't been shown before. I then take these things to the Lord in prayer to get His perspective. I also make a shot list. If I am shooting for an organization I will always ask what their expectations are because the images I envision may be different from what they are expecting. I learn as much about the culture as I can, by doing so sharpens my awareness once I get there. There will always be surprises but far fewer with preparation.

Top Ten Shot List for your visual narrative.

CAPTURE PLACES AND CULTURE TO SET THE SCENE. 

The Orthodox Church is a dominant
force in Romania.  Shots like this can give
your story cultural context.

10. Wide shots that include the landscape, architecture, and the physical locations that you do ministry. 

9. Wide to medium shots of the surrounding areas where the people live and work. 

8. Medium to close-up shots of the culture: dress, food, customs, religious icons. I always look for a symbol of the country such as the flag for immediate identification. 

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU ARE GOING TO TELL YOUR STORY AND WHO YOUR MAIN AUDIENCE WILL BE 

7.  Multi-media: If you are able to shoot video consider getting "b" role of the roads you travels, transportation, crowds of people moving to help move your presentation, if not, shoot photo sequences (time-lapse photography) of movement. Also capture audio of local sounds and interviews. I like to pick-up some of the local music if possible.
CAPTURE WHAT IS HAPPENING AND HOW IT IS DONE IN A VARIETY OF MEDIUM AND CLOSE-UP SHOTS AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF ANGLES.
6.  Capture everyday activities of the team and the people you serve. Worship, eating, meeting, daily life....

Look for different angles to tell the story. This window view
gives you a more complete picture of this after-school program
in Campina Romania.

5. Capture all ministry-related activity. Speaking, praying, building, caring etc...

Gene,  the clown captures a young girls attention
at a church in Moura Noua, Romania.

4. Group shot: look for a location with great light that gives your team context. Think about this early-on in the trip so you are not shooting everyone on the hotel stairs the very last morning.
CAPTURE THE MAIN SUBJECTS.

3. Team Members: Capture candids of each person active in ministry and with the locals. Make sure you have someone capture you in action! 

Kathy Walker with Bible-Missions engages the children
and receives some smiles at this Romanian orphanage. 

2. In-Country Hosts:  Candids of your local co-laborors, career missionaries, or NGOs in action are always appreciated. NOTE 1: Be sure to leave a copy of your images with these people. NOTE 2: be careful if you are working in a sensitive country, in which case, you will need to conceal their identities instead.

1. The people you are serving. Capture their response to the gospel. Get close-ups and emotion. Get faces. NOTE 1: capture these images in a way that honors them. More on that in another blog post. NOTE 2: again be careful if you are working in a sensitive country, in which case you will need to conceal these peoples identity. It can be done, but you will need to be creative. I recommend doing so in-camera and not with photoshop.

Close-ups and reactions answer the bigger questions
of why you came as well as the possibilities of
transformation and hope.

Shoot a lot but edit mercilessly later. You do not want to show all your images, only the strongest ones that tell the story. Be careful what you post online. While social media is a world-wide phenomenon, once the images are out there (believe me, they will be found) you have no control how it is used by others. Some people will be pleased to see their images while others not so much. Be very careful what you write and post as you are shaping people perceptions about that location and people group.
    Now if you are shooting for a missionary group or organization focus on individual stories that highlight the nature of their outreach. Spending a significant amount of time with the subject will help you understand and tell the story the right way. The story of the "one" will always have the greatest impact.


Next week I will discuss what I call relationship-first photography.

Don't forget to get the detail shots. In Romania appropriate physical touch
is so important in reaching those that are forgotten.

The Lord is my light... Psalm 27:1

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.