Advice for Field Photos

1. Advice for Field Photos August 12, 2007 National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

2. Every Picture Tells A Story National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

3. What Does This Photo Say? National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

4. What Does This Photo Say? National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

5. What Does This Photo Say? National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

6. What Does This Photo Say? National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

7. What Does This Photo Say? National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

8. What Does This Photo Say National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

9. 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

10. 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

11. “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

12. Who Are Photos For? • Others? • Donors • Media/Press • Citizens of Afghanistan • Government • Internal MRRD / NABDP / UNDP Staff • Partner Organizations • Other Organizations • International General Public National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

13. Why Do They Want Photos? • To show progress on projects they are funding • “Proof” of work • To put images with the text they read in reports • Other reasons? • Donors National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

14. Why Do They Want Photos? • To use in their publications • To use in reports, publications, web site, etc. • To demonstrate progress/action • Media / Press • Government National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan

15. Tips for Field Trip Photos • Be respectful; ask for permission; notify the group that photos will be taken and how they will be used. • Always take high-resolution photos. 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. • Outside shots are best (because of light), but take pictures away from the sun, if possible. • When inside, get close to the subject, and try to aim away (instead of into) light sources. • Get FACES and ACTION when possible. • Get C O L O R when possible. • Show local people talking, teaching, learning, working, etc. • As much as local culture and circumstances allow, get photos of women. • It’s okay to arrange people for a photo (e.g. asking people to stand in a certain place). • 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Photo Advice in Action Who? 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

20. 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). • Include a detailed caption about the photo in your photo folder • 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

21. 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

22. Keep in mind:(1) Take lots of photos(2) Share them with your communications unit and HQ for possible inclusion in corporate products THANK YOU http://www.mrrd.gov.af/nabdp/ National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan