National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)

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Advice for Field Photos

• By Jayne Cravens
• Communications Reporting Advisor
• August 12, 2007

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Firstly THANK YOU for sharing your photos
already!
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Every Picture Tells A Story
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What Does This Photo Say?
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What Does This Photo Say?
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What Does This Photo Say?
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What Does This Photo Say?
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What Does This Photo Say?
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What Does This Photo Say
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The best photos dont completely rely on text to
explain them in order for you to hear at
least part of the overall story.
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NABDP needs photos for many different reasons,
to serve many different audiences
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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

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Who Are Photos For?

• Others?

• Donors
• Media/Press
• Citizens of Afghanistan
• Government
• Internal MRRD / NABDP / UNDP Staff
• Partner Organizations
• Other Organizations
• International General Public

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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

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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

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Tips for Field Trip Photos

1. 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. Its 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.).

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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.

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Dont wait for the perfect shot!Take lots of
photos, and the right photo will show up
when you review the pictures later.
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Photo Advice in Action
Bored? Not participating? Not included? No
expression.
Participating. Thoughtful. Included.
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Photo Advice in Action
Who? Too dark. No faces
Participating. Thoughtful. Included. Better
photo even though it is out-of-focus
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Labeling Is Key

• Make sure your cameras 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 wont be obvious when others view
  the photo)
• If there are donors/VIPs, etc. in the photo,
  please provide proper IDs

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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/

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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 YOU http//www.mrrd.gov.af/nabdp/