Photography for the Mission Field
Cameras have a way of connecting people. Whether its through showing a curious passerby how to work your camera, or through recording what God is doing in and among your team, photography can be a great tool for mission work! Here are some great ideas from past Global Encounters mission trip photographers on how to take powerful images that will help tell your story when you get home.
Ashlyn
So you’re heading into the trip of a lifetime, but you don’t have a fancy camera, or any photography lessons. Well, never fear! With a few short tips and tricks, you can still use your phone or a very basic camera to capture the heart of what you experienced and bring it back to your family, friends, and supporters in a way that is real and compelling. Here are a few things to get you started:Be Intentional. Think Conceptually. Be Present.Being intentional is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of composition in photography. Some call this idea “fill the frame”. Only take a picture of something that was meaningful, and only get in the “frame” of your camera or the “viewfinder” what contributes to the story you are telling. If you are taking a picture of a kid living in a hut, get in close and think through what would tell that story. Perhaps try taking a photo of that kid standing in the doorway of their hut, and then get only that in your viewfinder. If you capture the hut also, and the dog, and the clothesline out back, and the random field…you are weakening the impact of your image, if the story of the image was about the child. But if the image was about where the child lives, perhaps you want to include the dog, clothesline, and field. Know what you want your picture to say. Only fill your frame with exactly what you are wanting to capture.
Think about the concept or the message you want to convey. If you want to show that these people are enslaved, then take a picture that shows the gate of their village with a child peering out into the streets beyond. Get down low and take the picture leading into the gate to add depth and context. Don’t be afraid to move around – high, low, up, down, farther to the left, farther to the right – this will make sure you are getting creative images that captivate the viewer.
Be present. You can't take an image that portrays what is happening around you unless you know what is happening around you! Live in the moment. Engage the people. Listen to their stories. Let these moments inspire and motivate what you choose to capture. If you are so caught up in getting the perfect picture that you become disengaged from the experiences playing out right in front of you, your images will lack power and conviction. When you are caught up in the ministry of the moment, capture the things that stick out to you as encapsulating that moment. Then your images will have the power of REAL life, real people, and real needs.
Meagan
There is something fascinating about the light and shadows in third world countries, especially. The surroundings are often brightly colored, and the dust particles float in the air, making things look almost magical. Use the shadows to your advantage! You're not shooting professional portraits here, you're telling a story. Don't be afraid to break some rules - light and shadows can add drama to your story. Shadows over faces and washed out backgrounds -things that would often ruin regular portraits, make portraits on the mission field more powerful. I try to look for dramatic lighting and capture whatever is going on in it. 
Rachel
Ansel Adams once said: "You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved." Building on this statement, here are five tips for enhancing your photography:Stalk your favorite photographers before you go on your trip - OK, so not literally. But yes, check out books, find pictures online, examine blog posts. Find what catches your attention. What pops off the page for you?Try Imitation - As the old saying goes: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Once you find an image you like, try shooting something similar. We all have our own perception of beauty, so as your own creativity begins to blossom you will notice that your image will never look like someone else's. There will always be differences. And soon, your unique style will begin to emerge.Make a game plan - Decide what you want to capture. Sure, you'll probably end up with much more than you planned, and maybe miss a few things you wanted, but having a plan ahead of time is always best. A checklist is never a bad idea. ;)Never underestimate the power of the Rule of Thirds - While there are numerous aspects of composition, this one is probably the most used by far. It's an easy concept, so don't overthink it. It works for landscapes, portraits, candids, closeups, depth, etc. etc. Use it - it's one of the best weapons in your arsenal.Have fun! - If photography is becoming a drag, put your camera down and enjoy the moment. If you're forcing the issue, your images will reflect that. Always shoot for the joy it brings.
