National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan Advice for Field Photos By Jayne Cravens Communications & Reporting Advisor August 12, 2007

National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan Firstly: THANK YOU for sharing your photos already!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan 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.It’s 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.).

National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan 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 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 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 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 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). 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 won’t be obvious when others view the photo) 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 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

National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP) Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Kabul, Afghanistan 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 !) THANK YOU