In many ways, photography can be a vivid part of your ministry on the mission field. It can be used to break down cultural walls, build relationships, display respect, support team members, and share important aspects of a ministry with the outside world. Here are four tips for making sure your photography benefits your mission trip.
Taking photos on a mission trip can be a great opportunity to bond with those you are serving. You don’t need to speak the same language to enjoy taking and looking at pictures together. Sharing pictures with those you are taking them of is key. This creates trust and can be fun, too. Sharing photos can also be a great ice-breaking activity. You can even hand the camera over and let someone have the joy of taking some shots of you. Once you’re back home, consider printing your photos and giving them back to the people you took them of as a gift. In countries where most people do not have the resources to print photos, or even a camera to take them with, photo prints may be a valuable keepsake for them.
When you’re traveling around the city with your group it is easy to get caught up in the tourist mentality. You may want to take pictures of all the new places, people, and scenes you are seeing and experiencing. However, keeping photos to a minimum, especially when traveling as a group, is important so as not to make those you are visiting and serving feel like they are animals in a zoo being observed. It is important to remember that what you are wanting to photograph is actual people’s homes, jobs, families, and lives. Showing respect to those you come across always involves asking their permission first and only taking photos if they are comfortable with it.
We love that you want to share your experience on social media, however, we also ask that you consider the impact these images have on a larger scale. When posting photos from your mission trip on social media always make sure it meets all criteria in this checklist.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHECKLIST
- Promote Dignity- It’s a unique and wonderful opportunity to hear the stories of people living in another country. Please make sure the items you post do not reflect negatively on them and respect their different cultures and traditions.
- Gain Informed Consent- Respect other people’s privacy and ask permission before taking a photo to share on social media or elsewhere.
- Check Your Intentions- Prior to posting, ask yourself WHY you are choosing to share this photo. Is it to share about the amazing things God is doing through you or others? Post away! (As long as the picture meets all other check points) Is it to gain more “likes” or “followers”? Best to not share!
- Avoid documenting vulnerable and sensitive situations.
- Don’t portray yourself as the hero in the story conveyed.
One great way to prevent the “zoo effect”, is to have a specific person on your team assigned as the team photographer tasked with the job to document the entire trip for everyone. This does not mean that no one else can take photos, but it does free up other team members to focus on more important things. As a group, it might be helpful to designate a photographer for the team whether they are experienced or not.
If you have pictures from a Forward Edge mission trip, don’t forget to share them with us! Email photos to photos@forwardedge.org.
Forward Edge International has sent over 1,500 mission teams over the past three decades. During that time, we’ve gathered a few tips common among those who’ve successfully raised funds for their trip. Fundraising not only helps support your trip financially, it also provides a way for your friends and family
The decision to join a mission team It all started with two sisters who chose to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua. Val spontaneously joined her sister Donna at a trip team meeting, and decided during the meeting that she too wanted to serve with the team. A Humbling Experience During
Letters are vital to raising support for your mission trip. If you have to choose between letters and events, choose letters. Here’s why: They work. People love to see others serve, and they will respond. Even if they might not go themselves, they can be a part of your experience.
Have you had to cancel or postpone a trip to serve in another country this year? Have you considered repurposing your investment rather than losing it or delaying the opportunity? 1. Repurpose your plan Is there a way to take the plans you have already made and modify them using
Habari (hello), my name is Mary
Kenya
5 yrs. old
11-06-2016
Entered the program: April 2022
Mary lives with her parents and two siblings in a one-room unplastered house with no electricity and a delapidated roof that leaks when it rains. Mary's mother works as a maid when she can find work and her father works as a casual laborer at times. He has a substance abuse problem which makes him unreliable as a provider. Mary's parents often cannot afford food, clothing, and basic necessities for their children. The family lives in a high level of poverty and relies on the goodwill of neighbors and help from the church.
