How to Prepare a Humanitarian Photography Brief
Child receiving care at mobile health clinic in rural Karamoja region of Uganda 2017
As someone responsible for strategic communications at a non-profit or other humanitarian organization, you want to know that every dollar invested will drive meaningful returns.
More specifically, when you bring on contractors, such as professional photographers, to create images as part of your communications team, you want to maximize the value of that investment in non-profit photography.
At the most basic level, you want and need professional high-quality images and visual stories that represent your organization in its best light. Still, far greater value can be derived when you know the visual stories fully reflect your vision, strategy, values, and ultimately deliver the desired impact on your key stakeholders.
Maximize the Value of Collaborating with a Humanitarian Photographer by Preparing a Humanitarian Photography Brief
The rock hewn churches at Lalibella are a UNESCO site and a popular pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia. This image was captured during the ancient celebration of St. Mary at Lalibela, Ethiopia, 2016
Central to maximizing this value is the hiring of a humanitarian non-profit photographer who is not only technically skilled but who is also experienced working with non-profits and humanitarian organizations, and who understands how to deliver on your specific needs.
They must be willing to do the necessary background research and engage as a true collaborator to create meaningful high-quality humanitarian photography but not stop at satisfying only your most pressing and immediate goals.
Your ideal collaborator will go the extra mile to openly contribute to and enhance the execution of your strategic plan and is always considering how humanitarian imagery they create can be leveraged to create long-term value.
How to Create a Humanitarian Photography Brief
In this blog article, I’ll cover some of the key elements of planning and collaborating with a humanitarian photographer and the importance of creating a Humanitarian Photography Brief so that you and your organization are best positioned to maximize the value of your investment in visual storytelling.
I will argue that establishing open dialogue and alignment between the organization and the photographer early in the process is critical for the creation and evolution of a high-value collaboration; one that is positioned to deliver visual stories that hit the mark and ensure that the organization realizes both short-term and long-term value.
To serve this goal, I have created a practical tool to support this process known as the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template.
Similar briefs are often used when retaining creative agencies or other creative talent, and I have created this specific template that contains content most relevant to non-profits, NGOs and other humanitarian organizations who are seeking to collaborate with a humanitarian photographer.
Monastic schools in Myanmar do not receive governmental support yet must educate some of the countries poorest children. Shown here are young novice monks receivibg basic education in a rural school in Myanmar (Burma) 2018
Why is a Humanitarian Photography Brief important?
Proud school girls in uniform, Sri Lanka 2015
In my experience, many of the topics covered in this humanitarian photography brief can easily be overlooked early in the planning stage. Yet this can, and does, often lead to work being advanced in a direction that is not efficient or desirable for neither the humanitarian organization or the photographer.
Ensures common alignment.
Establishing clarity of purpose and goals early in an engagement sets everyone up for the most efficient and effective collaboration and ensures common alignment throughout the collaborative process.
On projects for which I am retained, I review these templates in detail with the client to maximize that alignment and to ensure the project gets started on the right foot.
Ensures clear understanding between the organization and the photographer.
Nuer tribal pastoralist community at the border between Ethiopia and South Sudan. 2017
Creating a detailed creative brief for your chosen humanitarian photographer ensures a clear understanding of your needs and outlines your expectations.
Include information about the project, the desired outcomes, and any specific requirements or constraints. Be sure to share this brief with your staff and other stakeholders to ask for their input and suggestions.
Initiate a detailed dialogue.
The first draft is also a great way to initiate a detailed dialogue with potential photographers and launch an ongoing collaborative approach that ensures both parties are aligned and working towards a common, shared vision.
Further benefits of using a Humanitarian Photography Brief
While briefs created to plan extensive or longer-term projects cannot be considered stagnant, one-and-done documents, use of the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template also helps to reduce the risk of last-minute changes of scope and direction.
Some level of flexibility takes advantage of the serendipity that is inherent in a longer-term in-depth documentary work. The number of revisions that may be needed is therefore dependent on the scope and term of the project.
Tips on how to create a comprehensive humanitarian photography brief
Women’s Health Initiative in Uganda, 2017
A well-crafted brief should be the first step to bringing your vision to life. In this article, I'll now discuss the elements that are likely to remain constant during a project (such as your vision and project goals) as well as elements that are more likely to evolve (such as the specific stories you would like told).
With a clear framework afforded by the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template, you'll be well on your way to articulating greater clarity on your objectives and ensuring the lasting impact of your work.
Let's review the principles that are covered in detail within this tool.
Defining the Scope of the Project and Setting Expectations
Define the goals of your project
Young Women’s Empowerment Program in New Delhi, India, 2018
After you describe your organization, strategy, philosophy and values, clearly define the goals and objectives specific to your project.
What story do you wish to tell?
What impact do you wish to make?
Consider the specific issues you aim to address and the change you want to inspire. Understanding the purpose of your project will help you develop a clear and concise brief that guides the photographer (and other supporting staff) in capturing visual stories that align with your mission and intent.
Are you aiming to raise awareness about a specific issue, document a relief mission, or showcase the impact of a community development project?
How will the images be shared and who is your target audience?
A well-crafted brief serves as a crucial roadmap that ensures everyone involved is on the same page and working towards a common goal. Avoiding misunderstandings saves time and ensures that the final images effectively communicate the intended message.
Get clarity on your target audience
Correctional Trachoma Surgery in Uganda, 2017
It is also worth spending a good deal of time clarifying the specifics of the target audience within the photography brief.
Who are you trying to reach with your images?
Are you seeking to influence donors? volunteers or staff?
What are the characteristics of your specific audience and what is important to them?
Consider demographics, interests, and cultural backgrounds and sensitivities when defining your target audience. This will help you create visuals that speak directly to their hearts and minds.
What action do you wish them to take and what messages will drive them to take that action?
Understanding your intended audience will enable you to tailor the visual storytelling to increase the odds that it will resonate with them on a deeper level. Whether you are targeting donors, supporters, or the public, knowing your audience will help you convey the message effectively and achieve the desired impact.
What is the narrative you wish to communicate?
Lactating mother of the Ovacahona Tribe in remote Angola, 2022
While humanitarian photography almost by definition aims to capture authentic stories and emotions, providing creative direction and storytelling guidelines can greatly enhance the ultimate impact of the images. Use your photography brief to communicate the overarching narrative you want to convey
Are you focusing on the resilience of the community, the impact of your organization's work, or the need for a specific change?
Provide specific themes or concepts that should be highlighted in the images to guide the photographer's storytelling process.
All of these above points can be clearly defined in a written document such as the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template.
What examples can you share with your photographer to show what you would like them to create?
Like other creative processes, it is often helpful to point out work you are attracted to, and you think is inspiring. To this end, consider providing examples of existing images or mood boards that align with your vision. This will help the photographer understand your aesthetic preferences and the desired tone of the project.
Encourage collaboration and open communication to ensure that the humanitarian photographer you have chosen to work with can contribute their creative expertise while staying true to your objectives.
Ethical Considerations and Cultural Norms
Effective family planning requires engagement with the entire family. Bihar, India, 2017
Your Humanitarian Photography Brief Template should also describe any ethical considerations and sensitivity guidelines consistent with your organization’s cultural norms and values.
It should also ensure it describes any specific guidance on any special considerations your organization feels are essential to preserve the dignity, privacy, and cultural sensitivities of the subjects being photographed.
Women bear the regular burden of collecting water. Bale Zone, Ethiopia, 2017
I routinely obtain informed consent for images that will be used for humanitarian projects although I recognize that some organizations have additional and/or very specific requirements regarding informed consent and privacy. This may vary by the type of work and vulnerability of the subjects, but these are critical topics to include and discuss with your prospective photographer.
Overall, there should be a consideration of the potential impact of images on the subjects and the broader community to avoid perpetuation of stereotypes or exploit vulnerable situations for sensationalism.
Patriarch of a family group of nomadic herders known as the Bakarwals. The Bakarawal are a “scheduled tribe” in India and one of India’s most disadvantaged socio-economic groups. This elder takes a pause from his hard labors to chat and have a smoke. Kashmir, India 2023
In my work, I always prefer to capture the resilience, strength, and humanity of the people being photographed or filmed. While it can be often challenging when working within compressed timelines, encourage your humanitarian photographer to build relationships with the subjects, fostering trust and allowing for more authentic and impactful storytelling and providing subjects agency and control over their representation.
Collaborate with them throughout the process, give them a voice and actively involve them in decision-making. This will greatly serve such an objective. Local and community leaders can also help to ensure awareness of any specific cultural considerations and sensitivities.
Budget Considerations when Selecting a Humanitarian Photographer: Beyond the Daily Rate
When selecting a humanitarian photographer, it's important to consider your budget and ensure that you're getting the most value for your investment. While it may be tempting to focus solely on the photographer's daily rate, there are other factors to consider that can impact the overall value of the services provided.
Experience and expertise
Typical village life in Bihar is vibrant; centered around the cultivation of crops such as wheat, lentils, onion, potato, sugarcane and mangoes or various types of animal husbandry. Bihar, India, 2017
First consider the photographer's experience and expertise. A more experienced photographer may command a higher rate, but their skills and knowledge can significantly impact the quality of the final images.
Investing in a skilled photographer who understands the nuances of humanitarian work and is prepared to collaborate fully with you on the content within the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template can ultimately save you time and money in the long run.
Central to unlocking potentially hidden value is understanding any unique and special experience and expertise the photographer might be able to offer that will add greater value to your project.
For example, I have more than 30 years of experience in scientific and business strategy that can add special value in a range of development areas. In some cases, I will provide special terms/rates for participation in the development of business and communications strategies for select projects. This is a bonus for my clients not only during strategic planning but also results in the most focused work in the field.
If you are interested in working with me in this capacity, please include such a request in the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template or click on this link to contact me directly.
Communicating the Logistics and Timeline of the Photography Assignment
Setting expectations for the timeline of the photography assignment is essential to avoid any delays or misunderstandings. Communicating the deadlines for delivering the final images and any interim milestones is essential. This will help both parties to stay organized and ensure the project progresses smoothly.
At an early age, U Aung Than Sein empathized with the severely disadvantaged status of the nuns of Myanmar. As his wealth and businesses grew, he became one of the most generous philanthropists in the entire country. Twice each month, an assembly of more than 3000 nuns converge of the streets outside his home to receive cash donations. Yangon, Myanmar 2017
How will the logistics of the project be managed and who is responsible for what?
Who will assemble subjects and/or models?
Who will obtain permits or permissions?
Discuss technical requirements with your photographer, such as the desired format, resolution, and any specific equipment needed.
Do you need black and white images or have other specific post-processing requirements? Ensure that these technical aspects align with your project's objectives and intended use of the images
In addition to visual aspects, communicate logistical details such as the location, duration of the assignment, and any travel requirements.
Provide information about any safety considerations or permits that may be necessary for the photographer to access certain areas.
Clear communication of logistical details will help the photographer plan accordingly and ensure a smooth execution of the project.
All these details can and should be captured as best as possible in the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template.
A Well-Planned Photography Brief is Invaluable to Enabling the Capture of Compelling and Impactful Humanitarian Stories
Family bathing in the Irrawaddy River in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
In conclusion, crafting an effective photography brief is an iterative collaborative process.
Once you have created the initial draft of the Humanitarian Photography Brief Template, I encourage you to review it with your team and gather feedback. Ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with regard to the objectives, messaging, and visual direction of the project. Incorporate any necessary revisions or additions to ensure that the brief accurately reflects your vision and goals.
Seek input from the photographer when drafting as well. Their expertise and insights can further refine the brief and contribute to the success of the project.
Encourage open communication and collaboration throughout the process to create a final brief that truly captures the essence of your humanitarian project and drives the project to the highest value conclusion.
Don’t forget, you can access my Free Humanitarian Photography Brief Template by subscribing here at this link here.
Creation of an effective humanitarian photography brief takes thought and time, but is an invaluable investment to ensure effective communication and efficient use of resources and optimizing value and impact.
If you would like more information or are ready to start collaborating with me, please contact me here so we can set up some time to discuss.