We all have a story to tell, and it matters. Whether you are a current World Racer, future Racer, traveler, adventurer, or simply want to document your everyday life at home, here are ways to tell YOUR story! Our God-given story can be used to impact the world. This day and age, we have the powerful tools of smart phones and the internet. The following storytelling tips aren’t fancy or complicated- just the way we all like it, right?!
I am the SSL (Squad Story Leader) for my World Race route, so I created a power point to encourage my squamates in storytelling. Hopefully sharing this on the blog equips others to create powerful imagery, after all “a picture is worth a 1000 words!”
10 Tips for Storytelling on Smart Phones:
1.Clean Yo Camera Screen!
Problem: This may seem like a “duh” statement, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to simply clean the camera lens. Our fingerprints cause the image to turn out blurry, or in this image example it makes those ugly white smear lines. Yikes.
Solution: Wipe the lens on your shirt before snapping a photo.
2. Turn Off Flash!
Problem: Flash is harsh and ruins the original coloring.
Solution: Shoot in natural light, always. Also play with shadows, it can add interesting elements to a photo!
3. Lighting
Problem: When you’re inside, don’t position your subject with lighting behind them. It causes lots of shadows.
Solution: Position your subject near a window, with the natural light shining ON them.
4. Rule of Thirds
Problem: Don’t compose the photo randomly. Have purpose where you place the subject!
Solution: “Rule of Thirds” means creating an off-centre composition. It is pleasing to the eye and looks more natural instead of the subject placed right in the middle of the frame.
5. Dignity & Empowerment (This is the most important tip of all!)
Problem: It is always important to capture humanity in an uplifting way. Especially traveling in developing countries, you do not want to create “poverty porn” aka motivation through shock, guilt, or pity.
Solution: This is photo journalism ethics to the core: our mission should be empowering people and instilling dignity! Capture peoples’ strength and joy. There is always hope despite tragedy, find a way to tell THAT story. Examine your motives before taking a photo.
6. Ask Permission
Problem: Don’t just take a portrait and walk away.
Solution: Reallllly get to know your subject. Ask them, “Can I take yo photo? Can I blog your story? When referencing, should I change the names out of privacy or respect?”
7. Editing Apps
Problem: After shooting a photo/video on your smartphone, you should jazz it up with an App.
Solution: For videos – use “Adobe Premiere Clip” App. For photos – use “VSCO” App.
8. Postcards to Home
Problem: When traveling far distances, sending postcards or buying souvenirs gets reallllll expensive.
Solution: Create and send a postcards with YOUR fav photographs on it! It’s a great way to keep in touch with fam, friends, and supporters. Use the “Touchnote” App!
9. #HASHTAGS
Problem: Find a way to connect your photo with others!
Solution: On social media, place tags and hashtags on your captions. Examples: #worldrace (@theworldrace), #11n11, #adventuresinmissions, #WRfusion3 (My Fusion 3 squad hashtag… cha cha check it out).
10. Photo Projects
Problem: You may take lots of amazing photos on your phone, but nothing ever happens with them. They just sit on a screen and you never look back at them. PUHHLEASE do SOMETHING with your story and photos!
Solution: Print your photos or make a photo book! Think about your good ole grandkids holding your photos. Cute, right? Create tangible art! Technology is ever changing, but prints are lasting.
“Those who tell stories change the world” -Plato
Start with these simple 10 steps to tell your story. Now let’s go impact the world and kingdom together!
