Géraldine Petiteau, Uniterra volunteer, Guatemalan artisans.

Photo: Michel Huneault

PHOTOGRAPHY 101 GUIDE

DEVELOP AN EYE FOR GREAT PHOTOS!
BY ÉRIC ST-PIERRE
Photojournalist and former Uniterra volunteer

The Uniterra program receives funding from the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada.
© Jean-Francois Lemire © Valerie Paquette

© Kiran Ambwani
INTRODUCTION
Photography is a powerful communication tool. Whether electronic or printed, for social or traditional media, photographs play an important role in
our everyday lives. They draw our attention, create an emotional response, and make us think.

A FEW FACTS1
• Our brains understand
images on average 60,000
times more quickly than
they understand text.
• 90% of information sent
to the brain is visual.
• People retain 80% of
what they see, 20% of
what they read and 10%
of what they hear!

THIS GUIDE
GIVES YOU
Basic tips and tricks for
taking dynamic, engaging
photographs that are well-
Young beneficiary of a community violence prevention project in El Salvador. Photo: Jean-François Lemire executed and respectful
of the people being
Because of their work in international development, Uniterra volunteers have an important role to play photographed.
in capturing the complexities of the environments in which they work and sharing their understanding
with the Canadian public. Your photographs transmit information and values and are a part of the
program’s language!

1
Source: "How to Use Visual Content to Drive Massive Social Media Engagement”, a presentation by Kim Garst, Social Media Success Summit, October 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before Getting Started

1) Uniterra’s Photographic Identity 6

2) Respect and Authorization 8

La base photographique

1) Subject 10

2) Light 12

3) Composition 14

4) The magic moment 16

5) Photo-essay 18

6) Some basic information 19

Technical Aspects and Post-Production

1) Basic techniques 21

2) Post-production 25

Photography checklist 27
BEFORE GETTING STARTED
1 ) UNITERRA’S
PHOTOGRAPHIC
IDENTITY
Photographs are part of
Uniterra’s language, and it is
crucial to follow a few guidelines
to create an identity that is in
line with the program. Make sure
that the photos you select depict
women, youth, and professionals
in a positive, cooperative work
environment.

Young men in job training in Niger. Photo: Véronique Kingsley

6 BEFORE GETTING STARTED | 1 ) UNITERRA’S PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTITY

 AVOID
Too many photos of
personal activities.
Save your beach
photos for your
friends!

Guinea. Photo : Michel Huneault Nepal. Photo : Kiran Ambwani

Photograph your subjects in real-life, unstaged Photograph volunteers interacting with the
situations that show what they do and in what communities in which they work.
environment they do it.

PRO TIPS
Show a volunteer,
partner and working
environment in the
same picture – the
perfect combination!
Vietnam. Photo : Jeff Winch

7 BEFORE GETTING STARTED | 1 ) UNITERRA’S PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTITY

 Women rice producers in Senegal. Photo: Michel Huneault

2 ) RESPECT AND AUTHORIZATION

When taking photos in a cross-cultural context, show respect and sensitivity towards the people being photographed. Make sure you are aware of the
cultural context, briefly explain why you wish to take photos, and ask for permission to the people you want to photograph. Respect their wishes.

8 BEFORE GETTING STARTED | 2) RESPECT AND AUTHORIZATION

 World March of Women. Photo: Sandrine Ricci
Peru. Photo Valérie Paquette

Some people would rather not be Take special care when

identifiable in photographs; it is photographing vulnerable
still possible, with their consent, to populations (children, soldiers,
photograph them while respecting victims of sexual violence, etc.).
their wish to remain anonymous. For example, take photos of a
crowd to take the emphasis away
from a single person. Consider
photographying banners or writing
Haiti. Photos: Benoit Aquin
to illustrate your subject.

PRO TIPS
In situations of
humanitarian crisis,
capture the magnitude
of the damage while
showing compassion
and respect for the
victims. When you
photograph people,
focus on humanitarian Haiti. Photos: Benoit Aquin

assistance,
reconstruction, and AVOID
support for local • Stereotypes and negative or condescending images
populations. • Voyeurism and insistence on showing misery
• Taking photos of people who do not wish to be
photographed

9 BEFORE GETTING STARTED | 2) RESPECT AND AUTHORIZATION

PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
1 ) SUBJECT
Defining a subject is the first
step to taking a good photo. It is
essential to identify the central
element of your image. Ask
yourself, “What is the subject of
my photo?” Choose ONE main
subject per photo, and make
sure it is the focus of your image.
Defining a subject also provides
you with an opportunity to
identify other contextual
elements that you may wish to
document and include in your
photos. For example, in this
photo, we see rice parboilers, a
group of women, artisanal food
processing, etc.

Asita Sana parboils rice at the Union de Bama rice parboiling centre in Burkina Faso. Photo: Éric St-Pierre

10 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 1 ) SUBECT

 PRO TIPS
Set objectives and make
a list of subjects to
photograph.

Set aside special time for

taking photos (at least
one hour per subject).

El Salvador. Photo: Jean-François Lemire

Get close to your subject, be a part of the action, and put people at the heart of your photo.

AVOID
• Boring photos with no
Find interesting action
and engaging • Photos with no context
Nepal. Photo : Dilip Chinnakonda
people!

11 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 1 ) SUBECT

 A schoolgirl looks out the window of her primary school in Tamaka, Niger. Photo: Niall McKenna

2 ) LIGHT
Photography literally means “drawing with light”! Light is central to any photograph and is often the photographer’s first consideration. Your subject
should be in the best lit part of your photograph. Ask yourself the following questions: What is my available light? Where should I be to best capture
the light? What time of day will have the best light?

12 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 2 ) LIGHT

 Opt for natural light
whenever possible. It can
vary greatly depending on
the time of day, the weather
and the position of your
subject. The “golden hours”
of photography are around
sunrise and sunset. When
El Salvador. Photo : Jean-Francois Lemire
the sun sits on the horizon,
the light is warm and direct.
It brings out vivid colours,
stark contrasts and textures,
PRO TIPS
and adds a little sparkle Look for unique ways to use
to your photo. These are light, such as silhouettes (with
the best times of day for distinct shapes).
photographing landscapes.

Niger. Photo : David Champagne

Nepal. Photo : Kiran Ambwani

Open shade (shaded sections that receive

AVOID indirect light from the sky or the sun)
• Using a flash offers soft light that is great for portraits.
• Grey skies
• Harsh midday light

13 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 2 ) LIGHT

3 ) COMPOSITION
Composition is the art of positioning a subject within a photo. Combining several elements, such as perspective and framing, will make the subject
stand out. We can take photos at regular eye level, but using a different point of view by getting down on the ground or moving to a higher vantage
point to shoot downwards often produces more interesting, unique results.

At the rice parboiling centre in Bama, Salimata dries freshly parboiled rice. Photo: Éric St-Pierre

14 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 3 ) COMPOSITION

 Guatemala. Photo : Michel Huneault

PRO TIPS
Do not be afraid to use symmetry and
repetition to create a visual effect.

Senegal. Photo: Nadia Berger

To frame your subject, the most commonly used guide is the trusty Rule of
thirds. Divide your shot into three vertical and horizontal segments, creating four Pay attention to
intersecting points where you will position your subject. These points attract the the background or
eye and make dynamic images. the foreground to
avoid distracting
elements in your
photos. A neutral
background will
keep your viewers
focused on the
subject.
AVOID
• Placing the horizon at the centre of a landscape
• Distracting elements behind or in front of your subject
• Cropping out your subject’s extremities (fingers, feet, etc.)
Guatemala. Photo : Michel Huneault

15 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 3 ) COMPOSITION

 Sorting peanuts in Siby, Mali. Photo: Éric St-Pierre

4 ) THE MAGIC MOMENT

Once everything is in place (subject, light, and composition), the fun can begin! Be patient and pay attention to actions and emotions. Wait for the
surprise, the burst of laughter—anything that creates a magic moment!

16 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 4 ) THE MAGIC MOMENT

 Nepal. Photo : Sunisha Neupane

Capture interactions to make your pictures

come alive and show the interpersonal bonds
at the heart of the volunteer experience.

Bolivia. Photo : Michel Huneault

Humour draws attention, evokes emotion, and

sparks immediate interest in your photos, in
Niger. Photo : Lucie Gauthier
addition to being a formula for success on social
media.

PRO TIPS
Ask people to make eye contact. A compelling look that is full of AVOID
emotion can create intensity in your portraits! • Static subjects without emotion

17 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 4 ) THE MAGIC MOMENT

5 ) PHOTO-ESSAY
Sometimes, a single photo will not suffice and five or more are needed to tell a story. Photo-essays
are used to show your subject from various angles. Prepare a list of subjects to identify the key
elements you wish to document but, also, be prepared for unexpected shots that show playful
AVOID
• Setting out
angles to round out the more descriptive images. Vary your images—close-ups, landscapes,
without a plan
portraits and action shots—for better coverage.
• An overly
detailed plan
that leaves
PRO TIPS no room for
Make a list of main subjects. At the end of the day, write down the unexpected
subjects you have covered and those you wish to cover the next day. opportunities

18 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 5 ) PHOTO-ESSAY

 Alix Mendoza, a painter, standing in front of one of his murals in San Juan, on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Photo: Malik Filah

6 ) BASIC INFORMATION
While a picture is worth a thousand words, it is important to take notes on each photo so it can be easily used later. Write down the country, the year,
people’s names, and some contextual information (e.g. project or partner name). Lastly, be sure to include your name (or the photographer’s name)
so we can credit you.

19 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 6 ) BASIC INFORMATION

 Photo credit: Ibrahim Youssouf Koné

PRO TIPS
Quote the person in the
photograph.
Laura and Veronique, volunteers on the Women's Health Trek in Jumla, Nepal, distribute safe birthing kits to local women and use role play to discuss women's health issues.
Photo: Kiran Ambwani

Write a paragraph to caption the

photo. Field work can often be complex and full of nuance. A short caption can provide key information
“Snapshot of a special moment: a on the situation and a few highlights. A caption provides another way of interpreting your photo,
ceremony to nominate a new village chief educates the viewer, and increases their understanding.
near Sanankoroba. This photo features
a hunter who is also a magician. It is
said that he can transform branches into
snakes and rocks into water. I do not know
if the snake being bitten here has been
charmed, but one thing is for sure—it is
incredibly calm!”
Story by Éléonore Durocher Bergeron, taken from AVOID
the Volunteer Blog • Photos with no information

20 PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS | 6 ) BASIC INFORMATION

TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION

Young participants in a technical and professional training program in Sri Lanka. Photo: Lorenzo Moscia

1 ) BASIC TECHNIQUES
Modern digital cameras and their built-in programs make it simple to automate almost every function of your camera. If you are unsure about a shot,
use the automatic functions and 90% of your photos will come out perfectly. To take it a step further, there are a few basic notions you will need to
know to understand how your camera works and improve your photos.

21 TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION | 1 ) BASIC TECHNIQUES

LENSES
Lens choice will make a big difference in your photos. With wide-angle lenses (18 to 35 mm), you can take wider shots that include more elements—
this is perfect for landscapes. Add a human presence to give perspective and life to your landscapes.

Guatemala. Photo : Arnaud Deharte

Assita, Burkina Faso. Photo: Éric St-Pierre (Lens: 170mm; Aperture: F2.8; Speed: 1/160 sec; ISO 800)

A 50 mm lens is closest to that of the human eye. Telephoto lenses (100 - 200 mm and larger)
compress the image and can be used to separate the subject from the background.

22 TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION | 1 ) BASIC TECHNIQUES, LENSES

EXPOSURE
Exposure is the effect that light has on your camera’s sensor. Good exposure is determined by the right balance of three parameters: ISO sensitivity,
shutter speed, and aperture.

Sri Lanka. Photo : Lorenzo Moscia Nepal. Photo: Kiran Ambwani (Lens: 48mm; Aperture: F5.6; Speed: 1/320 sec; ISO 400) Senegal. Photo: Katel Le Fustec (Lens 32 mm; Aperture: F8; Speed: 1/160 sec; ISO 200)

ISO sensitivity affects your sensor’s ability to Aperture is the size of the opening through Shutter speed is the speed at which the lens
receive light. In low light, increase your ISO to which light passes through your lens. This diaphragm or shutter curtain opens and shuts.
take hand-held shots. opening affects depth of field, which is the It is usually calculated in fractions of a second
ISO 100 to 400: This is the ideal setting. part of the photo that is in focus. The larger the (1/30 sec, 1/250 sec, etc.). Shutter speed allows
aperture, the more light passes through the you to capture a moving subject or take sturdy,
ISO 800 to 1600: You can compensate for low
lens and the more limited is the focus. hand-held shots.
light with higher sensitivity.
F2.8 to F5.6: Limited focus but useful for close- Less than 1/15 of a second: Use a tripod to avoid
Above ISO 3200: You risk ending up with
ups. taking blurry photos.
grainy, lower quality photos.
F8 to F11: This is the ideal setting. 1/30 to 1/60 of a second: If your subject is
F16 and higher: A wide focus that is ideal for static, you can take a hand-held shot (without a
landscapes. tripod).
To adjust the aperture, use the Aperture 1/125 second or faster: Use if your subject is
setting as well as the Portrait (limited focus) or moving.
Landscape (wide focus) program. To set a speed, use the Speed setting, or use the
Sport icon for maximum speed.

23 TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION | 1 ) BASIC TECHNIQUES, EXPOSURE

 RESOLUTION AND COLOUR
BALANCE
Resolution affects the final quality of the digital
image your camera records. Select the High
Definition (HD) setting on your camera for
higher-quality images.
Colour balance is used to adjust the camera’s
sensor to the type of available light. In most
cases, you will use the Normal or Sunny
settings (Outdoor Light). Colour can also be
corrected in post-production.

PRO TIPS
Use your camera’s manual
mode and explore the
possibilities.

Use a tripod as often as

possible to refine your
technique.

AVOID
• Slow speeds for hand-held
shots
Photo : Leah Bjornson

24 TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION | 1 ) BASIC TECHNIQUES, RESOLUTION AND COLOUR BALANCE
 2 ) POST-PRODUCTION
Digital photography allows us to take large quantities of photos, often far
more than we actually need. Be selective of your shots. Less is more! To cut
down on post-production time, try these simple techniques:

SELECTION
When looking through your photos, take the time to select the best
ones—those that are technically and visually strong and that best portray
your subject. Sort them and keep no more than 10% of your photos. It is
better to have 10 good photos than 1,00 that look the same and/or have
varying quality.

CALIBRATION
You can calibrate your photos using a basic photo retouching program.
Adjust contrast and brightness for an for an accurate, attractive final
product.
However, be cautious and realistic in your retouching. Try not to go
overboard so that your photos are no longer natural.

A school cafeteria in Mali. Photo: Maude Benny-Dumont

25 TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION | 2 ) POST-PRODUCTION

 SAVING
Basic information: after editing, add relevant information (see
pages 20-21) in the “information” field (“i” or “Info”) using a photo
retouching or photo viewing program on your computer.

Title : Rename your images using the following model:

Country_Year_Photographer Name_Subject_#
Nepal_2012_LindsayMilesPickup_Rice Farms_001

Format : To finish, save your photos in JPEG format (.jpg), one of the
most commonly used modes of compression. Make sure your file is
high resolution (3000x4000 pixels).

Népal. Photo : Lindsay Miles-Pickup

26 TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND POST-PRODUCTION | 2 ) POST-PRODUCTION

 PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST
‡‡ Show respect for your subject and be aware of sensitive
issues.
‡‡ Define your subject and put he/she/it into context.
‡‡ Use the right settings on your camera and turn on high
definition (HD).
‡‡ Pay attention to the light, time of day, and place where
the photos are taken.
‡‡ Frame your subject to make it stand out.
‡‡ Capture spontaneous moments of action or emotion.
‡‡ Add basic information to your photos.
‡‡ Select your best photos to reduce the number of images
to process.

Market gardeners in Senegal. Photo: Dilip Chinnakonda ‡‡ Lightly edit your photos to adjust the contrast and light.
‡‡ Save your photos as JPEGs (.jpg) under a detailed title
containing basic information.

NOW YOU ARE READY TO SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO CECI

AND WUSC AND HELP THE UNITERRA PROGRAM SHINE!

27 PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST
The Uniterra program receives funding from the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada.