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REPORT
1 ANNUAL
NEST 201
photography
guidelines
Yes, a picture really IS worth a thousand words
Your images will tell the stories of our artisans,
celebrating their craft for our donors, corporate
partners and the public.
nest photography guidelines | page 1

2. successful images–artisan portraits
Subject: Eyes are the key to emotion–must be in focus
Composition: Fill the frame
Background: Texture and color but no distractions
Lighting: Capture the catchlight in the eye–place
subject in shade looking out toward brighter light
nest photography guidelines | page 2

3. successful images–family community
Subject: Universal theme of mother and child; generate
an emotional connection through subject’s expression
Composition: Fill the frame
Background: Texture and color but no distractions
nest photography guidelines | page 3

4. successful images–culture
Subject: Food, clothing and traditions
Composition: Fill the frame, highlighting the details
Background: Texture and color but no distractions
nest photography guidelines | page 4

5. successful images–place
Subject: Housing, living conditions, landscapes
Composition: Fill the frame; determine your subject
Background: Eliminate distractions by changing your
perspective; minimize the number of people
nest photography guidelines | page 5

6. successful images–artistic process
Subject: Close-up details of the crafting process
emphasizing working hands; tells an interesting story–
here is how this is done.
Composition: Fill the frame and get close!
Lighting: Soft and subtle with no harsh shadows
nest photography guidelines | page 6

7. successful images–artistic process
Subject: Does not have to be looking at the camera to
be an effective image; engaged in the creative process;
imbues action
Composition: Unique perspective from above; engaging
circular shapes and complementary color schemes
Background: Distractions eliminated; appealing textures
nest photography guidelines | page 7

8. successful images–artistic process
Subject: Wider view which
provides a sense of place,
cultural context and action
Background: No distractions;
focus is on subject
nest photography guidelines | page 8

9. successful images–tools
Subject: Unique and compelling tools of the trade
Composition: Follow the Rule of Thirds
Background: No distractions; good color and texture
Lighting: Soft and subtle with no harsh shadows
nest photography guidelines | page 9

10. successful images–supplies
Subject: Distinctive supplies unique to that craft
Composition: Get close; seek unusual perspectives; use
leading diagonals that pull you into the image
Background: No distractions
nest photography guidelines | page 10

11. successful images–product
Composition: Fills the frame; show craftsmanship and
product detail up close
Background: Neutral; doesn’t compete with product
Lighting: Soft and subtle with no harsh shadows
nest photography guidelines | page 11

12. unsuccessful images
nest photography guidelines | page 12

13. unsuccessful images
nest photography guidelines | page 13

14. unsuccessful images
nest photography guidelines | page 14

15. successful images–summary
Get close! “If your photographs aren’t good enough,
you aren’t close enough” Robert Capa
Photography is the art of exclusion—knowing what to
leave out. Check all areas of the frame for distractions
Shoot all subjects—tell the story of our artisans
nest photography guidelines | page 15

16. how will the images be used?
»» est can never have too many great photos in its
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arsenal of creative and interesting shots
»» ommunication occurs often with donors, volunteers,
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artisans, corporate partners and the public
»» great image communicates a piece of the story of
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what Nest does and how we do it
»» hotos are used in marketing materials, website images,
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and your personal blog entries while in-country
nest photography guidelines | page 16

17. personal scrapbook vs. nest images
»» or Nest images, it is important that you concentrate
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your time behind the camera
»» t’s great to have images of yourself in the scene for
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your scrapbook
nest photography guidelines | page 17

18. culturally sensitive photography
“Like travel itself, photography builds bridges”
»» amera Best Practices—Spend Time
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Without Shooting: Spending time with your
subjects prior to shooting them can make a world
of difference with the level of comfort that shines
through. Use your judgment based on the situation.
When possible, take time without the camera in order
to connect. This tactic will provide for a much better
relationship (and better shots) with your subjects.
nest photography guidelines | page 18

19. culturally sensitive photography
»» e Informed: Be aware of customs and
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photography mores of the place you will visit—a little
research goes a long way.
»» se an Ice-Breaker: Instantly showing people
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the photos you’ve taken of them can be a wonderful
ice‑breaker. The photography becomes less
intimidating and more fun.
Source: Adapted from Jim Kane’s article, “Culturally Sensitive Photography”
nest photography guidelines | page 19

20. the legalities—release forms tips
»» ave artisans sign a Release Form so that
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their images can be used by Nest
›› xplain the purpose of the form to the artisans or if
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you can find an easy way to do so, have it translated
in-country (though some artisans may be illiterate)
›› ommunicate how the image may be used by
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Nest: for marketing materials to help create market
access and funding for their work
›› n cases where this may be difficult or impossible,
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note that a release was not signed and Nest
will make a case-by-case decision about posting
anonymous photos
nest photography guidelines | page 20

21. the legalities—release forms tips
»» Protecting our Artisan-Partners*
›› ­Ask before taking photos of people, especially minors
›› ommunicate that names will be changed of
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women who don’t wish to have anyone know
where they are and who they are working with
›› Do not use names of children ever
›› se caution overall when posting anyone’s name,
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location or picture. Stick to using the country and
region when it comes to location
(not town/city/address), and first name only when it
comes to identifying community members
*Reiterated in the Nest Blog Overview received in Packet 5.
nest photography guidelines | page 21

22. transferring digital data to nest
»» pon your return to the US, Nest will send you a
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flash drive
›› opy all of you images onto the flash drive (Nest
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will parse through those meant for your scrapbook
vs. Nest materials)
›› e’d love for you to create a ‘best of ’ folder,
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showcasing your favorite images, if you have time
›› Sign, Seal Deliver” your precious image-laden
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flash drives back to Nest
nest photography guidelines | page 22

23. how to protect your images
»» Back up your data!
›› ­­ ou will be forever bummed if you lose your beautiful
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images and memories
›› hile in-country, transfer images to your
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computer often
›› ring an external hard drive—recent models are
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tiny with loads of storage
›› Back up your data on a weekly schedule
nest photography guidelines | page 23

24. digital packing list
»» Digital Camera + Extra Memory Chip
›› SLR vs. Small Digital Camera vs. iPhone Camera
»» Digital Camera Charger
»» Laptop Computer
»» Necessary Cords for Transferring Images
»» ravel Plug Adapter vs. Travel Plug Adapter with
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Transformer
›› Is your equipment dual voltage?
»» External Hard Drive (for data back up)
»» aptop Security Cable ($10–$30 on Amazon) to
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safeguard your equipment from disappearing
nest photography guidelines | page 24