How to Take Great Photos that Change the World

A photo has the ability to transform the way we see a person, a culture or an issue. It has the power to evoke emotion and capture a moment in history. So how do you take photos which show the beauty and dignity of humanity?

We asked two of our favourite photographers for their top tips:

Jeremy Tan is the awesomely talented photographer behind Any Girl and Come to the Table. 

1. Emphasise the human connection

Smiles, touch, expressions and interactions rise above culture and time. We all feel something when we look at a photo whether it’s joy, sadness, confusion or amusement. Sometimes an image might be grainy or composed differently to how I want but if there’s a smile or a sincere, honest moment within the frame – this outshines the technical elements.

2. Dignify the people you photograph

I’ve always viewed portraits as a collaboration and I want my photo subjects to feel proud of the work we’ve produced together. It’s important to think about how you can make your subject feel valued and help them enjoy the experience. I’ll always have a chat and get to know people as much as time allows. Showing them the images on my camera is a good way to help build their confidence that they are looking good.

3. Create curiosity

Good photographs make me curious. They make me ask, “What is the photographer trying to say?” or “How did they get there?” An effective photo pulls someone into a narrative. Think about what questions you’re trying to provoke with your photo.

4. Practice anywhere and everywhere

You don’t have to be somewhere exotic to take powerful photographs. To become a better photographer: shoot, shoot, and shoot. Photograph your family, your friends, anything and everything that interests you. Imagine that for someone, somewhere, your life is extraordinary and different. How would you tell your own story in photographs?

Ryan Johnson – resident Compassion photo guru. The man behind many of the stunning images on our blog and website, Ryan has a passion to see children sponsored and released from poverty. 

5. Leave the zoom lens at home

Zoom lenses are for safaris, not for up-close photo shoots. When photographing people, it’s about relating to your subjects on a personal level. If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not getting close enough.

Opt for a wide-angle lens instead. To focus on someone’s face, shoot a larger f-stop. If you want the background to be a character in your photograph, consider a smaller f-stop.

6. Know your culture

It’s really helpful to know the cultural and social norms in the country you are shooting. If you aren’t sure, ask someone or research before you go as it’s easy to get things wrong. In Asian culture, it’s considered extremely rude to touch the top of someone’s head. However in Kenya, the Maasai greet children by touching the top of their heads which is considered a sign of respect. Know these differences and respect them.

7. Get down on their level

Don’t shoot photos looking down at kids. Instead squat down and see the world from their perspective for a different view. Get eye-level and give them a fist bump.

8. Be goofy

Kids are the same all over the world—they love to make goofy faces and see photos of themselves mucking around. Be goofy with them. If you don’t speak their language you can still be their friend. Make weird noises and high five them.

9. Don’t be afraid of people.

Children have sticky, dirty hands. It’s the same all over the world. So put your hand out there and shake some little hands after you take photos. Roll around in the dirt. Play a game of football and sweat in the heat. Let kids pull on your hair and poke your skin as you may be a novelty to them.

10. Ask permission

Ask permission: the most basic rule of all. Asking permission means starting a conversation with someone which is helpful to begin to establish a connection. Always talk first, shoot later. And when someone says no, respect that.

11. Don’t misrepresent or oversimplify people or cultures

This leads to stereotypes and generalisations that ultimately hurt the people you are photographing. Culture is never simple. Embrace that and dive into it.

12. Use a Polaroid camera

For many families, family portraits are not an option. Polaroid cameras are a great way to give a gift to your photo subjects as well as a conversation starter. Take a few instant photos and share them.

13. Learn basic phrases

Learn a few of the words from the local language. That will act as an ice-breaker and open up new interactions. Don’t forget to introduce yourself and tell people why you are taking photos. A little explanation about who you are, why you are there and what you plan to do with the photos will give people a clearer idea of what you’re doing and make them more relaxed.

14. Pray for the people in your photos

It shouldn’t be easy to forget the people in your photographs. When you are looking at your photos later, make it a point to pray over them individually.

Photographs always tell a story. We hope this has inspired you to tell your story.