Mission Trip Photography Dos and Don’ts
June 5, 2025
Mission Trip Photography Dos and Don’ts
Photos are a great way to capture your trip and have lasting memories of your time serving. It’s also really fun to share with friends and family and show them where you were and people or places that were very impactful to you. A friendly reminder on this, don’t live through your camera or phone lens during every part of your trip.
Do:
- Be present! Take time to enjoy the moment rather than worrying you won’t capture it. Think of a sunset, it’s so beautiful to witness but when we try and take a photo it doesn’t do it the same justice as watching in live.
- Designate a photographer or two before you leave. Assign someone serving to take photos for your group for the duration of the trip. It’s a great way to share photos from the trip with one another and see a situation from another perspective later on. Remember to take photos of the photographers too!
- Take photos where you are staying and with the people who are helping with your accommodations. I have found this gets overlooked as well as the staff helping you during your stay. It’s also a great way to show others as you explain where you were and how different it was.
Don’t:
- Take a photo just so you have something to post on your social media. Be in the moment and let all of that wait until another time.
- Treat locals as if they are a tourist attraction! This is their daily life. Please be respectful of people. Refrain as best you can or if you feel so inclined, ask kindly (if it is safe to do so) and perhaps a photo op will even become an opportunity to pray with them.
- Pull your phone/camera out while you are in large crowds. It’s important to remain vigilant in these situations and know where your team is at all times. This can also be a protection from theft.
The best advice I can offer from my experiences is do your best not to live your trip through your lens. Take a photo and put the camera away and witness all that is unfolding around you. It’s incredible!
Keeping a journal is a great way to not only document your trip but to gather your thoughts as you experience new situations. It’s a great way to recall the events of your trip as well as what God spoke to you during that mission; this will come in very useful later on! Often on mission trips, we rarely find time to be alone. This is a great way to gather your feelings and speak with Him about what is taking place each day. I recommend taking even 10-15 minutes to be still and find some quiet (even in a shared space). This is a great way to share scriptures and talk to God about what you saw and felt each day. Another great use for journals is to write down dreams you have had. I hear so many people tell me about dreams they have but are quick to forget them if they don’t take a few minutes to write them down or draw the out. When we are in a space where we are seeking Him these dreams can come more frequently. I have found when I write them out I gain a better understanding of what they mean as well as scriptures that line up with the message shared in the dream. Years down the road you may be reminded of a memory from one of your mission trips. Journals are a great way to look back and what God was speaking to you as well as a testament to His goodness. These memories can provide confirmation to all that He has brought you through and where He spoke so clearly, especially in seasons where hearing from Him seems difficult. I know it can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are not used to journalling but I recommend staying diligent in this during your trips. You will not regret those few moments spent each day with Him.
What is Eshet Chayil?
Is this your mission to serve?
Give Him What You Can’t Let Go Of
God Gives Us Provision Before We Need It
Un burdened
