MiSide | 2022-2025
Project Overview
As part of my work with a nonprofit, one of our key objectives was to capture client stories to inspire and engage donors in supporting our mission. This ongoing project involved building a catalog of compelling narratives for various applications. My role focused on photography—capturing authentic, impactful moments that visually supported these stories. Since most materials were not photo-heavy, I needed to ensure that each image powerfully conveyed emotion and connection, often relying on just one or two key photographs. Featuring clients' faces helped create a stronger emotional connection with the audience, making the stories more personal and relatable.
Challenges
Unpredictable Environments: Each session took place wherever the client was—without controlled lighting, studios, or ideal conditions. I had to quickly adapt to different settings, weather conditions, and backgrounds.
Comfort & Trust: Many clients were not accustomed to being photographed, making it essential to build trust quickly. I had to ensure they felt comfortable and confident, allowing their true selves to shine through the images.
My Role
Photographer & Photo Editor
Storytelling through Visuals
Process & Approach
Listening First: Before taking any photos, I engaged with clients by listening to their stories. This helped me understand their personalities, comfort levels, and the aspects of their journey they wanted to highlight.
Building Trust: By fostering a connection, I helped clients feel at ease, ensuring that they saw me as an ally rather than just a photographer. My goal was to capture their resilience and strength—not just their struggles.
Adapting on the Spot: Given the unpredictable nature of the locations, I relied on natural light, minimal equipment, and quick decision-making to produce high-quality images.
Results & Impact
Strengthened my ability to pose and direct subjects naturally, even in challenging environments.
Developed deeper skills in building rapport and trust with clients, essential for capturing genuine expressions and emotions.
The images were successfully used across newsletters, mailers, social media, and other marketing materials—contributing to fundraising efforts and increasing donor engagement for the nonprofit.