Media planning

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Capturing memories of your Trials & Tribulations challenge can be wonderful for participants and inspiring for others in your community. But it’s important to handle photography and videos thoughtfully, especially when working with modest Muslim women who may have different comfort levels with being photographed.

Ask first, always

Never assume everyone wants to be in photos or videos. Make it completely separate from signing up for the event – people should feel free to take part even if they don’t want to be photographed.

Make opting out easy

  • Give people coloured wristbands or stickers if they don’t want to be photographed
  • Brief anyone taking photos to watch for these signals
  • Have a “camera-free zone” where people can go if they need a break from photos
  • Respect that some people might change their minds during the day

Different comfort levels

Some participants might be happy with:

  • Group photos where they’re not easily identifiable
  • Action shots from behind or at a distance
  • Photos for private sharing but not social media
  • Videos without their faces showing

Others might prefer no photos at all – and that’s completely fine.

DIY photography approaches

Participants as photographers

Often the best photos come from participants themselves:

  • Encourage people to take their own photos and share them afterward
  • Set up a private WhatsApp group or shared folder for photos
  • People feel more natural and relaxed with their friends taking pictures
  • Everyone gets copies of memories they want to keep

Designate a group photographer

Ask one of your participants (who’s comfortable with technology) to be the main photographer:

  • Choose someone who understands the modesty concerns
  • Give them a simple brief about what kinds of shots work well
  • Make sure they know who doesn’t want to be photographed
  • This is often better than hiring an outsider who doesn’t understand the group dynamics

Simple video ideas

Short, meaningful clips

Instead of trying to document everything:

  • Film a few minutes of preparation and excitement before starting
  • Capture the landscape and challenge without focusing on individuals
  • Record short interviews with willing participants about why they’re doing this
  • Film the group breaking fast together at the end (with permission)

Focus on the story, not the spectacle

The most powerful content shows:

  • Why this challenge matters to your community
  • The charitable cause you’re supporting
  • The sense of achievement and sisterhood
  • The connection between the challenge and supporting refugees

Practical photography tips

Equipment that works

You don’t need expensive gear:

  • Smartphones are perfectly adequate for most community events
  • Bring portable chargers for longer events
  • Have waterproof cases or bags for muddy/wet conditions
  • Simple action cameras (like GoPros) can be good for obstacle activities

When to take photos

  • Before and after the physical challenges (when people look presentable)
  • During rest breaks when people are relaxed and happy
  • Action shots from a distance during activities
  • The group meal and reflection times
  • Celebrating achievements at the end

Sharing photos respectfully

Private sharing first

  • Create a private group (WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Photos) for participants only
  • Let people download and save photos they like
  • Give everyone a few days to review photos before any public sharing
  • Remove any photos people aren’t comfortable with

Public sharing guidelines

If you want to share publicly to inspire others:

  • Only use photos where people have specifically agreed to public sharing
  • Focus on landscapes, activities, and group shots rather than individuals
  • Write captions that focus on the charitable purpose and achievement
  • Blur faces or crop photos if needed to protect privacy

Creating lasting memories

Simple keepsakes

Consider making:

  • A private photo album or scrapbook for participants
  • Printed group photos as mementos
  • Simple certificates or cards commemorating their achievement
  • A short video compilation for the group to keep

Digital memories

  • Create a shared online album that only participants can access
  • Make a simple slideshow for your next community gathering
  • Keep photos organised by date and activity for easy finding later

Social media considerations

Platform awareness

Different platforms work better for different purposes:

  • WhatsApp groups for private sharing among participants
  • Facebook for community updates and inspiration
  • Instagram for reaching younger community members
  • Keep LinkedIn or Twitter professional if sharing for organisational purposes

Content that inspires

Share content that:

  • Explains why you did this challenge and what it taught you
  • Shows the charitable impact of your fundraising
  • Encourages others to organise similar events
  • Celebrates the achievements of your group without compromising privacy

Cultural sensitivity

Understanding different perspectives

Some participants might be concerned about:

  • Photos being seen by extended family or community
  • Images being used in ways they didn’t expect
  • Privacy concerns about social media
  • Professional implications of being in certain types of photos

Respectful approaches

  • Take time to understand people’s specific concerns
  • Offer alternatives like group photos where individuals aren’t identifiable
  • Be patient with people who need time to decide about photo consent
  • Focus on capturing the spirit and achievement rather than individual appearances

Budget-friendly options

Free tools that work well

  • Smartphone cameras for photos and basic videos
  • Free editing apps like Snapseed or VSCO for improving photos
  • Canva for creating simple graphics or photo collages
  • Google Photos or iCloud for sharing albums privately

When to spend money

Consider paying for:

  • A local photography student who understands your community
  • Waterproof cases for phones during muddy activities
  • Printing costs for physical photo albums or certificates
  • Basic editing software if you want to create more polished videos

After the event

Follow up thoughtfully

  • Share photos promptly while the excitement is still fresh
  • Check with people before posting anything publicly
  • Create opportunities for participants to share their own photos and stories
  • Use the images to inspire planning for next year’s event

Learn for next time

  • Ask participants what they thought about the photography approach
  • Note what worked well and what could be improved
  • Keep contact details for any particularly good volunteer photographers
  • Build a collection of inspiring images for promoting future events

The goal of documenting your challenge is to capture the joy, achievement, and community spirit while respecting everyone’s comfort levels. When people feel their privacy is respected, they’re often more relaxed and the photos turn out better anyway.

Remember, the most important memories are in people’s hearts and minds. Photos are lovely extras, but they shouldn’t overshadow the real purpose of your challenge or make anyone feel uncomfortable about participating.

Guidance last updated: