During the pandemic, Stanley set up and interviewed Chiropractor Dr. Charlie Weiss of Holcomb Bridge Chiropractic in Rowell, Georgia.

Nonprofits often struggle to decide between using volunteers or hiring professional communicators such as producers, photographers, and videographers. While it may be tempting to use volunteers to save money, relying on professionals can significantly impact the effectiveness and sustainability of a nonprofit’s mission, especially regarding communication strategies.

Why Nonprofits Should Use Professionals in Communications:

1. Impactful Storytelling: Professional communicators bring a high level of expertise in crafting stories that resonate emotionally with audiences. This is critical for nonprofits, as compelling stories help donors connect with the cause more deeply. Organizations like Charity Water have used professional storytelling to engage supporters with authentic, emotionally charged narratives, which have led to higher donor trust and more significant contributions.
2. Consistency in Branding: One of the critical aspects of maintaining donor trust is having a consistent and professional brand image. Volunteers, while passionate, may not have the experience needed to maintain uniform messaging across platforms. Professionals are trained to handle multi-channel strategies and create brand guides that ensure the nonprofit’s identity is cohesive, which enhances long-term donor relationships​.
3. Efficiency and Focus: Professionals are equipped with the tools and knowledge to handle the complexities of media production efficiently. From pre-production planning to post-production editing, they streamline the process, ensuring deadlines and resources are effectively utilized. On the other hand, volunteers may lack the necessary time and expertise, leading to delays and suboptimal outcomes.
4. Audience Engagement: Nonprofits need to engage their supporters through various media channels. A professional photographer or videographer can capture high-quality content that tells a story visually, engaging audiences in ways that statistics alone cannot. This engagement often leads to higher donations, as supporters can see the direct impact of their contributions.
5. Avoiding Risk: Without trained professionals, nonprofits risk producing content that could be perceived as amateurish or even misleading. Poor-quality media can damage a nonprofit’s reputation, making it appear untrustworthy. Moreover, volunteers may not always understand the nuances of sensitive storytelling, which could inadvertently lead to legal or ethical issues, further undermining the organization’s credibility.

Risks of Not Using Trained Communications Professionals:

• Brand Dilution: Inconsistent messaging and visuals can dilute the nonprofit’s brand, making it harder to differentiate from competitors. Without professional oversight, the organization’s voice may lack clarity, causing confusion among supporters and stakeholders.
• Lost Donor Engagement: Volunteers might need to gain the skills to create media that effectively capture the attention of potential donors. This could result in less engagement on social media, fewer website visits, and, ultimately, a decline in fundraising​.
• Long-term Costs: While volunteers may seem cost-effective initially, the long-term costs of ineffective communication—such as lower donor retention or decreased fundraising—can outweigh the short-term savings. Correcting poorly executed media projects can be more expensive than getting it right the first time with professionals.

Conclusion: For nonprofits, communication is more than just delivering a message; it’s about connecting with donors and supporters. Hiring professional photographers, videographers, and producers ensures this communication is done effectively, increasing monetary donations and volunteer involvement. While volunteers are invaluable in many areas, the role of skilled professionals in nonprofit communications should not be underestimated, as it is a crucial part of building a sustainable and prosperous organization.

With over two decades of experience organizing the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference and creating mission Storytelling Abroad Workshops, I’ve seen firsthand professionals’ vital role in nonprofit communications. From 1990 to 2024, I worked with both amateurs and professionals, particularly in mission photography. Through this, I firmly believe that organizations should prioritize hiring professionals for storytelling, especially for projects to raise funds or build public engagement. Professionals bring expertise, consistency, and the ability to craft impactful narratives. Once these critical stories are in place, volunteers can work alongside them, learning and contributing to internal projects. This approach ensures the highest quality in external-facing communication while nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

Capturing the journey of resilience and growth: Hannah Strayer interviews Samweli Chacha in front of the home he built through hard work and dedication to farming. With the invaluable support of Apollo Mazengo, Samweli’s agriculture teacher, this conversation is made accessible through Swahili translation, showcasing the power of education and community.

I first met Hannah Strayer in 2015 during our Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop in Romania. At the time, she was already deep into her missionary journey. Hannah had a passion for photography, and this workshop introduced her to the world of storytelling, where words and visuals come together to create compelling narratives.

Her enthusiasm for storytelling led her to attend several more ABWE’s Storytellers Abroad workshops, traveling to places like Nicaragua, Peru, and Togo. With each experience, Hannah grew in her craft, eventually attending language school to learn French in preparation for her move to Togo, West Africa, where she would serve as a full-time missionary media specialist.

However, Hannah didn’t join a large missions team with on-field mentors. To continue improving her skills and gaining valuable feedback, she kept participating in more workshops, working closely with coaches who helped refine her storytelling abilities.

One of the stories we worked on in Tanzania revolved around a key challenge facing missionaries there: securing visas from the government. A vital part of that solution was the new farm established by the local missionary team. The farm helped with visa renewals and trained pastors in farming techniques, providing them with the tools to support their families while leading their churches.

One of the pastors we featured was Samweli Chacha, who attended The Biblical Center for Pastors. He was thrilled to discover the bonus of learning agriculture alongside his studies. His story is familiar in Tanzania, where many pastors are called to lead churches with little formal education. Often, pastors need a secondary job to support themselves, and without proper income, they may have to abandon their role in the church to care for their families.

Samweli’s story is a testament to the holistic approach the missionaries are taking—addressing both spiritual and financial needs.

Watch the video to see how these efforts are making a difference for Samweli and other pastors striving to serve their communities in Tanzania.

Alicia Sparkman and Jordan Timpy sit down with missionary Brittany James and Mama Daniel for the first time, sharing a meal and uncovering the layers of Mama Daniel’s story. In this heartfelt two-hour conversation, even Brittany learned new details about Mama Daniel’s journey, deepening the connection and setting the stage for the powerful video to come.

In collaboration with the Tanzania Missionary Team, our journey started by defining the ultimate goal of our visit through the Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop. Like many organizations I’ve worked with, their initial desire was to showcase the breadth of their efforts. In this case, they ran six different programs, all worth highlighting.

However, after they detailed all their activities, I asked, “Once people hear this, what do you want them to do?”

That’s when we honed in on the fundamental objectives for the video. The mission team needed ongoing support to keep their families in the field, funding for their main property, and their newly acquired farm, which they hoped would offset operational costs. Additionally, they wanted to raise money for scholarships to extend their outreach further.

Our workshop focuses on creating 70% inspirational and 30% informational videos. We acknowledged that some videos flip that ratio, but our approach emphasizes the human element—evoking emotion before providing information.

One of the key programs they wanted to highlight was the Dar Health Initiative, which addresses various aspects of community health, including education and prenatal care. This led us to an incredible story about Pendo Saidi and her son Daniel, a woman the missionaries had helped through this initiative. The missionaries worked closely with mother and son, providing health care and emotional and spiritual support.

After understanding the story, I crafted a Story Spine, or outline, for Alicia Sparkman, one of the participants creating her first video in the workshop. She teamed up with veteran storyteller Jordan Timpy to bring this story to life. Together, they sat down with Pendo Saidi and missionary Brittany James, uncovering more about their journey.

The story immediately touched everyone involved, moving Alicia and the rest of the team to tears. Pendo Saidi’s life—marked by loss, as her husband left her because of Daniel’s condition—could easily be an epic on its own. However, we had a clear focus: The story wasn’t just about Pendo Saidi. It was also about missionary Brittany James’ role in Daniel’s healthcare and Pendo Saidi’s spiritual growth.

While we captured many profound moments, we made the tough decision to trim certain parts, including the emotional scene where Pendo Saidi forgave her husband for abandoning the family. Though it was a powerful moment, keeping it would have extended the video beyond the ideal length for engagement.

For videos like these, shorter is often better. Based on current trends, most viewers tend to lose interest after the two-minute mark. While more complex stories can stretch to five minutes, we aim for concise, emotionally engaging content.

Our workshop kicked off on Friday with dinner, introducing us to the nationals at the heart of the stories. By Thursday night, we were screening our final videos for the missionaries, the community, and the nationals.

Alicia had the benefit of working closely with Jordan all week, receiving personalized guidance on how to cut unnecessary material and focus on completing a compelling story within our short timeframe. There were many tear-filled moments along the way as we navigated the emotional weight of this story.

Now, I invite you to watch the finished video. I believe it achieves the objectives we set out to accomplish. Let me know what you think, and feel free to share if it resonates with you.

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Raysham, hard at work on her sewing machine, is part of the SIFA Program that empowers women to become successful business owners, investing back into their communities. Faith-driven and gospel-centered, SIFA equips women with the tools to transform lives in Dar es Salaam and East Africa.

“Please, God, don’t send me to Africa.”

That’s what Ken Robinson had been saying since feeling a call to missions as a teenager. Yet, just a couple of weeks ago, Ken found himself in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with me and six others as part of the Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop.

Ken’s journey into multimedia began in 2019 when he took a leap of faith and joined our workshop in Santiago, Chile. That’s when I first met him. As an IT professional, Ken has always been deeply connected to technology. He even volunteers at his church, helping with IT and media every Sunday. The technical side of multimedia came naturally to him, but when it came to working with people, that was a different story.

Ken is the kind of person who’s comfortable behind the scenes, ensuring that PowerPoint slides run smoothly and the Wi-Fi is working. Stepping into the world of storytelling, especially getting up close to his subjects, was out of his comfort zone.

During the Tanzania workshop, we paired Ken with Cassie Timpy, a veteran storyteller, as his coach. Cassie’s mission was to push Ken out of the background and into a more personal space with his subject, Jamilah. Ken had some understandable apprehension, mainly because he was a man telling the story of a single woman. I intentionally paired him with Cassie for this very reason.

As Ken sat down with Jamilah, alongside missionaries Shantelle Meta and Steph Boon, he began to listen and understand her story. Slowly but surely, Ken’s hesitations started to fade. His excitement for the project grew, but Cassie kept encouraging him to move physically closer to capture better, more intimate footage. It was a challenge, but Ken embraced it despite the discomfort.

The result is a touching and powerful video about the SIFA Threads program, one of the many initiatives run by ABWE missionaries in Tanzania to spread the Gospel.

I invite you to watch Ken’s video, Sewing Threads of Hope, and learn more about the incredible work happening through SIFA Threads and how it brings hope to the lives of many in Tanzania.

When we think about developing skills, we often believe that with enough hard work and practice, anyone can master anything. While effort and training can undoubtedly lead to growth, there’s a more profound truth: some people are wired differently, and specific skills come more naturally. In my own experience, I used to think all I needed was a chance to prove myself. Given the right opportunity, I believed I could do anything.

However, as I progressed in my career, I realized that enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. For some people, it takes years—sometimes even decades—of focused learning to reach a basic level of competency. In contrast, others with a natural inclination can achieve mastery much faster. It’s essential to understand that no matter how long you work on something, some skills require more than just effort. They need a deep connection, a natural gift, or an inherent understanding of the craft.

The Myth of the ‘Overnight Success’
We often hear stories of people who seem to appear out of nowhere, achieving success almost instantly. But the reality is that “overnight success” is usually the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and persistence. Research supports this idea: according to a 2006 study by psychologist K. Anders Ericsson, it typically takes 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field. In other words, behind every “instant” success story are likely years of unseen effort and preparation.

A Personal Journey: Lessons from the Southwestern Photojournalism Seminar
In 1990, I helped organize the Southwestern Photojournalism Seminar, which ran for 25 years in Fort Worth, Texas. The seminar brought together people eager to tell stories, many of whom wanted to document the gospel’s spread. The speakers and presenters were inspiring, but there was one significant gap: while attendees left motivated, they often lacked the hands-on experience necessary to bring their vision to life.

At that time, aspiring storytellers were advised to work at small newspapers, where they could learn from experienced editors and photographers. This slow, steady apprenticeship was how you built a portfolio that could eventually take you worldwide to tell stories of missionaries and their work.

But times changed, and those small newspapers began disappearing. That’s when my friend Greg Thompson and I had an idea: what if we could give aspiring storytellers the chance to work with seasoned veterans on real, cross-cultural stories? 2013 Jeff Raymond called me, having been referred by Greg, and we launched the first Storytellers Abroad Multimedia Missions Workshop in Lisbon, Portugal. Our goal was to offer photographers hands-on experience in a mission context, guided by those who had spent years refining their craft.

Skill vs. Talent: What Makes a Storyteller?
Over the years, I’ve seen a consistent truth: storytelling isn’t something you can pick up after a class or two. It takes time, dedication, and, frankly, a natural gift. Most people who know how to use a camera or edit a video don’t automatically know how to tell a compelling story. Storytellers are strategic thinkers who understand the heart of a narrative, while videographers often focus more on the technical tactical aspects of the craft.

You must deliver on that promise when you’re sent into the field to help a missionary or nonprofit tell their story. It’s not just about taking great footage; it’s about translating that into a story that moves people to action.

After ten years of running this workshop, I can say that many people are interested in storytelling. Still, most will disappoint unless they’ve already demonstrated their skill in their local context. However, those honed their craft can be coached to produce exceptional work in a cross-cultural setting.

Learning from Experience: Why Veterans Get the Best Stories
There’s a reason seasoned storytellers often get better assignments. They have a track record of success that speaks for itself. Organizations want results, and they trust those with proven experience. You can’t take a class and suddenly become a great storyteller. It would be best if you were teachable, practice your craft, and, most importantly, have an innate understanding of what makes a good story.

For some, the role of storyteller might not be the best fit. In that case, you may excel in roles like camera operator, sound engineer, or editor—essential parts of the storytelling team. It’s important to recognize your strengths and work to perfect them.

The Value of Commitment and Compensation
I’ve also learned that organizations, especially missionaries and nonprofits, must have skin in the game. When they don’t, they may not fully appreciate the value of your work. Covering expenses and paying a livable wage is critical to ensuring storytellers can continue to provide quality content. Supporters can sometimes help offset costs, but the organization must cover the core expenses.

Raising the Bar for Storytellers
After years of leading storytelling workshops, I’ve realized that not everyone is cut out for this work. To tell stories across cultures in different languages requires a skill set that not everyone has, even if they’re great at producing videos in their community. That’s why I’ve raised the bar on what it takes to be part of these workshops.

Where I Am Now
While I’m still passionate about teaching storytelling, my main focus now is working directly with nonprofits to tell their stories effectively. I guide organizations through a strategic process that identifies the stories that will move their audience to action. This is my strength—helping organizations identify and share stories that matter.

If you’re looking for someone who can help your organization tell stories that resonate and move people, or if you’re interested in developing a team of storytellers ready to leap cross-cultural, multilingual storytelling, let’s talk. Together, we can tell stories that make a difference.

It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since our first Storytellers Abroad workshop in Lisbon, Portugal. This week, we find ourselves in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, reflecting on how far we’ve come—and how much we continue to learn with each new workshop.

One of the biggest takeaways from our journey is the importance of continuous improvement. We tweak our process with each workshop based on the lessons learned from the previous one. And this year, we’ve seen the most significant evolution yet.

The Power of Preparation: Crafting Story Outlines Early

For the first time, we arrived in Tanzania with a story outline prepared for each storyteller. Having these outlines ahead of time transformed the storytelling process. Before even hitting record, the storyteller, their coach, and the missionary sat down with the story’s subject—one of the local nationals—to connect with them. This wasn’t just about gathering facts and understanding the story’s heart.

After spending two hours building this relationship and getting familiar with the narrative, we scheduled the formal interview for the following day—the depth of connection from that initial meeting allowed for a more authentic and meaningful interview.

Bridging Language Gaps: Capturing Authenticity in Translation

Conducting the interviews in Swahili, with missionaries serving as translators, we faced the challenge of ensuring that the essence of the story essence of the story wasn’t lost in translation. In previous workshops, we struggled with software that provided word-for-word transliterations rather than capturing the true meaning behind the words.

This time, we used ChatGPT to translate the Swahili captions into English—and the results were astounding. For the first time, we achieved a translation that didn’t just deliver words but conveyed the heart of the message. The difference between a mere translation and an understanding of intent was pivotal.

Of course, we didn’t stop there. A professional translator reviewed the captions, ironing out minor hiccups, such as stutters or non-verbal sounds.

Connecting the Audience: Building Bridges Through Storytelling

With the translated interview in hand, we collaborated with the ABWE organization’s editor to ensure that the final story resonated with our intended audience: U.S. church communities. It was crucial to create a narrative thread that linked the missionaries’ work with the nationals’ experiences in a way that would inspire and engage the viewers back home.

Coaching and Crafting the Visuals

Each storyteller worked closely with a coach throughout the workshop, from story inception to the final edit. Now that the stories were captured, the focus shifted to visual storytelling—creating a shot list for B-roll footage. This supporting imagery adds another layer to the story, helping to immerse the audience and visually convey narrative aspects that words alone cannot.

Editing on the Ground: Bringing It All Together

We spent the afternoons and full days immersed in Adobe Premiere Pro, editing the stories while still in Tanzania. After an initial round of edits, we will share the videos with the class for feedback. Once any adjustments are made, we will present the final versions to the community.

A Breakthrough Moment

This year, more than ever before, everything flowed. Having clear storylines before filming allowed us to focus on capturing the visuals and creating an emotionally resonant experience for the audience. The clarity and preparation made the entire workshop smoother and more fulfilling than any other.

There’s such joy in witnessing how the power of visual storytelling continues to grow, evolve, and connect people from different walks of life. Here’s to the next ten years of stories yet to be told!

In our connected world, smartphones do a remarkable job of keeping time. They sync to the correct time and adjust automatically to the local time zone, thanks to their integration with cellular networks and GPS. However, a bit of manual intervention is still required when it comes to cameras, even high-end models like my Nikon Z9.

The Nikon Z9: GPS-Enabled But Not Fully Automatic

The Nikon Z9 is an incredible technology with a built-in GPS that syncs with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This is a fantastic feature for ensuring your camera’s internal clock stays accurate. However, there’s a catch: while the GPS can sync to GMT, it doesn’t automatically adjust for your local time zone. This means you must still go into the settings and manually set the correct time zone.

This extra step is essential, especially for photographers who travel frequently or work across different time zones. Without adjusting the time zone, your images might be stamped with the wrong time, leading to confusion later when organizing your photos.

Setting the Time on Other Cameras

Most cameras, even those without the advanced GPS capabilities of the Nikon Z9, allow you to set the time manually. The process is typically straightforward, but it varies depending on the make and model of your camera. The best way to ensure accuracy is to consult your camera’s manual. If you don’t have the manual on hand, it’s easy to find online—search for your camera brand and model, and you should be able to locate the instructions.

This small step of accurately setting your camera’s time can save you many headaches down the road.

The Benefits of Accurate Time Stamping

Accurate time stamping on your images offers several significant benefits, especially regarding cataloging and teamwork. Here are a few examples:

1. Efficient Cataloging: When your images are time-stamped correctly, it becomes much easier to organize them chronologically. This is particularly useful when sorting through thousands of photos from a long shoot or a multi-day event.
2. Seamless Collaboration: Having all cameras set simultaneously ensures everyone’s photos are in sync if you’re shooting with a team. This is crucial for events like weddings or sports, where multiple photographers might capture the exact moment from different angles. Consistent time stamps make creating a timeline of events simple without confusion.
3. Geo-Tagging Accuracy: For cameras like the Nikon Z9 that include GPS, accurate time settings are essential for precise geo-tagging. This feature can be invaluable for photographers who need to track the exact location of their shots, whether for documentary purposes or location-based projects.

In conclusion, while our phones may make timekeeping effortless, our cameras require more attention. Taking the time to ensure your camera’s clock is accurate—and set to the correct time zone—can make a world of difference in your photography workflow. So, before your next shoot, take a moment to check your camera’s time settings. It’s a simple step that can save you much trouble later on.