Caption: A male rose-breasted grosbeak, often called a “cut-throat” for its striking red chest, stops by my feeder during spring migration.

Sometimes the best photography subjects aren’t far away.
They’re right outside your window.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on why photographing birds at a simple backyard birdfeeder feels so therapeutic. I’m not alone in this—many photographers, both hobbyists and professionals, find real peace in spending time capturing these little visitors.

Here’s why I believe photographing birds can be good for your soul:

1. It forces you to slow down.

Birds aren’t in a hurry to pose for your camera. To photograph them well, you have to sit quietly, watch, and wait.

That stillness is rare in today’s world—and it’s powerful.

It draws you out of the constant rush and noise and gently invites you to be for a while.

2. It connects you with nature.

Even if you’re sitting on your porch or peeking through a kitchen window, you’re participating in something wild and beautiful.

You start noticing how birds move, how different species interact, and even the slight changes in their songs.

It grounds you right there in the present moment.

3. It provides a creative outlet.

Photography is storytelling.

Framing the shot, adjusting your settings, reading the light—it’s all part of exercising your creative muscles.

When photographing birds, you’re not just pressing a button; you’re making decisions, crafting a story one frame at a time.

4. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Birds are unpredictable.

When you finally capture that sharp, well-lit image, it feels like you earned it.

That little sense of victory can lift your spirits in ways that are hard to explain but easy to feel.

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Should You Create Natural-Looking Perches?

You’ll see a lot of bird photographers setting up beautiful perches near their feeders—branches, flowers, mossy sticks—designed to make their shots look like they were taken deep in the wilderness rather than the backyard.

It’s a clever technique if your goal is to create gallery-worthy images or enter competitions.

But do you need to do that to enjoy photographing birds? Absolutely not.

If you photograph birds simply for the joy, the therapy, and the experience, then the feeder, the railing, the wires—they’re all part of your authentic story.

The birds don’t mind.

They’re just thankful for the seed!

As a storyteller myself, I always come back to this:

It’s not about perfect setups.
It’s about meaningful moments.

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If you ever want to experiment with natural-looking perches for fun or to challenge yourself, it can be a rewarding next step. But remember—you don’t need a “perfect” scene to create meaningful images. You need to show up, stay still, and enjoy the simple wonder that flies right into your life.

Happy birding—and even happier storytelling.

When Alvin Toffler’s book Powershift hit the shelves in 1990, I was one of the many who picked it up, read it with curiosity, and wondered what the future might hold.

Toffler made a bold claim: the balance of power would shift — not through brute force or sheer wealth, but through knowledge. Whoever controlled information would ultimately control the future.

Although I understood what he was saying at the time, I honestly had no idea how to apply that insight in my own work. I was focused on journalism, storytelling, and communication. Those were important, sure, but it felt like the “big powers” (media giants, government, corporations) still owned the narrative. It was hard to imagine a world where individuals, small organizations, or nonprofits could wield significant influence.

Fast forward to today — and I can see how much Toffler got right.

The rise of the internet, social media, smartphones, and AI has leveled the playing field. Today, a small nonprofit with a compelling story can reach a global audience. A business owner can build a brand with nothing more than a good story and a smartphone. A storyteller can influence culture as much — and sometimes more — than a billion-dollar company.

And this is where my work, and the work of so many others like me, comes into play.

As a storyteller and brand builder, I help organizations—whether businesses, nonprofits, or faith-based groups—find and share their stories in a way that cuts through the noise. Today’s world is inundated with messages, yet people still yearn for authentic, meaningful connections.

That’s why the skills of journalists, photographers, filmmakers, and communicators are more important than ever.

• We help organizations clarify their message.
• We help them connect emotionally with the right audience.
• We help them build trust — the real currency of influence today.

In this new Powershift reality, it’s not enough to have information. It’s about how you communicate it — visually, emotionally, and strategically.

Organizations that understand this will thrive. Those who don’t will find themselves lost in the noise.

I’m grateful that Toffler’s book planted the seed all those years ago, even if it took the world— and me —a little time to realize its meaning entirely. Today, I get to help others navigate this new world, crafting stories that inform, inspire action, and build lasting impact.

If you’re an organization looking to build real influence, know this: You don’t just need more information.

You need a storyteller.

You need someone who understands the true power of communication in today’s world.

And I’m here to help.

Photo by Dennis Fahringer

As someone who helps businesses and nonprofits tell compelling stories to connect with their audiences, I’ve often wrestled with this question: How frequently should I tell my own story?

When you make a living helping others shine, it can feel awkward—or even self-serving—to turn the camera around and share your journey. But here’s the truth: people don’t just hire my camera or my editing skills. They hired me. And to make that decision, they need to know who I am.

Your Story Builds Trust

In marketing, trust is currency. And trust is built through consistency, clarity—and a bit of vulnerability. Telling your own story gives potential clients a glimpse of the why behind your work. It lets them see the heart behind the lens, the reason you go the extra mile, the values you bring into every project.

When I share a story about a time I failed and learned something important…
Or how a client’s transformation deeply impacted me personally…
Or what got me into this work in the first place…

…I’m inviting people into something more profound than just a business transaction. I’m inviting them into a relationship.

But Don’t Overshadow Your Clients

At the same time, the bulk of my work is about highlighting others. And that’s where the balance comes in. I aim to keep my personal storytelling about 20–30% of my public content. The rest focuses on client stories, behind-the-scenes insights, tips for visual storytelling, and case studies that showcase the impact of effective communication.

Why? Because potential clients need to see the results I get for others. They need proof that I can effectively tell their story. But now and then, sharing my perspective reminds them that there’s a real person behind the work.

A Healthy Mix

Here’s the rhythm that seems to work:

• Client-focused stories (60–70%): Highlight the people and organizations I serve. This builds credibility and trust through social proof.
• Educational content (10–20%): Tips, how-tos, or insights on storytelling and communication.
• Personal stories (20–30%): Reflections, lessons learned, or behind-the-scenes peeks that show my journey, values, and style.

If you’re a fellow storyteller, I encourage you to find your rhythm. The key is authenticity. Share when you have something meaningful to say—and when it will help your audience connect the dots between your story and how you can help them tell theirs.

Because at the end of the day, people hire people they feel connected to.

And your story—told at the right moment—might be the reason they choose you.

Every day, around the world, nuns, missionaries, aid workers, and volunteers roll up their sleeves and do the quiet work of caring for the hungry, the sick, the lonely, and the forgotten. So, how did one woman — Mother Teresa — rise to become a symbol of compassion recognized in nearly every corner of the world?

It’s not because she worked harder or longer than others. It’s because her story was told.

A Life of Service — Seen

In 1969, British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge produced a documentary for the BBC titled Something Beautiful for God. It featured a petite woman in a white sari with blue stripes, serving the dying in the streets of Calcutta. And that story—that image—spread.

That broadcast became the turning point in Mother Teresa’s global visibility. Muggeridge didn’t invent her story. He saw it, captured it, and shared it in a way that connected deeply with audiences around the world.

The work mattered. The storytelling multiplied it.

As someone who’s spent a lifetime teaching and doing storytelling for nonprofits and missionaries, I want to point something out to both sides of the equation:

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To Those Doing the Work — Missionaries, Humanitarians, Volunteers:

You’re often so busy doing the work that you don’t think to document it. But stories build bridges. They raise support. They inspire others to act. If you believe your work matters, then helping others see it isn’t vanity — it’s vision.

You don’t have to be Mother Teresa. But you do have to let someone in close enough to witness the transformation happening every day around you.

Once her story reached a global audience—especially through Malcolm Muggeridge’s documentary and later the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979—the response was overwhelming. Donations skyrocketed. Volunteers and staff joined from across the world. The Missionaries of Charity, which began with just a few sisters, has grown into a global movement. While exact fundraising numbers are hard to pin down, the visibility brought by storytelling led to tens of millions of dollars in financial support over the years. That funding didn’t just sustain the work — it multiplied it. Schools, orphanages, hospices, and homes for the dying were built in places that might never have known the name “Mother Teresa” if not for the power of a story well told.

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To Those Telling the Stories — Writers, Photographers, Videographers, Producers:

We are not the heroes. But we are the multipliers. Muggeridge’s film didn’t feed the hungry or clean wounds — but it turned a nun in a Calcutta alley into a global voice for the voiceless. That’s the power of a well-told story.

When we approach our work with humility, accuracy, and a heart, we amplify the reach of those already pouring their lives out in service.

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Other Icons of Service That Rose Through Storytelling:

1. Martin Luther King Jr. – His message was powerful, but it was his speeches, media coverage, and iconic photographs that seared his story into global memory.
2. Princess Diana – Her work with AIDS patients and landmine victims gained traction because she brought the cameras with her, humanizing marginalized people.
3. Fred Rogers – “Mr. Rogers” used television to quietly but powerfully advocate for the emotional and moral care of children.
4. Bryan Stevenson – The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative has been doing life-changing legal work for decades, but books like Just Mercy and its film adaptation brought that work to the masses.
5. Greta Thunberg – A teenage girl with a sign started a movement, but it was the stories — photos, interviews, and headlines — that made her a global icon.

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The Lesson for All of Us

You can be in the trenches — feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting the imprisoned — but if no one ever sees or hears those stories, your impact might stay small.

It was the combination of action and storytelling — faithfulness on the ground, and someone with the tools to share that faithfully — that made Mother Teresa an icon.

Her life reminds us that great stories aren’t created, they’re discovered. And it’s our job, as storytellers, to go looking.

I used to think backing up my photos to CD and DVD was a smart move. I used high-quality discs, labeled them carefully, and even stored them neatly in binders—four per page, front and back. It felt organized and safe.

But years later, when I needed to retrieve some of those images, I hit a wall.

A lot of the discs wouldn’t read. My computer either didn’t recognize them at all, or worse, would hang trying to access files that were no longer recoverable. They’d been sitting on a bookshelf in my basement office all that time—out of direct sunlight, sure, but not protected the way I assumed they were.

Then I received a call from a friend who had over 250 CDs and DVDs that he wanted me to go through to retrieve old photos. Honestly, I expected the worst. Based on my experience, I figured maybe a handful would still work.

To my surprise, every single disc worked, except one. And that one had been burned by a camera store from film negatives, which can sometimes introduce its own set of issues.

So what was the difference?

My friend had stored his discs in proper CD/DVD cases, kept those in metal bins, and then placed the bins inside a media-rated storage safe that regulates temperature, humidity, and protects against magnetic interference.

Why My Discs Failed and His Didn’t

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• CDs and DVDs are far more sensitive than we often realize.
  They don’t need fire or floods to fail—just time, humidity, and mild temperature fluctuations.
• My basement office, while convenient, wasn’t climate-controlled.
  Discs were likely exposed to slow, consistent damage from moisture and heat over the years.
  Those binders may have also caused micro-scratches from friction every time a page turned.
• His discs were protected in every way mine weren’t.
  Media safes are designed to maintain a stable environment under extreme conditions. They regulate not just heat, but also humidity and even electromagnetic interference. That combination made all the difference.

The Big Takeaway

Backing up to CD/DVD wasn’t the problem—how I stored them was.

If I had treated those discs the way we treat family silver—stored carefully in a protective case and in a cool, dry place—those backups would probably still be working today.

It’s like this: you wouldn’t toss your best silverware loose into a drawer with the hammers and screwdrivers, right? You’d wrap it, protect it, and store it properly.

That’s the metaphor I’ll never forget:
Discs are digital silverware. Please treat them with the same care and consideration.

David Cifuentes Velazquez, a coffee grower and member of the Just Coffee Cooperative, shares with visitors how coffee is grown in Salvador Urbina, Chiapas, Mexico. His excitement is contagious, especially as he tells how the cooperative’s success brought his son back home from working in the U.S. to rejoin the family farm. Now, all of David’s children live next door, a testament to how Just Coffee is transforming livelihoods, restoring families, and strengthening communities.

One of the most common challenges I hear from missionaries is this:

“We’ve told the same story so many times. That program is fully funded. I want to highlight some of the newer ministries — but their stories aren’t as powerful.”

I get it. You don’t want to keep promoting a coffee co-op or a business training program that already has the necessary resources. You want to shine a light on the rest of the work God is doing through your ministry.

But here’s the truth: you don’t retire your strongest stories — you repurpose them.

Why Your Best Stories Still Matter

Stories, such as a woman learning to sew, creating her own fabric, and starting a business, are more than just donor appeals. They’re trust builders. They give supporters a clear view of transformation — tangible, emotional, and inspiring.

The impact was undeniable when I worked with a missionary running a sewing and business training program for single women aged 18–28. Women gained skills, confidence, purpose, and a means to support themselves. One woman went on to teach others and even started her small co-op.

That kind of story moves hearts — and opens the door for people to care about your broader ministry.

Use Strong Stories as On-Ramps

If a new ministry doesn’t yet have powerful before-and-after stories, don’t force it. Instead, use your strong stories as a bridge.

For example:

“You’ve seen how the sewing program helped young women gain dignity and independence. Now, we’re coming alongside those same women as they disciple others in their community — and we’d love your help to make that possible.”

You’re not misleading your audience — you’re helping them see the continuum of transformation. You’re telling a bigger story, with the strongest chapters leading the way.

Don’t Chase Equal Airtime — Chase Engagement

Not every ministry requires the same level of attention. Think of it more like music: some instruments carry the melody while others support the harmony. Let your strongest stories carry the melody, and let newer ministries build the harmony around them.

If you’re working with programs that don’t have a dramatic or visual story (maybe a counseling program, leadership training, or administrative work), link them to outcomes that matter. For instance:

“Behind every successful story we’ve shared is a team that’s been trained, supported, and equipped. That work happens through our leadership development program — and it’s one of the most important ways we ensure sustainability.”

Invite, Don’t Apologize

There’s no need to apologize for leading with the stories that work. Audiences want to know that their support makes a difference. When they see it clearly in one area, they’re more likely to believe in the rest of your work too.

So keep telling the story of the coffee cooperative. Continue to show how a young woman’s life was transformed by learning to sew. But now, let that story invite people into the next chapter.

Do you need any help shaping those transitions? That’s precisely the kind of strategy I love assisting missionaries to build — and it’s what I do every day.

Caption: Pastor Anani Martouka stands in front of the thriving ABWE church plant he leads in Kpegelonou, Togo. In addition to pastoring, he teaches at the Bible Institute, equipping future pastors to help transform communities across Togo.

One of the questions I get most often from clients and students alike is this: “How do you capture authentic moments in a photo?”

The short answer? You stop chasing perfection and start watching for truth.

Authentic storytelling in photography isn’t about creating perfect images. It’s about capturing honest moments that resonate with the viewer—photos that invite people into the story rather than just showing them what happened. Whether I’m shooting a nonprofit’s work in Africa, a small business in the South, or a faith-based event in a local church, my goal is always the same: to show the humanity behind the mission.

Here are some of the core techniques I use to tell stories with authenticity:

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1. Candid Moments Over Posed Perfection

Candid photography is where real life happens. People drop their guard when they’re focused on something other than the camera. That’s when you see connection, emotion, and character.

Tip: Take the time to observe before you start shooting. Blend into the environment. Let your subjects forget you’re there. Patience often leads to the most powerful images.

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2. Use Environmental Portraits to Show Context

An environmental portrait tells a deeper story because it puts your subject in their world. Instead of just a headshot, you show their life—where they work, worship, or live.

Tip: When photographing someone, don’t just think about their face. Think about the background. What details help us understand who they are? Let the space speak.

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3. Plan a Thematic Series

Sometimes, a single image can’t tell the whole story. That’s where a series of photos, connected by a theme or subject, can bring depth and continuity to your storytelling.

Tip: Think in chapters. Can you tell the beginning, middle, and end of a story in three to five photos? Plan ahead if possible—but leave space for unexpected moments.

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4. Let Light and Composition Support the Emotion

Lighting isn’t just about exposure—it sets the mood. A well-lit face in soft morning light feels different than a shadowed silhouette during sunset. Composition guides the eye and tells the viewer what matters most.

Tip: Ask yourself, “What’s the emotion I’m trying to show?” Then adjust your lighting and framing to support that feeling.

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5. Build Trust Before You Click the Shutter

This might be the most important one. You can’t capture authenticity without trust. If your subjects don’t feel safe or respected, their body language will show it.

Tip: Slow down. Talk. Listen. Learn their name. Put the camera down sometimes and just be present.

Photo suggestion:
Find moments where it’s obvious the subject feels comfortable—maybe a child holding your hand or someone giving you a genuine smile. Those are the moments trust made possible.

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Final Thought

Great storytelling in photography isn’t about technical perfection. It’s about connection. As photographers and visual storytellers, our job is to help people feel something when they see our images. And the more we listen, observe, and stay present, the more authentic those moments will be.

If you’ve got a story to tell—whether for your business, ministry, or nonprofit—I’d love to help you show it with honesty and heart.

As storytellers and photojournalists, it’s easy to fall in love with a “look.” We all have go-to techniques—such as shallow depth of field, dramatic off-camera lighting, or a high-contrast edit—that feel safe and impressive. But if we’re not careful, what started as a creative tool can quickly become a crutch.

I’ve seen it repeatedly—photographers leaning too hard into a style and losing their ability to communicate the depth and complexity of real stories. Think of the impact of Steve McCurry’s iconic Afghan Girl portrait. That one photo inspired generations, but too many have spent their careers chasing a look instead of listening for truth.

Or the obsession with razor-thin depth of field. Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, it can draw your eye. But it can also rob your viewer of context—where the subject is, what’s happening around them, and why it matters.

The same applies to the popular one-light, off-camera flash portrait taken outdoors. The technique can be powerful. But if every photo in your portfolio feels like a fashion shoot, even when documenting people in crisis or poverty, you’re probably missing the point of visual storytelling.

Let’s be clear: technique isn’t bad. Style isn’t bad. But when your style becomes more important than the story, you’re no longer a communicator but a performer.

Are You Stuck? Here’s How to Tell:

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are most of your photos shot the same way? (Same lens, same lighting, same framing?)
2. Do you default to a specific technique even when it may not serve the story?
3. Are you making your subject fit your style, rather than letting their environment shape your approach?
4. Do your photos raise more questions than answers—not because they’re mysterious, but because they’re missing context?
5. Have mentors or peers challenged your choices, and have you been quick to defend your style instead of listening?
6. When was the last time you tried something uncomfortable or unfamiliar?
7. Are you more concerned with what looks cool than what communicates well?

You might be stuck in a style loop if you said “yes” to more than a couple of these.

How to Grow as a Visual Communicator:

Here are some ways to stretch yourself and become a more effective storyteller:

1. Shoot with intent, not instinct. Start by asking What do I want the viewer to feel or understand from this image? Let that guide your creative decisions.
2. Use a wider lens for context. Challenge yourself to shoot more with a 24mm or 35mm lens and include more of the environment. Show the whole story, not just the character.
3. Limit your gear. Force yourself out of your routine. Use only one prime lens for a wee,k, or shoot entirely without flash.
4. Study classic documentary work. Look at how great storytellers like Don Rutledge, Dorothea Lange, or Gordon Parks communicated using space, layers, and emotion, not gimmicks.
5. Tell full stories, not just moments. Work in sequences or photo essays that show setting, conflict, resolution, and character.
6. Get feedback. Find trusted peers or mentors who care more about the message than metrics, and listen to their critique.
7. Learn to let go. Some photos may be “wow” shots, but don’t serve the story. Have the courage to leave them out when they don’t belong.
8. Mix things up. If you’re a natural light shooter, learn flash. If you love portraiture, work on your candid moments. Build range.
9. Write captions. You’ll be surprised how much more clearly you’ll shoot when you think about words and narrative.
10. Let the story lead. Ultimately, your subject’s truth should shape your choices, not your signature look.

Final Thoughts

As the storyteller behind Stanley Leary: Crafting Stories that Change Lives, my greatest joy is helping others communicate clearly and with integrity. Style has its place, but when we value aesthetics over authenticity, we miss the opportunity to make a real impact.

Don’t just chase a look. Chase understanding. Chase meaning. Chase truth.

And let your photos speak for the people, not for your portfolio.

Photo Caption: Rynaldo Cifuentes, president of the Café Justo Cooperative and a respected leader in Salvador Urbina, emphasizes one powerful truth — one community, one mission, one vision for a better future.

Most ministries and nonprofits believe they’re telling powerful stories. They have the passion, the photos, and maybe even a video. But here’s the truth: something’s missing if your audience can’t tell someone else what you’re about after engaging with your story.

And usually, it comes down to one thing: you skipped over your purpose.

The Real Problem Isn’t Just the Story—It’s the Strategy

Many folks jump into storytelling because they feel pressure to share what’s happening on the field. So they grab a camera, get some footage, and try to piece something together. But without a clear destination, your story can feel like a road trip with no map.

That’s where one question can make all the difference:

“What do you want someone to do after they engage with this story?”

Simple? Yes.
Easy to answer? Surprisingly, not always.

Why This One Question Matters

This question forces clarity.

• Do you want people to pray for your work?
• Do you want them to give?
• Do you want them to go, to become involved, or even serve themselves?

Once you know the action you’re inviting someone into, everything else falls into place:

• The interview questions you ask.
• The visuals you capture.
• The tone you set in the edit.
• Even the platform you share it on.

A Quick Story from the Field

Not long ago, during one of my storytelling workshops, a participant came in with a story idea about a local ministry doing great work. They had footage, testimonials, and heart, but the video felt scattered.

So I asked, “What do you want someone to do after watching this?”

There was a pause.

Then they said, “I guess I just want people to know we exist.”

That’s not a bad goal, but it’s not powerful either. Once we reframed the goal to “We want people to join our team as monthly supporters,” everything changed. The story tightened. The messaging sharpened. And the final video brought in new donors—people who finally understood how to join the mission.

How You Can Apply This Today

Before your next photo series, newsletter, or video shoot, ask yourself this:

👉 What do I want the viewer/reader/listener to do after this?

Write it down, tape it to your camera, make sure your whole team knows, and let it guide you like a compass.

You’ll be amazed how much more effective (and fruitful) your storytelling becomes when your purpose is clear.

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Want Help Clarifying Your Purpose?

I’ve created a free Purpose Clarity Worksheet to help you or your team define the action step behind your next story.
📩 Shoot me an email or message me, and I’ll send it right over.

Let’s make sure your next story doesn’t just move hearts, but moves people to action.

Photo by Jeff Raymond: Stanley Leary in front of the Government Palace of Peru during a storytelling workshop in Lima, guiding participants on capturing powerful visual narratives.

Over the years, I’ve mentored creatives at all stages of their careers—some just starting, others looking to refine their craft and business. I even brought one photographer on for two years in a near full-time role to help them grow and gain experience.

From one-on-one coaching to college classrooms, from international workshops to coffee shop conversations, I’ve had the chance to teach and learn from people across the creative spectrum. While everyone has their own unique journey, a few themes come up repeatedly.

These aren’t the only things creatives need help with, but they surface most often.

If any of these resonate with you, I’d love to help.

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1. Storytelling

Everything I do comes back to the story. Whether you’re creating stills or video, the ability to find and tell meaningful stories is what separates you from others in your field.

I help people learn how to discover stories, understand the importance of knowing their audience, connect with their subject, and use their expertise to turn ideas into something clients are excited to pay for. Good storytelling builds trust, and trust builds business.

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2. Lighting

Lighting can be one of the most intimidating parts of photography or video, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re working with hotshoe flashes, studio strobes, or LED lights, I’ll help you use them confidently. We’ll discuss modifiers, gels, placement, and how to shape light to create mood and impact that supports your story.

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3. Business Practices

I’ve seen many talented creatives struggle—not because they lacked skill, but because they didn’t understand the business side.

We’ll talk about your Cost of Doing Business (CODB), how to price your work fairly and profitably, how to use model releases, and how to keep track of money and paperwork in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you. You don’t need to love numbers—you need a system.

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4. Marketing

If business practices are the engine, marketing is how you drive.

Having a nice website and hoping people find you is not enough. You need a plan to reach potential clients repeatedly so they remember you when the time is right. I help people build portfolios, structure outreach efforts, and create strategies that fit their goals and lifestyle.

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5. Networking

Some of the best opportunities in my career didn’t come from a job board—they came from relationships.

Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards. It’s about professional development, learning from others, and placing yourself in communities where people refer and hire you. It also helps you discover your niche and grow in it.

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Let’s Talk

If any of these topics resonate with you—whether you’re just getting started or refining your skills—I’d love to connect.

Send me a message, and we can discuss where you are, where you want to go, and how I can help you get there.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

One of the most valuable advice I give aspiring photojournalists, videographers, and writers is to learn to pitch their ideas well.

It’s not just about having talent—it’s about showing people you can deliver and that you’re the right person to trust with the story.

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Relationships Matter More Than You Think

This might be the biggest blind spot for many creatives—thinking that a great pitch or powerful content will speak for itself. The truth is, many projects get greenlit not just because the idea is good but also because of who is behind it.

Editors, funders, and comms directors are far more likely to support pitches from people they know or are highly recommended by someone in their network.

That means you need to do more than email cold pitches. You need to connect with people. Go to workshops, network at events, comment on other people’s work, and reach out with encouragement, not just a request. Build authentic relationships before you need something.

Your idea may be solid, but your reputation and relationships move it forward.

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Where to Find Places to Pitch (and Fund) Your Ideas

Now, let’s talk practically: where do you find places that want to hear your idea or fund your story? Here are a few to get you started:

1. Grants & Fellowships

• National Geographic Society Grants
• Pulitzer Center Grants
• CatchLight Fellowship
• Open Society Foundations
• International Women’s Media Foundation
• Rory Peck Trust (for freelancers)

Start by signing up for newsletters from these organizations—they often post open calls or deadlines.

2. Media Outlets & Publishers

Identify outlets that regularly cover the kind of content you’re creating. Look for freelance submission guidelines. Some examples:

• The Guardian
• BBC Stories
• VICE Features
• Christianity Today (if faith-based)
• Narratively
• Hakai Magazine (science and communities)
• Local papers or regional magazines

3. Nonprofits & NGOs

Nonprofits always need good storytellers, especially if you already have content that aligns with their mission. Use sites like:

• Charity Navigator
• Idealist.org
• Christian Alliance for Orphans
• Your local community foundation website
  Pro tip: Search nonprofit directories by cause. If you’re passionate about helping people with special needs, look for nonprofits in that space and study their storytelling style.

4. Businesses with a Social Impact Angle

More and more companies are investing in storytelling around their CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives. Think beyond NGOs—healthcare providers, tech companies, and educational institutions are telling human-centered stories, too.

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Let Passion Guide Your Pitch (Example: Special Needs)

Let’s say you’ve spent time with a family who has a child with special needs, and you’ve captured a few incredible moments on video or in photos. The next step?

1. Define the Story: What’s the heart of the story? Is it inclusion in schools? Is it a parent’s advocacy journey? Is it about faith and resilience?
2. Find Aligned Organizations:
   Search for nonprofits, schools, or government agencies working in that exact space. Ask if they’re interested in collaborating or supporting the story’s completion.
3. Pitch to Outlets that Cover Human Interest Stories:
   Consider local TV stations, niche podcasts, or magazines with family or education audiences.
4. Use Personal Networks:
   Ask people who work in that space to connect you to others. “Do you know anyone who might want to help share this?”

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What If You’re “Late to the Game” on a Topic?

It’s true—some topics are heavily covered: human trafficking, AIDS, immigration, even homelessness. But that doesn’t mean the world doesn’t need more stories. The key is how you frame your approach.

Here’s what to consider:

• What’s your fresh angle?
  Maybe it’s hyper-local, or it’s a lesser-known aspect, or it’s from a voice we rarely hear (like a survivor’s or child’s perspective).
• Can you go deeper, not broader?
  Instead of telling a global story about sex trafficking, say the story of one person, one program, or one surprising solution.
• Check what’s trending.
  Use tools like Google Trends or check what major outlets are covering now. This helps you shape your pitch around current angles.
• It’s not always about “new.” It’s about “needed.”
  Some issues need ongoing visibility. If you can tell a timeless story with emotional impact and strong visuals, it’s worth pitching—even if others have done it.

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Final Thought

Pitching isn’t just about sending ideas into the void. It’s about showing up with clarity, creativity, credibility, and connection. Your job is to make it easy for someone to say yes.

And when you combine passion, preparation, and persistence, you’re not just pitching.
You’re building trust.

Caption: Veteran visual storyteller Bill Bangham reviews Alyssa Joline Fleming’s story images during YWAM’s School of Photography 1, offering hands-on guidance to help her become a photojournalist. Mentorship like this turns technical skills into powerful storytelling.

One thing I’ve observed over the years—whether I’m consulting for a brand, teaching a workshop, or reviewing someone’s visual storytelling portfolio—is that organizations often miss the mark when building their creative teams.

Too often, I see companies and nonprofits looking to save money by hiring fresh-out-of-college grads for everything—photo, video, design, you name it. And while there’s a place for these enthusiastic up-and-comers, what’s often missing is someone to guide them.

Here’s the problem: if your team is made up entirely of folks just getting started, who’s mentoring them? Who’s helping them grow from technically decent to strategically sharp? If you don’t have experienced veterans on the team, you don’t just save money—you lose momentum.

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The Difference Isn’t Just Age—It’s Depth

I’ve written about how a strong photo or video story doesn’t happen because someone owns a good camera or studied the craft in college. (You can read more here: The Difference a Veteran Makes). It occurs because the person behind the lens understands how to shape a message, not just capture a moment.

New graduates often have the tools, theories, and even a good eye, but veterans bring context. We know how to read the room, spot potential problems in the field, and solve them before they affect the story. We know when to lead, step back, and let others shine.

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Not All Experience Is Equal

Here’s a harsh truth I’ve seen firsthand: just because someone has been with your organization for years doesn’t mean they’ve grown in the right ways.

If someone came straight out of college and joined your team—and never had a mentor to guide them—they may have developed habits that limit their storytelling. They may know how to “get the job done,” but without being intentionally mentored, they’ve likely plateaued.

That’s not the same as bringing in a professional who’s honed their craft across different contexts, under outstanding leadership, and with high expectations.

How can you mentor someone else well if you were never mentored well?

Mentorship isn’t just about being nice or answering questions. It’s about intentional coaching, thoughtful critique, and exposing people to higher standards of excellence. That kind of growth doesn’t just come with time—it comes with investment.

So if your organization’s “veterans” were never taught how to think critically about their work, lead others, or align visual storytelling with brand strategy… then you might not have mentors. You have people who’ve been around a while.

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Why Your Organization Needs Both Veterans and New Grads

Veterans bring wisdom, leadership, and a strategic mindset. They can mentor and train. They raise the bar and help build a lasting creative culture.

New grads bring energy, fresh ideas, and a willingness to try new things. They challenge us veterans to keep growing and stay current.

When you have both, you build something sustainable, create a pipeline of excellence, and develop storytellers, not just technicians.

When you don’t? You risk burning out your young team, making the same mistakes year after year, and never quite reaching your full potential as an organization.

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Pay Now or Pay Later

I get it—budgets are tight. But hiring only entry-level creatives because they’re “cheaper” often costs more in the long run. You spend more time fixing mistakes. You don’t get the results you were hoping for. And worst of all, your brand’s message suffers.

If you’re serious about telling your story well, invest in experience, not just equipment. Make space for mentorship. And value the long game.

Because when it comes to storytelling, the veteran’s wisdom and the rookie’s energy are both essential. But one without the other is like trying to fly with one wing.