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Communication Topics / Taking Photos and Videos Abroad

Taking Photos and Videos Abroad

We probably don't need to tell you this, but take tons of photos and videos while you're abroad. These are memories you'll want to keep and relive from time to time. The important thing, though, is not letting the camera come between you and your experience. Sometimes it's important to put the camera or phone down and live in the moment. The way French bread smells, or the sounds coming from the Indian market can't always be captured on camera, so sit back and take it all in.

Culturally Sensitive Photos and Videos

When taking photos and video, we ask that you take a moment to ensure that you are making the most of your photos and videos by capturing experiences and subjects that are personal to you. This could include your walk to your classroom, your host family preparing dinner, or a community project you're working on. These will all be valuable memories to cherish. Choose your subject as a way to reflect your experience, and remember that your photos and videos will be more telling of you than what's on the other side of the lens.

The photos and videos you take will tell a story, and your perception of your surroundings and subjects will greatly influence the way you will portray them. You'll most likely share your photos and videos with friends and family either in person, over social media, or in frames in your dorm, apartment, or home. Be thoughtful of these photos, especially ones on social media. Even with no intentions of acting as a representative for the culture, people, or context of the photo or video, your image or short clip will construct ideas in the minds of viewers. 

When the time comes to take some photos or video, be sure you're respectful of others and the culture you're in.

Tips for Culturally Sensitive Photos and Videos

  • Tell the Real Story

    Share the stories that the community or subject wants you to tell. One photograph of a sick child could paint the picture that the country you're in is full of sick children. Use your photography to share the positive and unique aspects of the individuals you meet and the places you experience.

  • Respect the Culture

    Ask yourself whether or not it is culturally appropriate to take a photograph during events and at specific locations. This could include but isn't limited to religious ceremonies or funerals. Try to avoid stereotypes and exoticism in your pictures and videos. 

  • Treat Subjects with Respect and Dignity

    You may find yourself taking photos and videos in areas that you would never be allowed in when here at home. Try to avoid taking pictures of people in vulnerable situations. If you aren't sure, consider if you would take the same picture if you were in your home country, or how you would feel if you were on the other side of the camera. 

  • Ask for Consent

    Even if you don't know the language, you should still ask for consent to take a photo of someone. You could do this using body language, facial expressions, or even motioning to your camera. You'll get a feeling of whether or not they're ok with it, but leave it up to them. If they do consent to their photo being taken, show it to them afterward. They may love it, and you could even try to get their contact info to share it with them later.

  • Share Photos and Videos Responsibly

    Social media is the most common way of sharing your photos, but it's important that you add some context and share the full story. Try not to stereotype or generalize your photos and their stories, and try to avoid the "savior" stigma of framing photos or videos in a way that makes your willing participants seem "exotic" or "lesser".

For more in-depth information about ethical photography, read more from the Foundation for Sustainable Development.
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Share your Photos and Videos with Education Abroad!

If you take a sweet (and ethically appropriate) photo or video, consider sharing it with us! We have our own Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SnapChat accounts, and even our own YouTube channel. We love to share student experiences with the rest of Big Blue Nation. We even have photo contests, and we have been known to feature student photos on our website and marketing materials. You could be the next face of UK Education Abroad!

Use #SeeBlueAbroad or tag @ukyabroad in your posts for a chance to be featured! You may even have the chance to takeover our Instagram or SnapChat!
educationabroad@uky.edu
(859) 257-4067
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