Taith Photography and video guidance

We request that all participants of a Taith-funded mobility or project document their experience by recording photographic and video footage, which is then provided to Taith to utilise for marketing and communications purposes.

Whilst not a mandatory requirement, showcasing and reporting on the impact of your Taith-funded activity is a hugely important aspect of the programme and your assistance in gathering this content is very much appreciated by the Taith team.

Your photographs and/or videos will be used to tell a story of your Taith-funded experience on our website and via our social media channels. Some images may be used for promotional materials such as flyers, brochures or pop-up banners.

This guidance includes some suggested ideas to keep in mind when you are documenting your trip:

Consent:

All images/video provided must be subject to appropriate consent being granted by an individual or group of individuals. All schools and the majority of learning organisations will have their own permission/consent procedures in place which you will adhere to when sharing content to your own social media channels. Taith will provide consent forms when requested/required.

Capture the educational impact:

Whilst going out and experiencing a new country/culture (which can include food, drink, fun activities etc.) is great to see and an important aspect of your mobility/project, it is essential that you convey the learning aspect of your experience, with examples including:

• how it is distinct
• how it will move education on in Wales
• how does it will help learners in Wales
• how it will make a positive difference to individuals/schools/organisations/the wider community, etc

Personal experience:

Individual people stories can be very impactful. If it is somebody’s first ever time travelling abroad/getting on an aeroplane, capturing that experience in a vlog (video log) – which could consist of a short daily video diary of the trip for example – is an effective way of telling your story and conveying your message.

Tone:

As these are candid, personal video clips and not a highly-polished, professionally produced marketing film, we would expect the tone and language of any vlogs to be friendly and informal; the more natural and authentic the better.

Quality:

We are not expecting expert images or highly polished videos. Taking snaps/ selfies/ video clips on your phone as you would when capturing any experience is fine and adds to the authenticity of the story being told.

Quantity:

When taking group shots, try to take multiples as there will always be someone with their eyes closed/looking the wrong way. Multiple options mean more chance of providing us with a nice shot where everybody is looking at the camera.

Variety:

When it comes to photographs, we welcome a range of snaps which fully capture your experience. Some examples include:

• posed group photographs in a variety of locations such as special landmarks or learning settings
• action shots of individuals/groups taking part in activities
• participants showcasing work/projects

A few quick pointers for filming

To get the best out of your footage please bear in mind the following:

• When using a smart phone, please remember to turn the camera horizontally, so landscape, rather than portrait (Think of the picture being shown on a TV, or computer screen rather than a mobile).
• Bright sunlight is always the best for clear shots, especially with camera phones, but remember not to shoot a subject against a window or with the sun behind them as they’ll just appear as a silhouette.
• Try to get a different mix of perspectives. Make sure you have wide shots to show larger groups of people, some close ups to show any intricate work, and mid range shots, perhaps from the waist up.
• Make sure you have static shots that clearly show the activity, but don’t be afraid to have fun and get creative. Use interesting angles, look for different perspectives (perhaps try lying on the floor to produce an unusual visual, or holding the camera high above your head to capture a whole room – it might feel a bit odd but you might also get a great shot).
• Try to stabilise your static shots with a tripod, or just place the camera on a desk. If using the camera handheld, and you don’t have a stabiliser of any kind, make sure to move slowly as this will reduce any wobbles or shakes. Gimbals and Stabilisers for phones can be a bit pricey, but a simple Selfie Stick will really help with stability.
• Take as much footage as you can, even the most seemingly innocuous shot can sometimes help to portray your project in unexpected ways.

Contact:

If you have any questions about photography and/or video in relation to your Taith-funded mobility or project, please contact: support@taith.wales