What We've Found
Conducting a photo inventory can have tremendous
benefits. Through film, people can express their visual preferences and become
more aware of what is important in their community. It can aid communication as
pictures assure people are talking about the same place or thing. It can also be
a tool for people to "vote" on what they like best. Most of all, the power of
this technique is that it gives the broadest range of age groups, from senior
citizens to children, an opportunity to be involved and have a creative
voice.
Just the FactsPhoto inventories can capture specific sites such as
historic, geologic, cultural, and recreational. They can be used to document
natural resources or habitat areas. They can be used to show issues such as
inappropriate development or degrading structures. Photos can visually capture
the entire project area, both its positive attributes and its negative ones.
Single-lens reflex cameras will generate the highest quality images. If
a group has access to the appropriate technology, digital cameras can be used.
Polaroid cameras and single-use (disposable/recyclable) cameras are also options
but they will produce pictures of lower quality.
Besides being included
in an inventory report, the photos can be used as part of
displays, as slides
in
presentations,
in
pamphlets
and
newsletters, on
websites, and even
for posters. The images are versatile communication elements that can increase
visibility and public awareness and knowledge.
How To Do It1. Gather materials
- Cameras, if using a 35mm or single-use camera, use 100 or 200 ASA color film
- Topographic and road maps of the project area
- Foam core boards, approximately 3x5 feet in size, for mounting photographs
2. Recruit photographers
Place an ad in a local
newspaper; seek students from a photography class at a college, university, or
high school; ask for volunteers at a public meeting; or put up signs in public
spaces. Also consider asking local professional photographers to volunteer their
services in exchange for supplies and credit on any images published.
3. Host a meeting
Assemble everyone together to
define the goals and review the area that will be covered. When they go into the
field, have them mark on maps the exact locations where they took their
pictures. Suggest they also keep logs recording why they took a particular shot.
Finally, unless it is a one-day event, be sure to give everyone a deadline for
finishing keeping in mind local weather forecasts.
4. Displaying an inventory
Initially have all of
the photos developed in a uniform size. Based upon the goals for the photos,
have the group define appropriate categories. Then have participants sort their
images accordingly. Individuals may write brief statements about each photo.
Develop a chart and count how often a feature or view was photographed. Again,
depending upon the goals of the inventory, discuss next appropriate actions and
brainstorm
ways to use the pictures to reach wider audiences.
Definition
Documenting
on film the special places and features of a community.
Use It If...
- You want a fun way to get new people of all ages involved in a project and
thinking about a project.
- You are ready to launch the inventory phase of a project and want people
excited and involved.
- You plan on producing different print or electronic publications and will
need photos.
Forget It If...
- You lack time to organize, take and develop photos, then sort and analyze
them.
- You do not have the resources, either volunteers willing to use their own
cameras and film or the financial resources to purchase single-use cameras and
pay for developing.
- You want to document issues in a controversial project. People may take
offense if their property is photographed and thought to be in need of
improvement or unattractive.
Timing is Everything
Photo inventories should be in the beginning of a
project.
Examples:
