Helpful Tips

We’re excited for you to contribute your voice to our project - literally and visually. Below are a few best practices to help guide your participation, ensure respectful storytelling, and support high-quality submissions.

Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Mindful

Before you capture anything, take a moment to consider your surroundings and the people involved.

  • Respect privacy: Only photograph or record people if they have given you clear permission. Avoid filming in private spaces or homes unless it’s your own.

  • Be mindful of minors: Don’t record or photograph children unless you're their guardian or have explicit consent.

  • Stay safe: Don’t enter unsafe areas, block traffic, or cross barriers for a better shot. Your safety comes first.

  • Respect property: Don’t capture images on private property unless you have permission. Focus on public spaces or views from public vantage points.

  • Practice consent: If your recording includes someone's voice or likeness, ask first. If they say no - or seem unsure - respect that.

  • Be aware of context: Some moments are intimate, sacred, or sensitive. If you're unsure, ask yourself: Would I be okay if someone captured and shared this moment of me?

Tips for Capturing Great Images (Phone or otherwise)

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture a powerful moment.
Here are some tips to help your photo stand out:

  • Clean your lens: A quick wipe can make a big difference in clarity.

  • Use natural light: Morning and late afternoon ("golden hour") give the most flattering light.

  • Avoid zooming: Move closer instead of zooming in, which can reduce quality.

  • Think about framing: Use the "rule of thirds" to place your subject off-center and add visual interest.

  • Hold steady: Keep your phone as still as possible to avoid blurriness.

  • Show context: Include background or surrounding details that help tell the story.

  • Focus intentionally: Tap on your screen to focus on what matters most in the frame.

  • Tell a story: Look for emotion, contrast, movement, or quiet.

  • Experiment: Try different angles or perspectives: high, low, wide, close.

  • Be honest: Don’t stage what doesn’t feel real. Everyday moments have power.

Tips for Capturing Clear, Meaningful Audio (Phone or otherwise)

Your voice is powerful. Here’s how to help it come through clearly when recording with your phone:

  • Find a quiet space:Minimize background noise whenever possible.

  • If not recording directly to our form, use voice memo apps: Most phones have a built-in app for easy recording.

  • Hold the phone near your mouth: About 6–10 inches away is ideal.

  • Avoid windy or echoey spaces: Wind and reverb can distort your voice.

  • Record short segments: 30 seconds to 90 seconds is a sweet spot for reflection.

  • Speak clearly and naturally: No need to perform, just speak like you’re talking to a friend.

  • Stay still while recording; Movement can create unwanted rustling or noise.

  • Let it breathe: Leave a second of silence before and after speaking.