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Christian Mission Aid

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Photography tips....

Here’s a good link to check out: Photo Guides for Outdoor and Travel

Some additional tips:

	Pictures of dark-skinned people come out better when taken when the sun is not high, in a shaded area or by using a flash. Dappled shade can fool your camera. If the sun is low or the sky overcast, you've got it made!
	Always use a flash indoors, paying close attention to the nearest objects that will "catch" the light first. If you are closer than 5-6', the nearest object will be "flooded" by the flash.
	Know your camera before you leave. Take extra batteries and film. (For general purposes, 100 speed film works best outdoors for vivid colors, 200-400 speed indoors or out.) BRING EXTRA CARDS FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS.
	Get close to your subject. Get as many candid shots as you can; "staged" photos are less interesting.
	Off-centered focal points are usually more interesting than perfectly centered ones. Certain subjects also lend themselves to a vertical format.
	Crop out distracting or unnecessary elements and empty space to intensify the message of your picture. Give careful consideration to where you cut people off in your picture frame--it's better, for instance, to take a photo of a person from the waist up than from the knee up.
	If in doubt on when to use a flash, (and sometimes a flash even out doors will eliminate distracting shadows,) take the same photo with and without the flash. You've paid a lot to the get there--don't be overly conservative by taking too few pictures!
	Be creative. Try different angles and perspectives. Look for interesting texture, colors and patterns
	Show your photos to a Christian Mission Aid staff member. We're always on the look-out for a great photo!

What to say...

English and Swahili are the national languages of Kenya. The following list contains some words and phrases that you might enjoy using.

English	Swahili
Hello	Jambo
How are you?	Habari
I am fine	Mzuri
Goodbye	Kwaheri
Yes	Ndio
No	Hapana
Where is the telephone?	Wapi simu?
Where is the rest room?	Wapi choo
What is this called?	Hiki kinaitwaje?
What are you doing?	Una fanya nini?
I do not know	Sijui
What is your name?	Jina lako nani?
Thank you	Asante sana
May I come in?	Hod?
Welcome	Karibu
I'm very sorry	Pole sana
Sleep well	Lala salama
No problem	Hakuna Matata
I don't want any today	Sitaki leo
How is your work?	Habari ya kazi?
Lady	Bibi
Gentleman	Bwana
Women	Wanawake
Men	Wanaume
White person/people	Mzungu/Wazungu
Food	Chakula
Bug	Dudu
Now	Sasa
Friend	Rafiki
Where?	Wapi
Who?	Nani?
Why?	Kwanini?
I like...	Napenda
I don't like...	Sipendi
How much?	Ngapi?
Home	nyumbani

Some of the friendliest and most gracious people in the world live in Kenya! A smile and friendly conversation, even in the midst of difficulty, can make fast friends of strangers.

Most Kenyans are excited by your interest in their country, and love to help you learn about it. They enjoy your attempts, however feeble, at speaking their language.

You'll be amazed by the opportunities you'll have to be a witness for the Lord, regardless of the type of trip you're on! Most Kenyans welcome conversation about the Lord. Bibles, tracts, and other Christian materials are prized possessions. You'll discover that many view the terms "Christian" (which is used more as a cultural term) and "saved" as distinctively different from one another. It is not common to have the question, "Are you a Christian?", followed by, "Are you saved?" Kenyans also love good stories and jokes (emphasize good).

Generally, Kenyans speak softly and gently out of respect. Loud, boisterous voices are sometimes associated with anger and/or disrespect. Keep this in mind when traveling around Kenya, and when receiving instructions. When asked, "How are you?", it is considered polite to respond, "I am fine". If things are not fine, respond, "I am fine, but..." Another cultural difference deals with crying. Crying is considered an extremely private thing, especially when the tears express sympathy for their poverty. So if at all possible, don't cry.

Visitor Information- Page Five