Charity & Non-Profit Documentary Photography & Film

Visuals that honour people, builds trust, and tells stories with care.

Visual Storytelling for Charities that Put People First

Your organisation holds countless stories. Stories of hope, resilience, change, and the people who make your work possible. Stories from staff and volunteers who give so much for the mission, from individuals whose lives are shifting, and from the communities you serve every day.

I specialise in documentary-style photography and filmmaking, capturing real moments, emotions, and relationships. These stories are told authentically, ensuring that the people involved feel seen, safe, and empowered throughout the process.

Whether you want to showcase your campaigns, highlight your work with communities, or capture the day-to-day stories behind your mission, my work focuses on creating images and films that connect, inspire, and communicate the heart of your organisation.

Saskia at Portray Your Story works sensitively and professionally with our participants, whether in film or photography. She is gifted in both areas of work. Saskia can craft an engaging story in film and take beautiful images. We love working with Saskia!

Bridget, Salvation Army

This is for you if:

You want storytelling that is authentic and rooted in human connection.
You want your audience to understand the people behind your work — their passions, challenges, and everyday realities.
You appreciate collaboration, and you want your team and participants involved in shaping how their stories are told.
You want photographs and films that communicate dignity, respect, and empowerment, avoiding stereotypes, performative setups, or are rooted in a “saviour” narrative.
You want content that is ready to use for campaigns, websites, social media, and reports. Photography and films that are professional, engaging, and meaningful.

This isn’t for you if:

You want staged, perfectly posed images that do not prioritise the experience of the participant. That’s okay, it just means I’m not the right partner for your charity.

If this feels like you, let’s create something special together:

Let’s Tell Your Story!

My part in making this film:

  • Pre-production
  • Interviewer
  • Editing

Ethical & Respectful storytelling

Before filming or photographing, I take the time to understand the people involved, their story and make sure everyone feels informed and empowered. That means clear communication, no surprises, and complete transparency about where the images or films will be used.

I focus on portraying people as whole humans and not reducing them to circumstances or narratives of struggle. I avoid stereotypes and sensationalism, and instead centre dignity, agency, and authenticity.

Where appropriate, I also offer participants or partner organisations the opportunity to review selected photos or initial film cuts before anything is published. This helps ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and accurately represented.

The wellbeing of the people I photograph or film always comes first, especially when working with vulnerable communities.

What’s your process for understanding our mission and the story we want to tell?

Before I ever pick up the camera, I spend time getting to know you — your organisation, your mission, and the story you want your audience to feel connected to. This usually begins with an in-depth conversation where we explore your goals, the people you support, and the impact you hope the final film or photo series will make.

I review any relevant materials you share — campaigns, reports, brand guidelines, language, and previous visual work — so I can align closely with your voice and values.

Where helpful, I visit the location in advance to meet the team and the people I’ll be photographing or filming. It helps build rapport and trust before filming day and gives me insight into how to approach the story sensitively and thoughtfully.

On the day, I work with a clear plan while staying flexible. Real moments matter, and I adapt as stories unfold, always keeping your core message in mind.
My aim is always to create work that feels true to your mission, honours the voices and experiences of the people involved, and connects powerfully with the communities and supporters you want to reach.

What to Expect

1. You Reach Out

Send me a message and we’ll set up a no-pressure call to discuss your project. We’ll explore your goals, the stories you want to tell, and how we can capture them meaningfully. Each project is tailored to your organisation, nothing is one-size-fits-all.

2. We Spend Time Together

On the day of the shoot, whether for photography or film, the focus is on real connection. I document moments as they unfold naturally, while gently guiding if needed. Participants feel safe, seen, and empowered, allowing the most authentic stories to emerge through collaboration.

3. You See Your Story

After the shoot, your images or film are delivered professionally. For photos, this might include a curated gallery of high-resolution images. For films, this includes a polished 3-10 minute storytelling piece (depending on the scope). You’ll have the chance to review and provide feedback before final delivery.

4. Your Stories Reach the World

Your content is ready to use for campaigns, social media, websites, reports, or presentations. It’s more than content — it’s a tool for connection, impact, and meaningful engagement.

Ready to Showcase Your Charity?

Check out pricing below or send me a message to get started.

Let's Tell Your Story

Charity & Non-Profit Pricing

Pricing depends on the project scope, location, length of shoot, and deliverables. I’ll work with you to create a package that meets your goals and ensures the stories are captured with dignity and impact.

Film and photography can also be combined, or small snippets of film can be added to a photography session, depending on what best serves your project.

Charity Photography and Film Pricing

I work on a day-rate basis of £350 per day. Projects are bespoke, but as a guide:

Photography projects typically start from £1,050

Film projects typically start from £2,400

Let’s Tell Your Stories Together

If your charity wants to create meaningful, empowering stories that connect people to your mission, I’d love to collaborate. Send me a message to discuss your project, your goals, and how we can bring your stories to life with honesty, emotion, and heart.

Let's Tell Your Story

FAQs

Booking a photographer or filmmaker can bring up questions. Here are a few I’m often asked.

  • What types of charity projects do you photograph/film?

    I work on a wide range of charity projects, from documenting community initiatives, events, and campaign work to capturing personal stories, and working with the people who benefit from your services.

  • How do you ensure the people we work with feel safe and comfortable on camera?

    Creating a safe and comfortable environment is central to my approach. I spend time getting to know the people I’ll be photographing or filming, often meeting them beforehand on a recce. This allows me to see the project environment, build rapport, and establish trust so that everyone feels at ease before the camera even comes out. During the session, I communicate clearly and gently, explaining what’s happening and checking in regularly, so participants always know what to expect. I encourage collaboration, letting people feel involved in the process. I build a genuine and warm relationship with everyone involved.

  • Can you travel?

    Absolutely. I regularly travel for projects. Whether your organisation or projects are based in London, elsewhere in the UK, or further afield, I’m very used to working on-location and adapting to new environments. If travel or accommodation is needed, we’ll discuss those logistics clearly upfront so there are no surprises.

  • How quickly will we receive the images/film?

    My turnaround time depends on the scale of the project, but I always make this clear before we begin so you know exactly what to expect. I’m very used to working to deadlines, especially when it comes to charity, organisational, or campaign work where timing really matters. If you have a specific deadline, whether that’s a campaign launch, press release, funding bid, or event,  just let me know. I’ll plan the workflow around your timeline, communicate openly throughout the process, and make sure you’re never left wondering where things are at.

  • Do you offer heavy VFX, After Effects work, animation, or graphics-driven productions as part of your offer?

    If your project requires any of the above elements I’m very happy to recommend or collaborate with specialists or your existing team.

    Whether you need someone to take care of everything or just one part of the process, I bring over ten years of experience in documentary storytelling and charity work.

Still got a Question? Get in touch!

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