Ember's First-Ever Storytelling Masterclass: Capturing On-Ground Stories Sensitively

Mar 18, 2025

Ember's First-Ever Storytelling Masterclass: Capturing On-Ground Stories Sensitively

In early 2025, Ember Mental Health hosted its first-ever Storytelling Masterclass, guided by award-winning photojournalist Elizabeth Dalziel. The focus? How to capture powerful stories with just a mobile phone, while ensuring those in front of the camera feel safe, respected, and empowered.

The Challenge: Capturing Stories, Protecting Identities

Grassroots mental health organisations face the challenge of documenting their work while maintaining the privacy and dignity of those they serve. Stigma around mental health often makes individuals reluctant to be photographed, and even with consent, families may prefer anonymity. Despite these challenges, visual storytelling is vital to showcase the unique work of these organisations and challenge the negative portrayals of mental health.

In conversations with some of our Partner Innovators, we learned about the challenges they face in documenting their work—balancing the need for powerful storytelling with the responsibility of protecting identities. They had strong storytelling skills but sought deeper guidance on capturing moments while maintaining anonymity and integrating storytelling into their daily practice.

Building Trust Through Storytelling

Over two immersive sessions, Ember Innovators—Huertomanías, MHSUA, CAFS, Burans, HRHI, and KPSI—explored the art of capturing impactful stories through mobile photography, all while maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that individuals felt comfortable and respected. Led by award-winning photographer Elizabeth Dalziel, the masterclass, focused on practical techniques, including composition, consent processes, and mobile editing skills.

Innovators learned to use the ‘shopping list’ approach to build compelling visual narratives and received real-time feedback on their work. More than just learning technical photography skills, the masterclass emphasised the power of storytelling as a tool for advocacy. By integrating these practices into their daily routines, Innovators can amplify their voices, attract support, and drive meaningful change.

Learning materials on composition rules, engaging with community members, and a shopping list technique on building a story that were shared with Innovators.

Empowering Storytellers for Change

The masterclass highlighted how visual stories can amplify voices, challenge stigma, and inspire positive change. By integrating these skills into their daily practices, Innovators can showcase their work and advocate for a more nuanced, hopeful narrative on mental health.