Recently I sat down with my friend, photographer and art teacher Amanda Archibald, and asked her to share her best tips for nonprofits looking to DIY their photography. If you are on a tight budget but need to capture the best possible photos of your supporters, your events, and your programs, read on to discover the tips I learned from Amanda.

Telling stories is the fastest way to take your mission from abstract idea to concrete action in the minds of your supporters. For a year-end fundraising appeal letter or email, your stories will need to be brief. There’s a simple formula you can use to create your story for your year-end appeal letter (or email).