Usually I take photos at events and workshops, it's usually for my own documentation and record purposes. Usually they're just taken while I'm sitting down and taking notes. The results are boring, as you would expect. 

Recently I've tried to make more of an effort to take photos with purpose. To better document and show the importance the work of civil society and human rights defender to a wider audience. The work they do is valuable and should be respected, whether it's reviewing and improving very technical policy documents that has a large impact for all of us, or bravely out in the field, sometimes even getting arrested in defending injustices done to those most vulnerable.

Part of trying to do better is learning from professionals in the field, and taking notes on how they do their preparations. This includes making a list of shots I need to take, the captions that would go with them, and how to go about taking them.

For events, I've started on my own initial rough checklist.

• What kind of room is it. Is it small and dark, wide and bright, is it outside? What lens will I need to get the shots in the list below best?
• Photos of multiple angles of facilitators and speakers, ideally being able to capture their subject matter or interactions with participants
• Portrait photos of every single participant, these include volunteers. Inclusivity is important. Don't leave anyone behind. But make sure also that those that don't consent are not in any photos or not identifiable.
• Scenes of the event. If it is a workshop, include wide angle shots of interactions and activities. Include props, notes etc. If it's a speaking event, also include views of the audience, especially their reactions, ideally with the panels/speakers in the background.
• Capture the little moments and interactions. Laughter, smiles, frustration, confusion, focus, fatigue.

Many on this list won't be possible, if I'm just a participant, or busy with other tasks, but even then, preparation helps. OK, what are 4-5 shots I should try to get at this event, and then prepare and plan to get them.