Photo protocols are a great method for debriefing your event. You can capture the key contributions of the training with photos. These can be pictures of your flipcharts, the note cards on a MetaPlan wall, or group contributions. With the photo protocol, you can also document the seminar experience. What do you need for that? Your smartphone and a pinch of creativity.
Info: This article is about creating photo protocols with your smartphone. In March 2019, my colleague Corinna continued the topic and gives you tips on how to incorporate your photo protocol into your online course.
What you should consider when making photo protocols with your smartphone
If you got a new smartphone in the last two years, you are equipped with a top camera. Inform your participants at the beginning of your training that you will be taking some photos during the event and will create a photo protocol afterwards. Notes and transcriptions stand out much better on white paper. Make sure that you have white paper available for your write-up. Also, the backgrounds of your MetaPlan wall should not be too dark and should provide a good contrast.
Pay attention to lighting conditions.
Watch out for flash reflections.
Is everything in the picture? Is there enough distance to the subject?
Are the edges aligned straight?
Use a simple scan app. An example is the free app Scanbot. Colors and image perspective can be adjusted directly with the app, and you can export your images directly as a PDF file.
Triggering memories - these subjects are particularly suitable for your protocols
During your training or seminar, you will likely employ various methods. You will somehow document the results of a group discussion, the presentation of a group task, or the bullet points of your presentation on paper. Usually on a flipchart or a MetaPlan wall. Focus on key terms, as they provide your participants with the best memory aid. Ensure a clear structure and represent processes or workflows in an understandable format.
Creating flipcharts is fun. You can be creative while also conveying information. There are plenty of tools for visualization. Let yourself be inspired here (Gallery of Flipchart Coach + Bikablo visualization aids).
You can document the contributions of your participants on a MetaPlan wall. If too many cards are mounted on the wall, you can also make a selection. It's best to remove cards with very small text. The image in the protocol should represent an overview of the participants' contributions. Quality over quantity!
You can round off your training protocol with training impressions. Capture what makes your training special: cooperation, exchange, discussion, learning, and taking action. Add anecdotes with captions, for example when something humorous was presented.
How to save time in post-processing
No matter what you photograph, the quicker the viewer can categorize the image, the better. For example, give your flipcharts a good heading. This way, you won't have to add text through image editing later, as the flipchart is self-explanatory.
Use markers and highlight the key terms. The readers of the photo protocol will remember the content with the help of these key terms.
Organize your images chronologically. This way, your photo files are already in the correct order.
If you know exactly how many write-ups you will create, you can add an index to your flipcharts (1/12, 2/12…).
Want to do even more with photo protocols?
Use your photo protocol as a basis for online follow-up and for transfer security.
Your clients can use your photo protocol to get an overview. This way, managers know what the employees learned in your seminar.
Utilize your photo protocol in marketing and sales! When negotiating with new clients, you can give them an impression of your seminar. This way, you convince potential clients with your offer.
You can of course use your phone not only for photos. With the help of audio recordings or videos, you can explain the content to your participants personally again.
Try it out right away! In 5 steps, your photo protocol is with your participants
Take your smartphone in hand and install the Scanbot app (iOS/Android).
Scan your subjects or take an A4 sheet as a test. Add participant impressions from your photo gallery.
Combine the recordings and save your protocol as a PDF.
Send the protocol to your participants. Don’t wait too long! A week after the event is ideal.
If you accompany your course online with the blinkit app, you can easily share it through there:
Create new Blink
Insert PDF file.
Write your participants a call to action. For example: “I really enjoyed the training last week! Please take a look at the photo protocol and recall the five most important contents. Write these contents down in the discussion function below.”
Publish immediately or set the date/time frame for publication (e.g., “on 09.02. at 5:00 PM” or “in 7 days”).
Was this post helpful for you? Tell us how you create your photo protocols and what experiences you have had with our approach!
