Top 5 tips for getting the most out of a patient care photography shoot as advised by Harriet Evans - Communications & Marketing Project Manager at Birmingham Hospice and Birmingham Event and PR photographer Aaron Scott Richards - Aaron Scott Richards Photography
Harriet from Birmingham Hospice and Aaron Scott have joined forces to work on several successful photo shoots including their rebrand and merger of two hospices. In this article Harriet and Aaron Scott aim to share with you some real world experience and knowledge on how to plan and execute the best possible photography shoot for your hospital or hospice.
So if your planning a brand reboot or PR photography to help show off how amazing your people, services, hospice or hospital is, read on!
Tip #1 - Finding the right editorial/PR photographer for patient care photography
Advice and tips from Harriet: Ideas: What did you look for?
“When we’re planning a photoshoot, we always want to showcase our people – patients, colleagues, volunteers and supporters. Working with a photographer who is able to help us get the most out of the time we have was one of our key considerations.
“We also want to ensure our colleagues look natural and comfortable, which can often be tricky when you’re shooting in a clinical setting. You don’t want it to look too forced or posed, but instead showcase the brilliant work that they do.
“The same goes for patients; it’s of the utmost importance to us that we work with a photographer who can build a rapport with people and treat them with respect.
“Ultimately, we were looking for someone with fantastic technical ability, as well as emotional and human sensitivity. Aaron ticked all of these boxes for us, and I think this shines through in all of the photoshoots we’ve worked on together!”
Tip #2 - Plan, plan, plan and plan some more!
Advice and tips from Harriet: Did you make a timetable? Did you use consent forms? Did you discuss your goals?
“Planning is key to a successful photoshoot and making the most of the time. The first thing I always do is ensure that everyone I need to be available is there on the day. We like to make sure we have photoshoots when there are patients visiting our Living Well Centre who love being in our pictures and promoting our work.
“Deciding what shots you need, and who you need for them, is really important. Giving people plenty of notice is not only courteous, but also gives you chance to get everyone ready for the day, including confirming consent for patients. Also knowing what you’re planning to use the photos for, as this may impact your shots. For example, if it’s for a poster, you may need space at the side to overlay text. Having examples of what you want is really helpful for Aaron too, so he can clearly replicate these ideas.
“When planning the time on the day, I’ve found that having a detailed shot list, and giving people a time slot for their photos, works well and also helps to keep us on track.”
Advice and tips from Aaron Scott: What did you discuss with Harriet prior to the shoot taking place
"If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up some place else." – Yogi Berra
Tip #3 - Have fun
To get the best out of anyone going in front of the camera I always find having a informal chat first about there job or day followed by a brief conversation on what you are hoping to achieve from the pictures goes a long way in calming the subjects nerves and helps all people involved feel empowered, and ultimately this translates into a desire to make the shoot a success. If it feels appropriate, share a laugh or two with the subject.
Tip #4 - Mix it up
Remember that it's ok to experiment with everything within your control, and if it doesn't work out, you now know what works and what doesn't. This way of thinking has helped me capture some of my most creative and unique images. Play with the lighting, the setting, the props, angle, and even the expressions of your subjects, telling your subject to think about a memory that recently made them smile is often a good way to soften your subjects facial expressions if they are feeling/looking a little wooden in front of the camera.
Tip #5 - The importance of being flexible
Advice and tips from Harriet: Flexibility is key
“You never know what might happen on the day – even the weather can change your plans dramatically. You won’t be able to plan for every eventuality and more than likely things won’t always go as planned, but being able to roll with the challenges of the day and solve problems can make such a difference – sometimes this is where you get your best shots!
“Most importantly, enjoy it! Photoshoots are a fantastic way to celebrate and showcase your organisation’s hard work and the people behind it.”
Closing Statement
I hope you enjoyed reading this short post and found some of the advice helpful, if you’re planning a photography shoot or have some of your own pointers not visited in this article, please leave a comment below or if you want to hire me as your patient care or PR photographer, please click here. To find out more about Birmingham Hospice, the amazing work they do and their rebrand, please click here
Comments