Innovation at Monash School of Translational Medicine
Introduction: As a healthcare photographer, there's something truly special about capturing the moment when research transforms into real-world impact. That's exactly what I experienced during our recent shoot at Monash School of Translational Medicine (STM).
Mentorship in Action: A Monash supervisor guides an honours student through a pipetting technique, exemplifying the hands-on learning experience at the School of Translational Medicine.
Background: Monash STM approached us with a challenge: create visually compelling content for their Honours Booklet that would not only showcase their cutting-edge research but also appeal to prospective students.
Photoshoot Process: We set up in the diabetes lab, a space I was familiar with from previous shoots. The lab manager was incredibly accommodating, allowing us to utilise various spots to capture the best natural light. We started by photographing scenarios with supervisors and honours students, ensuring we represented the diversity of the STM community.
One of the most fun moments came when we had to "ambush" Terry O’Brien, the Head of School, for his headshot. He was between meetings, so we quickly set up outside the meeting room to catch him in a rare free moment. It was a reminder that in this field, you always need to be ready to adapt!
As the day progressed and the sun began to set, we moved to my favourite spot next to a window in the Alfred Centre for staff headshots. Thank goodness for my portable lighting kit - it saved the day as natural light faded!
Outcomes: The client was thrilled with the results. The Communications Manager exclaimed, "The photos have come up beautifully!" They were particularly impressed with how we captured the evolution of their researchers, noting the stark improvement in one researcher's headshot from 2018 to now.
Conclusion: This project reminded me why I love healthcare photography. It's not just about taking pretty pictures; it's about showcasing the human side of scientific innovation. At MMP Studio, we're not just photographers - we're visual storytellers for the healthcare and research community.
