Penn Medicine continues to lead advancements in mRNA research through the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation. This work builds on Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and represents a major shift in vaccine and treatment development.
Penn Medicine
Editorial Healthcare Photography for Penn Medicine
This editorial healthcare photography project documents ongoing stories for Penn Medicine’s publications. These magazines highlight cutting-edge research, patient care, and the human stories behind medical innovation.
Penn Medicine is a retainer client, which allows for consistent collaboration across multiple stories throughout the year. As a result, the work requires both adaptability and a deep understanding of the institution’s visual voice.
Editorial Healthcare Photography Approach
Each quarter, imagery is created for editorial features that need to convey both intensity and expertise. At the same time, the photographs must remain approachable and human.
As a contributing photographer, I work closely with art directors Rachel Ewing and designer Graham Perry. Together, we develop focused shot lists that allow flexibility while supporting the final magazine layout.
Because these assignments often take place in active clinical or research environments, I work independently with minimal equipment. This approach allows me to stay mobile, patient, and unobtrusive.
Every story requires documenting real-time moments across healthcare, research, and technology. However, working in hospitals introduces unique challenges.
Scheduling with staff, navigating HIPAA requirements, and managing patient consent are all essential parts of the process. Therefore, preparation and communication are critical before each shoot.
To adapt, I rely on natural light and compact equipment. As a result, subjects feel more at ease, and the environment remains undisturbed.
Selected Stories
Critical Care in the Air
PennSTAR, the medevac department of Penn Medicine, operates 24-hour shifts transporting patients across the region. For this story, I photographed portraits and details of the team, capturing both readiness and urgency.
Cancer Survivor, Deborah Burnham
Deborah Burnham, a former University of Pennsylvania professor and cancer survivor, leads a writing support group for patients. Working with art director Graham Perry, we created portraits that reflect both her personal story and the broader patient experience.
mRNA Research
Sonaura Beanies NICU Study
From the photographer’s perspective, the shoot was about detail and precision. The Saonaura beanie is designed to offer auditory protection and comforting sound stimulation for preemies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), helping them block out excess noise while still receiving beneficial calming sounds. It is being trialed at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
In the NICU, every movement mattered, especially when working alongside a film crew. The focus was on documenting the science as it actually happens. I concentrated on clear, honest details: nurses fitting the Sonura Beanie, infants resting, parents observing from nearby.
When capturing clinicians and caregivers, the challenge is earning trust and recording the work without disrupting it. The final images were meant to communicate how the beanie is used in practice and how it fits into daily neonatal care. Images were created for the public relations department and were shared with tv and print news after the release of the product.
CryoEM Cover Story
Dr. Florencia Potite
In a 30-minute portrait session, we documented Dr. Polite’s work across patient care, research, and education. The images supported a profile highlighting her role in vaccine advocacy and women’s health.
Volunteers at Doylestown Health
Following Penn Medicine’s acquisition of Doylestown Health, I documented volunteers supporting patients across the hospital. The imagery highlights both legacy and transition within the institution.
