Penn Medicine Pavilion Opening
Hospital Event Photography for Penn Medicine Pavilion Opening
This hospital event photography project documents the opening of Penn Medicine’s Pavilion, a state-of-the-art hospital in Philadelphia. The assignment focused on capturing the transition of patients and staff as operations moved from one facility to another.
Hospital Event Photography Approach
The move began in the early hours of the morning and continued throughout the day. As a result, the project required long-form coverage that balanced speed, awareness, and sensitivity. Working alongside medical staff, I documented both the logistical coordination and the human moments unfolding in real time. At the same time, it was essential to remain unobtrusive while capturing meaningful images.
Many patients were experiencing vulnerable moments during the transition. Therefore, a large part of the role involved ensuring comfort, privacy, and trust in front of the camera. Because of the clinical setting, strict procedures were followed to identify photo-consenting patients. This process required close collaboration between Penn Medicine Magazine, hospital staff, and myself.
Event Photography in a Clinical Environment
This assignment included two hours of pre-production meetings, fourteen hours of continuous production, and several hours of post-production. In addition, images were made available for patients to view at the conclusion of the day.
Despite the logistical complexity, the goal remained clear: to document a major institutional milestone while honoring the individuals at the center of it.
Ultimately, this hospital event photography project tells a story of transformation. Not only does it document the opening of a new facility, but it also reflects the experiences of the patients and staff who bring it to life.
