By Amy Hanna, ABC, vice president
Each summer, something happens that always reminds me of my many blessings: the St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers Community Benefit Report photo shoots. Why would a photo shoot prompt me to pause and reflect?
Because the patients and community members we photograph are typically from low-income families with no insurance and few financial resources. Each has used a free or highly discounted medical or community service provided by the hospital. And each has touched me personally with their optimism, determination and kindness in the midst of serious difficulties.
Recently, we directed on-location photo shoot at Santorini Greek Kitchen in Fountain Square. I’m told the food there is fabulous (I have several colleagues who know the owner by name), but we were there because of a feisty, fun 80-year-old woman who plays the piano every Thursday at lunchtime. This “ball of fire” is JoAn, and she had received help finding assisted living arrangements from a St. Francis parish nurse.
It’s truly amazing how much goes on during a photo shoot. Santorini’s owners allowed us to come in before business hours and take over the dining area. While our senior art director Chris Berry and the photographer were determining what angles are best for the shot, what lens to use and what lighting would be needed, I got the photo release forms signed by the talent and the “extras” who served as diners in the background and helped JoAn pick out just the right earrings to match her bright chartreuse blouse.
Once we had a set direction on how the shoot will take place, we started organizing the set, ridding it of any distracting or unnecessary objects, moving and adjusting tables and chairs, looking for the perfect composition and bringing the shot to life with food and drinks.
Once the shoot begins, you have to watch everything from talent not smiling to wardrobe malfunctions, constantly giving direction on the position of everyone in the shot.
“This is why it is very important to have fun when directing a photo shoot,” Chris said. “It will bring out the best shot every time, which is a very rewarding experience.”
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