Multifaceted Pharma Shoot Driven by Empathy & The Desire to Capture Authentic Imagery

When Larry Mullin, Maven’s ECD proposed partnering with us for the Mycapssa Photo & Video Shoot featuring real patients battling Acromegaly, [ak-ruh-meg-uh-lee], I immediately recognized that every choice we’d make would be based in empathy.  

In this three day project, we centered on real patients, capturing their stories and experiences. We conducted interviews in studio against green screen, filmed in three different locations, and took individual and group portraits of the six patients. Additionally, we provided close-up images for key promotional materials. As a bonus, we documented behind-the-scenes moments, which were incorporated into the client's communication materials for their new product release.

As an advertising photographer & director, my aim is to authentically capture moments, emotions, and stories, resonating with viewers on an authentic level and creating a caring environment for the patients I’m photographing.

We held multiple pre-production meetings over Zoom, and one the day before the shoot while we were setting up the lighting for the green screen video interviews and studio stills.

We reviewed several variables including the best approach to give the agency the most flexibility in changing backgrounds after the shoot on the video interviews and stills. We coordinated wardrobe colors, makeup and hair options, props, locations, weather contingencies, and most importantly: the care and comfort of the patients during the shoot.

Prior to the shoot, I spoke to my crew and voiced my objective that the patients needed to be cared for from the moment they arrived at the studio and throughout the shoot. The production had many moving parts and a tightly choreographed schedule which came off seamlessly.   I didn’t want anyone to feel rushed or feel uncomfortable in any way. I spent time with each of the patients we were going to interview & photograph and got to know them a little prior to pointing a camera at them. I reassured them that their comfort and confidence on set were my utmost priority, ensuring they always appeared in the most flattering light possible.

We wrapped by 4pm on all three days. The shoot had gone very smoothly. The client, agency, and most importantly the patients all had a good time with no stress and several fun moments scattered throughout the shoot.  We all met for a congratulatory refreshment after the shoot where both the Agency and Client complimented us for a job well done.

The following day, I received a thread of emails appreciating how happy and comfortable we made the patients feel. And a wonderful review from the ECD: “They say looking good is the best revenge”. I recently worked with George on a complex project that involved shooting video and photography in the studio, and on location, all in three days! He and his crew were one of the best I’ve worked with in my career. Nimble, professional, and extremely buttoned up. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I look forward to working with him again in the future, so I can continue looking good…

Thank you Larry!

Pop over to our Blog to see our BTS video and more details on this multidimensional shoot.