Inceptive Notions

Gall Bladder, 2008

This past summer I worked as the photographer for the Lee Memorial Health System, a team of six different hospitals / health centers in my hometown. My shoots encompassed every aspect of what goes on in and around a hospital (most of which I was completely unaware of). I was assigned to travel to patient’s houses and get follow-up stories with a video crew, interview doctors and take their portraits, document hospital care programs like computer classes and the Ronald Mcdonald House, and most intriguingly photograph live surgeries.

Untitled, 2008

There was a lot to learn about being in an operating room with a real patient during a real procedure and yet before I knew it I found myself tossing on scrubs and walking through the operating room doors. I’ve tried to break down the process to give you an idea of what it’s like, and what you should watch out for, incase you ever find yourself rushing into the O.R. with camera in hand.

• The waiver – In most cases the doctor will need to okay your presence and the patient will need to sign a waiver. Always ask the nurse if she can take the waiver to the patient because a) The patient knows and most likely trusts the nurse and b) The patient should never actually see you with a camera (Mainly because it makes them a lot more self-conscious and they may back out). In the same token, after the patient has signed the waiver do not enter the room until the patient has been put to sleep. They’re already stressed out and don’t need to be reminded that they’re being photographed while unconscious.
• Be careful – Operating rooms, depending on the surgery, are sometimes tight spaces. There’s a lot of equipment and a lot of loose tools. Before you move, take the camera away from your eye and be very aware of your surroundings at all times.
• “12 inches from the blue” – The surgery table, the patient, and anything sterile will be covered in blue cloth. Always keep every part of your body at least 12 inches from the blue. This includes the edge of your lens, when you’re zooming in and out make sure you’re aware of where your lens is reaching.
• Don’t bring a tripod – I made the mistake of bringing a tripod once and sorely regret it. All too often a nurse or assistant has to rush over and grab something or put something somewhere. A tripod will only make you more of a burden.
• Know the danger zones – The anesthesiologist will always be stationed near the head of the patient. He/she will also constantly be checking their vital signs so make sure you’re never in this path. Also, the second most common path is from the patient to the instruments table. Nurses will be moving back and forth preparing needles, cloths, etc. I would say both of these paths are ‘danger zones’ so try to avoid them at all times unless you want to make the operating team unnecessarily stressed.
• Ask about the procedure – There are always extra nurses on standby that line the edges of the room. Before everything begins, introduce yourself, and ask about the procedure. This way you know what to expect when, and one thing you’ll notice is that the best shots will almost always come at the beginning and the end of the procedure (It’s also like the best biology class you’ve ever taken). The middle is the longest and most uneventful time because the doctor has made his incision and is usually just working inside the body. Unless the surgery is really invasive (open heart) you’ll be photographing the same scene for a few hours.
• Prepare for low light – Surgeries are like light shows. The doctor controls the lights in the room using a foot pedal. Whenever he needs to look at the monitor, make an incision, or do anything that requires further concentration he will shut off all the main lights. This usually makes for a hard situation as a photographer. Make sure you bring a low light lens and don’t forget to consistently change your ISO as the lights flicker on and off.
• Stash the equipment – Because a backpack or bag will only add to your volume, find a place to stash your equipment (that’s accessible) as soon as you arrive. Usually the best location is the control room. It’s typically just off the room where the procedure takes place and doesn’t see a lot of traffic. Additionally, your movement may be limited by a large (and heavy) lead vest which is required attire when entering a room with powerful x-ray equipment.
• Thank the doctor – When all is said and done make sure to thank the doctor before they run off to the next patient. After all, you just acted as an added distraction.

Heart Catheter, 2008

This is one place where “getting the shot” by any means necessary is not the best route. Any other questions – Leave a comment!

Michael George :: Sep.13.2008 :: My Photography :: 2 Comments »

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