This was one of the most difficult shoots on so many levels. First, photographing cancer patients at all stages, all walks of life and different ages was such a challenge. These people are dealing with so much as well are the families. Sometimes me and the team would get emotional but would fight so hard to hold back our tears. I remember one time in particular I finished the shoot and once we got in our vehicle to head home I couldn't help but to break down in tears. Some weren't patients but the physicians working to cure their patients using top notch medical equipment that Sanford Health has. The way these doctors talked about their approach to the cure was amazing, especially the tools they use. Sometimes it felt as if I was learning a second language but they put things into terms that helped us understand. All the physicians we interviewed and photographed were so compassionate when speaking about their patients too.
Second, My team and I had to tear down and set up in 15 different locations throughout a months time cause we had to adhere to the patients schedule. This was tough in that the Creative Director needed the shots to have the same lighting to they were all consistent with one another. My team and I measured from subject to background, all the lights had to be in the same spot and not to mention we had to shoot in the patients homes which posed a problem with the large background and all the lighting involved but it each one seemed to work out great. We would shoot in living rooms, garages, basements and one even half in a garage and outside the garage.
Anyhow, it was great working with such a creative team and I look forward to producing more great work that will help make a difference in improving the health of people throughout the world ;)
