Covid in a small town

For a long time, I have been the photographer for the Wellness Matters done by Community Hospitals and Wellness Center. I love all of the assignments I have done, but you get that special one every once in a while.

When we got together to talk about this upcoming issue, about covid here in Williams County and the people behind it, I was all in. These people, for me, are heroes. They had no clue what they were getting into. But they did what they loved. Health Care.

Covid has affected all of us one way or another. Suppose you have not had a chance to read this issue; click on this link and hear from these hero’s themself. I learned so much that I did not know while taking the pictures. Thank you to all healthcare professionals; you are truly blessed at what you do.

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Environmental Portrait

I have done a lot of different things when it comes to photography. The experts say you should focus on what you like. So what happens if you like everything? One area that I do enjoy is the Commercial side of photography. I like the challenges and have many years of experience printing. It fit’s me. I have an eye for what I am looking at.

Dr. John Elchinger at NorthWest Ohio Vision Center

I received a call from NorthWest Ohio Vision Center Marketing people and asked if I could do a headshot of one of their new Doctors. So, of course, I said yes, when and where? Next, I received an email asking if I could do an environmental picture instead of just a headshot.

I arrive at the client and begin to do the setup. In this case, I needed two lights—the environmental and a flash. Environmental was set up first. I wrote down my settings and then set up a flash. Yes, I am one of the strange ones; I still use a light meter. I like a light meter because I know it will be right when coming to shooting. Setup was made and time for the Doctor.

Thank you, NorthWest Ohio Vision Center; you now have helped me twice. Yes, I said twice; I went to see them about 4 years ago with one of my eye going blind. Dr. Tara knew what to do, and because of her and the resources, I have about 90% of my vision back in my eye. So make sure you see your eye doctor or get one if you like your eyes. You will not regret it.

Miracle Of Life

For about three years, I have been doing the photography work for Community Hospital and Medical Center in Bryan, Ohio. They have a quarterly magazine that comes out quarterly call Wellness Matter. Like usual, I always have a meeting with the Marketing Director to talk about what they are thinking about for the upcoming magazine. She tells me what she is thinking, and then I come up with what I have a vision in my head for the pictures when I was asked if I would be interested in a C-Section. A live C-section? Yes, a live surgical procedure. Of course, I wanted to do this.

In my younger years, I was in Emergency Medicine, and during that time, I have seen C-sections as part of my training. My heart has always been with and still love medicine. Enough about me, back to this assignment.

We talked about what they would like to see. I asked if I could take some practice shots of the room, we would be in before the surgical procedure? We did this a week before schedule. I wanted this to get my settings and knowing I will get one chance for the epic shot. No, do-overs.

The day has come. The first thing we did is we had a meeting with the head doctor who will be in charge of the procedure. I told her what I would like, and she told me what she would like. Next was meeting with the surgical team, and they explain the rules and the small chance if things did not go well. Let’s face it, its surgery, and there is always a risk. Small, but still there. Now it was time to gown up, and the camera needed to get sterile.

I can’t say enough how professional these doctors were and the staff — a real team. Mom had nothing to worry about. I took my place where I felt would be the best place for the shot I was thinking. Finally, the big moment came. This little boy was coming out. With seconds, I came up with the shot that I had in my mind.

C-Section at CHWC in Bryan,Ohio

This never gets old. To see life outside of a mother is such a beautiful thing to see. Yes, this photographer shed a tear or two. After the fact I though in about 5 seconds this beautiful baby boy has his first picture taken.

I can’t say enough about the staff and the honor to be part of this family life with something they will always have. Pictures are a part of history, and this history never made again. What you do will be the document.

To see more go to https://www.chwchospital.org. See Wellness Matters.

A baby has been born.