The Power Of Photographs
Following the RNOH film, I decided I wanted to do a different edit to our TAPTV film. My thoughts were to combine some photographs within the edit. At first I looked through the beautifully edited by Neil Patience film and realised that there were some nice still images within the footage. With Quicktime 7, I went back to the original Canon 5D MkII footage and exported some still images, particularly from the interview sections.
These images were imported into Aperture 3 where I processed them. For the B/W conversions I exported them into Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro 2. Here I created four custom looks and these were applied to the images as appropriate. Using FCP X I then did an re-edit of the film, incorporating the images captures. I also used Red Giant’s Magic Bullet Looks 2 to grade the film slightly differently to our original.
Earlier this year, we decided that to coincide with the launch, it would be a great idea to shoot a proper photo reportage on the RNOH, so over a three and a half day period, using a Leica M9 and M9-P, I wandered the operating theatres, halls and wards (with the invaluable help from the fundraising and communications teams), making a set of pictures. I mainly shot the entire project using the Leica 50mm Noctilux APSH, the new 35mm Summilux ASPH and the 28mm Summicron.
These were first edited in Aperture for my agency Eyevine and once done, I set about incorporating them into my video edit. As before, Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro 2 was used for the B/W conversions and I set about importing them into FCP X and making the new edit of the video.
There is something much more powerful with B/W imagery and for me, this version is even more powerful. It’s a full multimedia marriage of video, audio and photography. I’d love to know which version of the film you find stronger and why.
My biggest ask though is that if you were touched by this amazing place, please help in their redevelopment and donate to the RNOH fund. Thank you.
Lastly, here is a slideshow of my favourite photographs from the project:
Photo This & That 
Edmond, there is no doubt that you are a very good photographer but, your choice of converting to B&W is not to my liking. B&W photography is old fashion and is a CULT thing. If you had done this in colour it would be real. Your better than this out come. Stan
Thanks for your comments Stan. B/W is my way of seeing; I started out in newspapers shooting in B/W and for me, it’s the strongest and most powerful medium. I wouldn’t say it’s a cult thing or old fashioned; after all, photography is about communication and in my opinion, B/W works the best for certain stories. Hence my choice. Naturally this is subjective and we are both entitled to our views 🙂
Perhaps this full colour version of the RNOH film will suit you better:
Edmond, the do over to me in colour was a revaluation and further proof of your excellence in capturing a story. Keep up the good work especially in colour
Thanks for the kind words; much appreciated.
Think it worked better without stills images added into it. A separate narrated stills video & a separate interview video work better for the viewer. It was a bit odd when you’re expecting Eugenie to speak & she’s static! Great quality though!
Thanks for the feedback.
No problem Edmondo.
love the imagery and B&w conversions. Certainly not ‘Cult’ just very powerful
Many thanks David; most kind.
Great images and the B/W to my eye is more powerful. Less distraction in the image, in my humble opinion.
Ross
Thank you kindly 🙂 I agree fully; B/W communicates with strength and depth, getting the mood and message across much quicker.
For me B/W just really makes you focus on the important things in an image, like emotion that can be easily drowned out with colour. These are fantastic shots, great work
I’m in full agreement; it’s a deeper and more immediate way of conveying emotion and subtlety. Thank you for the kind words.
Excuse me for not understanding couple things. The takes of the decripit bungalows and barracks, what do they have to do with the hospital? I would be utterly shocked should they belong to the hospitals compound. It`s said that this hospital is one of the leading in the world. My God. I understand that it has treated, among others, a member of royal family. One minor country castle belonging to The Queen sold, one fighter plane less, would provide greater part of needed funds. Is that England?
p.s. A very moving and sober film and photo reportage.
These huts are the actual wards where patients recover after their operations and treatments. It’s not the Queen’s responsibility to fund hospitals but the government’s and as you rightly say, one fighter plane less and the funding problem will be solved.
Dear me Terakopian, I was one of the spr surgeon featured in a few of your photographs with professor Briggs . I was hoping to ask if there was anyway of asking for a copy of a couple of the pictures – especially the one of myself and briggsy discussing a case in the coffee room with the notes.
Your pics are amazing .
Best regards
Jakub
Dear Jakub,
Many many apologies for the late response; I thought I had replied but just found this in my inbox. Sorry! Thank you for your kind words. Indeed it is possible to get hold of the photographs. Perhaps contact me via this link and we can discuss your requirements: https://photothisandthat.co.uk/contact/