Inspirational and optimistic imagery for children's charity re-brand.

Glasgow based agency Good Creative took on Yorkhill children's charity re-brand back in 2014. Under the banner of the HCP charities project, we engaged in producing a series of portraits of some of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children patents.

Come Together

The brief was to create images that showed the strength and bravery of the children undergoing cancer treatments at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. With many of the children spending prolonged periods of time in the hospital the portraits were be location based and should make no effort to hide the environment. Many of the children had cards from family and well wishers stuck above beds, some have books and toys. Others would be making use of some of the services the charity offers: play room, TV, video games and even visits from friendly pets. All of the images were to match the new bold, friendly childlike type face of the graphics below.

Good Creative Brand Artwork

All you need is love!

This project will always remain close to my heart, and is by far the most challenging I have ever done. In my decade long career I have shot in many difficult situations, under high pressure, and often fighting agents the elements. This project was a challenge in many other surprising ways. It was obvious from the start of our first session that the task in hand would be far more emotionally draining than I have ever anticipated. The kids in these images were among some of the most inspirational and humbling people I have ever had the privilege to photograph. It is not hard to see from these images that the smiles on their faces are real, born from hope and love. This of course is testament in part to the support, optimism and professionalism of the staff, from doctors to auxiliaries and nurses to volunteers. But also, the families that are standing by, slightly out of the frame, full of reassurance and encouragement. The overwhelming feeling in these rooms is that of love and care, and for us to share that even for the few moments was a gift that I will never forget.

Testimonial

“At Yorkhill Children’s Charity we wanted to capture the unique journeys the many babies, children, their families and the hospital staff go through at Yorkhill Hospital every day. Hamish and his team were incredibly professional and creative, while at the same time extremely warm-hearted. Hamish had an instant connection with everyone he photographed and we have beautiful, one of a kind images to prove it. The joy these photos gave to the parents of the children was phenomenal. He was able to capture the positivity and strength these children hold on to when they are going through difficult procedures and treatments. We are so grateful to Hamish for kindly donating his services to Yorkhill. We can’t commend him highly enough and would certainly not hesitate in recommending Hamish Campbell Photography.”

— Debbi Jennings - Marketing & PR Officer - Yorkhill Children's Charity

Prominent and progressive funding body asks 'How do we get more, for less?'

Worldwide Cancer Research fund projects in some of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. The charity has funded 1,768 of the world’s most diverse and unexpected projects, in 34 countries around the world. Where Worldwide Cancer Research differ from many in the cancer charity landscape is that they invest in not only world-renowned specialists but also up and coming talent. They do these things for one very good reason - to gain a global perspective. They understand that research doesn’t happen in isolation and answers will not come from one scientist, in one lab, in one country.

Who is afraid of the big bad wolf?

For many creatives it is a stretch to find further value in what they are doing. Budgets are often shrinking and clients are now far more aware of what is achievable within the confines of their budget. The perceived need to keep costs down is often accompanied by the process of scaling projects back. But perhaps their is another way? What if we offered more? What if we said 'let's deliver more'? The entire landscape of visual media content creation is changing. Many still fashion their houses of straw and wood, but this project illustrates how we have the ability to use every moment and opportunity to do more, make more, deliver more. Creating extra content along side current projects can build a house of brick. For charity based clients this approach can be invaluable, but it is not exclusive to charity clients. Delivering quality, flexible content across multi platform media is now the role of the modern day photographer.

When every penny counts!

Even the biggest and best charities have to ask people for money, and asking is never easy. Knowing you are not the only ones asking can only make it harder. When people do give, it is hugely important that the money is put to good use. For many charities ensuring every penny in the budget is accounted for and stretched to the maximum, can often impact on what gets done and what does not. This influence may end up dictating how well a charity can tell their story, or spread their message. As Director of Marketing and Communications at Worldwide Cancer Research, Beverley Hart understands more than most the developing need for cost effective media. She posed this question: 'How do we get more, for less?'. The answer... 'Use every part of the Buffalo.'

Native Americans would hunt buffalo 2 or 3 times a year and utilise every part of the animal. The obvious skins and meats were used as materials and food, but they went far further than that. Naming only a few of the other less likely things they farmed from the animals: threads, building materials, needles, rattles, fuel for fires, soap and even glue! So this is far from a new idea. However finding a team that wants to use every opportunity and every moment is not so easy.

Dr Allison Bardin has questions that need answered | Worldwide Cancer Research

Dr Laura Soucek's long wait for funding | Worldwide Cancer Research

Professor Stephen Hart begins his quest for answers | Worldwide Cancer Research

What will progress mean to Dr Louis Vermeulen? | Worldwide Cancer Research

The journey begins for Dr Helen Dooley | Worldwide Cancer Research

Will Dr Philip Zegerman get to the answers? | Worldwide Cancer Research

Will Dr Sergio Quezada ever get there? | Worldwide Cancer Research

Who will give Dr Salvador Aznar-Benitah the lift he needs?

Looking for answers | Worldwide Cancer Research

Turn up the volume!

With the 'Use all of the Buffalo' legend underpinning the whole project, we started to look at everything differently. Together with the UNION we set about designing a project plan built around Worldwide Cancer Research's Annual Report that meant we could shoot and capture as much material as possible. The below is a break down of the collateral that we collected over a 5 day period.

For the main Annual Report project

Stills for printed Annual report concept on location holding 'ANSWERS' cards
Video for Annual report concept on location (each scientist would have a 2 minute and 1 minute solo film. Extra footage would be edited together with the other scientist to create a presentation film for events and conferences)
Audio interview for voice over of Annual Report videos. These interviews would also be transcribed for blog posts and audio versions would be made into podcasts

Extras

Photographic Portraits in lab settings for social media/web and profile pictures
Photographic Portraits in lab setting holding 'THANK YOU' cards in English and in the scientist own language
Photographic Portraits in lab setting holding blank cards that could be edited in post with any relevant phrase.
Video shot in lab setting with 4-5 pre-written statements such as 'Thank you for your donations'. These clips would be used on social media and also edited into a short end of year general thank you film.
Mixed stills in lab of the team and and relevant equipment. For image bank
Audio interviews with relevant team members. For blog and podcast use.
Behind the scenes images and video for social media.