Presenting a World-Class Neurosurgery Department the Way They Deserve to Be Seen
After a disappointing round of washed-out headshots left the Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery feeling misrepresented, we overhauled their entire visual presentation and built an ongoing partnership that has lasted over four years.
The Challenge
The Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine is one of the most respected neurosurgery programs in the world, led by Dr. Gregory J. Zipfel, the Ralph G. Dacey Distinguished Professor of Neurological Surgery. Their team includes national leaders in every subspecialty.
But their headshots didn't reflect that. A previous round of photography had produced washed-out, unflattering images that left the department feeling like they weren't being represented at the level they deserved. The lighting was flat, the posing was stiff, and the results didn't capture the caliber of the people in front of the camera.
For a department of 200+ faculty, fellows, residents, and staff spread across multiple clinical and research sites, the visual inconsistency was undermining their professional image at every touchpoint: the website, physician directories, grant applications, media appearances, and recruitment materials.
They needed a photographer who could:
- Undo the damage from a disappointing previous experience
- Photograph 200+ people without disrupting patient care or OR schedules
- Deliver images that reflect a world-class institution
- Work across multiple clinical and research sites with identical quality
- Build an ongoing system for new hires, not just a one-time fix
The Solution
We designed a department-wide photography program built around their operational reality. The goal wasn't just better headshots. It was presenting this team the way they deserve to be seen.
1. Rebuild Confidence in the Process
After a bad experience, many faculty were skeptical about sitting for another round of headshots. We addressed this head-on with hands-on expression coaching, real-time image review on a tethered monitor, and a relaxed approach that let each person see exactly how they looked before they left the chair. The feedback shifted quickly from reluctance to enthusiasm.
2. Premium Lighting and Technique
The previous photographer had used flat, washed-out lighting that made everyone look the same kind of tired. We brought studio-grade lighting setups to each location, sculpting light to bring out the best in every face. White coats require careful exposure control to avoid blowout while keeping skin tones natural. We got it right for every single person.
3. Flexible On-Site Scheduling
Neurosurgeons don't have predictable schedules. We set up multiple shoot days across their locations with appointment slots from 7 AM to 6 PM, maintained walk-in availability, and worked around OR schedules. A conference room became a professional studio in 30 minutes.
4. 24-Hour Delivery
Proofing galleries went live within 24 hours of each shoot day. For urgent needs like new faculty announcements, grant applications, or media requests, we provided same-day delivery of final retouched images.
Meet the Team
Faculty and Staff Headshots
Consistent lighting, professional coaching, and premium retouching across every member of the department, from attending surgeons to advanced practice providers.
Dr. Bhuvic Patel
Neurosurgery
Dr. Gabbie Johnson, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Eric Thompson
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Dr. Hong Chen, PhD
Radiology
Dr. Kyle McGrath, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Dimitrios Mathios, MD
Neurosurgery
Amber Criswell, NP
Neurosurgery
Dr. Jacob Greenberg, MD, MSCI
Neurosurgery
Dr. Megan Bauman Graves, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Anna Huguenard, MD
Neurosurgery
Kayla Jarrett, PA
Neurosurgery
Dr. Bradley Budde
Neurosurgery
Capturing the Story Behind the Science
Our partnership expanded beyond headshots into the Department of Neurosurgery, the research branch closely associated with Neurosurgery. In Dr. Zipfel's cerebrovascular neuroscience lab, breakthroughs in stroke research and brain injury are happening every day. We produced this teaser to capture the team, the work, and the environment where it all happens.
Research videography at the Zipfel Lab, Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine
“We thought this would be the painful part. It ended up being the easiest part. Faculty came out of it asking when Henry would be back.”
Department Administrator
Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University
The Results
A Partnership, Not a Project
What started as an emergency overhaul of disappointing headshots has become a four-year-and-counting partnership. We provide ongoing sessions for new hires, ensuring every new faculty member and staff member receives the same premium treatment from day one. The relationship expanded into the associated Department of Neurosurgery, where we now produce research videography for the Zipfel Lab.
The department's website, physician directories, social media, grant applications, and recruitment materials now present a unified visual identity that reflects what this team actually is: a world-class institution led by extraordinary people.
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Organizations
Bad headshots can be fixed
A disappointing first experience doesn't mean settling. The right photographer can rebuild confidence and deliver results that reflect your institution's caliber.
One photographer = one standard
Consistency across 200+ people requires a single creative vision, not multiple vendors.
Respect the schedule, earn the trust
On-site photography with flexible booking eliminates scheduling friction and increases participation.
Headshots are the beginning, not the end
A great photography partner grows with you into video, research documentation, and ongoing visual content.
The experience drives the result
When faculty enjoy the process and see their images in real-time, they look better. Coaching beats directing every time.
Ready to Present Your Team at Their Best?
Whether you're fixing a bad experience or starting fresh, we can design a photography program that reflects the caliber of your institution.