Eakin Healthcare: Capturing Compassion and Expertise for an Ostomy Clinic
Case Study
When Eakin Healthcare reached out to me for a corporate headshot project, I knew this wasn’t a standard business photoshoot, instead showcasing the people (not just faces) behind a global brand dedicated to improving people’s lives through specialised ostomy care. The brief was unique and inspiring: to photograph a team of 12 people in a relaxed and natural style, with a clear emphasis on their professionalism and humanity. The setting was the Hilton in Birmingham, and the key detail was that the team members would be photographed in their blue scrubs.
For an ostomy clinic, a headshot is more than just a picture; it’s a vital tool for building trust. Patients looking for this type of care are often in a vulnerable position and need reassurance that they are in the hands of compassionate, expert professionals. My role as a commercial photographer is to understand and visually translate a brand’s core values. With Eakin Healthcare, a company that operates in over 60 countries and has a long history in ostomy care, it was crucial that the images conveyed a sense of reliability, empathy, and deep-rooted expertise. My job was to capture portraits that were both professional and genuinely approachable, assuring patients and their families that they can rely on this team
Images provided to Eakin Healthcare
The Creative Process: Beyond the Posed Picture
Eakin Healthcare Group
The Eakin Healthcare project was a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate my ability to put people at ease. We had a team of 12 people to photograph, many of whom, like most of us, are not entirely comfortable in front of a camera. My mission was to ensure every single person not only looked their best but also felt relaxed and confident during their time in front of the lens. This is particularly important in a medical context, where the final images need to inspire confidence and approachability.
I worked individually with each team member to capture their unique personality. The brief was very specific about avoiding overly posed or awkward shots. My approach is to guide my clients with friendly, clear directions that feel more like a conversation than a command. We talked about their roles, their dedication to patient care, and the passion they have for their work. By making the experience personal, I was able to capture genuine smiles and authentic expressions that truly reflected their character. The result was a set of portraits that looked not only professional but also genuinely happy and reassuring.
One of the key requirements was to use a blurred background, which is a fantastic technique for corporate headshots. This shallow depth of field draws the viewer’s eye directly to the subject, eliminating any distracting background elements and creating a soft, polished, and high-end aesthetic. It’s a subtle touch that makes a huge difference to the overall feel of the photographs. The blue scrubs added a unique visual element, and I made sure to use lighting that brought out the vibrant colour of the fabric while keeping the focus firmly on the individual.
Why Professional Headshots are a Vital Investment in Patient Care
In the medical and pharmaceutical sector, trust is the most valuable currency. A professional headshot is a crucial investment for any clinic or company. It’s an opportunity to show the human side of your brand and to build a direct connection with your audience. When a potential patient sees a warm and professional headshot, they are much more likely to feel confident and reassured in your brand’s integrity.
For a team, consistent, high-quality headshots create a unified and professional look across your website, internal communications, and marketing materials. It reflects a cohesive and credible organisation that takes its brand seriously. This is especially important for a global company like Eakin Healthcare, where a unified visual identity across different countries and teams reinforces their global presence and trusted reputation.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with such a respected company.Â
Emma Milestone is a trading name of Emma Lowe Photography Limited (I’m also known by Emma Lowe) and I am a pro member of The Guild of Photographers and The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, so you can be assured of a professional and high-quality service. I am based in Rugby, Warwickshire, but I travel regularly for clients across the country, including commercial hubs like Birmingham, Nottingham, and Manchester. I am always available for a no obligation consultation to discuss how professional headshots can transform your brand.
To learn more about my services or to discuss your own Corporate Headshot photography requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact me via phone, email, or a video conference call, and I would be delighted to help you create a visual identity that truly works for you.
