The F Stops Here

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Tuesday’s dedication of the just-completed $180 million NC Cancer Hospital on the Chapel Hill campus of the University of North Carolina featured the opening of a specially-commissioned photography exhibit, “The New Face of Cancer Care”, showcasing the work of local photographers Tamara Lackey and Rachel Garrison, of Tamara Lackey Photography studio. Tamara and Rachel were charged with photographing 55 patients, doctors, scientists, staff and survivors over the past few months, with the goal of celebrating the strength and courage of those who fight cancer everyday. Their images and their stories, brought to life on large wall-sized canvas portraits throughout the hospital lobbies and entrance areas, serve as inspiration to all who come through in various stages of their journeys.

(photos after the jump)

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

“We are so gratified to have had the opportunity to work on this project,” states Lackey. “I find it heartening, the sheer number of smart, dedicated, passionate individuals who are banding together not only to care as well as possible for those with cancer, in such a variety of ways – but who are also doing whatever they can do to fight cancer with such a determined force.”

Of her experience during the time she spent photographing subjects, Garrison shares, “The amount of thought and attention to detail put into this building is, in itself, very inspiring. Seeing the expressions of people who entered the hospital for the first time and stood, admiring the architecture and breathing it all in, signified how naturally healing it feels. During this project I came to understand that this group of doctors, nurses, staff, and patients, at various stages in recovery, truly functions as a team. I was particularly moved by occasions when we had an overlap in sessions and participants struck up conversations, sharing hugs and words of encouragement.”

For more information about Tamara Lackey Photography, visit www.tamaralackey.com or contact the studio at 919.484.8000 or studio@tamaralackey.com. Additional details about “The New Face of Cancer Care” can be found at www.newfaceofcancercare.org/about-the-exhibit.

Tamara is an award-winning photographer who has received national recognition in her industry, appearing repeatedly in Rangefinder Magazine and Professional Photographer Magazine and speaking regularly at seminars and conventions in the U.S. and abroad. Tamara’s work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Vogue, O Magazine, Town & Country, Martha Stewart Living, Elle, and Parenting Magazine. Her photography has also been showcased on The Martha Stewart show and her book, “The Art of Children’s Portrait Photography”, is one of the top-selling books in the field. Senior Associate Photographer Rachel Garrison has a fresh eye for detail and a strong passion for capturing the unique experience of individual’s relationships and interactions with each other. She has a natural ability to establish meaningful, personal connections with her subjects which help her in creating beautiful, relaxed portraits. Rachel’s work has been showcased in a variety of publications, including The Knot Weddings Magazine, Our State Magazine, Carolina Parent Magazine, Premier Baby & Child. At the Tamara Lackey Photography studio, located at the Southpoint Renaissance Center, Tamara and her associate photographers blend photojournalistic capture with classic portrait techniques to create fresh and artistic imagery, often described as moving, soulful and expressive.

© 2009, The F Stops Here. All rights reserved. (Jessica D. Korman)