April 9, 1999

The MGH Photography Department is embarking on a new initiative in the application of photo technology to meet the current needs of MGHers. With the recent acquisition of digital imaging equipment, the Photography Department now is able to process and provide custom digital scanning, slides and prints. This production method offers high-quality production at a low cost.

"We are finding that the speed and consistency of results offered by using digital equipment provide our customers peace of mind when they are pressed with deadlines," says Sam Riley, supervisor of the Photography Department. "The learning curve has been pretty steep both for our customers and photographers, but generally the transition has been going well. Traditional photographic methods will continue to be used, but as the digital technology improves, we will shift towards using it more."

Photography at the MGH has had a distinguished history. The application of photography for medical purposes was introduced at the hospital after the Civil War. Those photos, known as daguerreotypes, were developed in a mercury vapor and produced on silver-coated metallic plates. This process later evolved into a method of imprinting on glass plates with a nitrocellulose solution. MGH physician and poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, MD, often referred to this process as "mirrors with a memory."

In the late 1880’s, the MGH Photography Department had its beginnings when funds were appropriated to purchase photographic equipment. At that time, the responsibility for overseeing all hospital photographic needs was entrusted to the pharmacist. It was not until 1927 that the MGH trustees authorized the establishment of an official photographic laboratory at the hospital.

Today, the Photography Department is part of the MGH Police, Security and Parking Department. Drawing from their collective photographic expertise of more than 50 years, the Photography Department staff, which includes Paul Batista, Abram Bekker, Kathy Grady and Sam Riley, is well suited to offer professional assistance with a variety of photographic requests. Currently, the Photography Department staff provides a host of services including:

• traditional and digital custom printing, slide production and duplication, including PowerPoint slides and overheads, poster prints, high-resolution scanning, image manipulation and web photograph preparation;
• studio and location photography for patient care, research and surgical documentation;
• public relations photography, including portraits, annual reports and department brochures;
• portrait and passport photography; and picture framing, camera repair and technical advice.

Personal work is welcome. For more information, call 6-2237.

From left, Sam Riley, Abram Bekker and Paul Batista of the MGH Photography Department.