News / 18 Feb 2025
Photography student documents lives of medical researchers for Leeds Hospitals Charity
BA (Hons) Photography
BA (Hons) Photography student Ruby Lee was commissioned by Leeds Hospitals Charity to document the lives and stories of people involved in medical research.
Ruby Lee initially responded to a callout from Leeds Hospital Charity for a paid commission through the University's careers team. The charity wanted a photographer to take portraits of 14 researchers and patients to feature across their website, social media channels, corporate communications, and local press. They wanted 'hero-like portraits' and for the images to emphasize the life changing research they do, hoping the power of the stories and the photographs would work in synergy together.
Ruby's work is now part of an exhibition called 'Our Research Story', which celebrates eight early career researchers who have been able to lead groundbreaking studies thanks to vital funding from the charity. From targeting aggressive brain tumours, to life-changing trials for some of the hospital’s youngest patients.
"The Leeds Hospitals Charity exhibition 'Our Research Story' was all about supporting early career researchers, so it felt only natural to extend the ethos to our choice of photographer. As a Leeds Arts University alum, I know how valuable real-world briefs were so when the opportunity came up, I suggested hiring a student. A big portion of feedback at the event was how incredible the photos were, and it was great to see the surprise when people found out they were taken by a student. Students have so much to offer - they just need to be given the chance to prove it."
Maddy Powell, Communications and Media Executive, Leeds Hospitals Charity
After seeing the brief, Ruby sent over her portfolio and a few words about why she may be a good fit for the commission. Ruby's work is mainly within documentary and environmental portraiture, photographing people in their own environment, combining on location studio lighting with strong influences from chiaroscuro techniques to bring a cinematic and dramatic feel.
"It feels really affirming having my work and style seen by someone else and selected as something they would like for a project that's so important. Working with a charity and getting to not only expand my own skills, both personally and photographically, but also my portfolio, was a big opportunity and meant a lot to me. I genuinely enjoyed every aspect of the process, from getting to meet those at the forefront of such big and important research projects to learning how to photograph in different spaces quickly and efficiently. Seeing my work on the Leeds Hospital charity website, social media and the upcoming exhibition was also a very big moment for me."
Ruby Lee, BA (Hons) Photography student
“We were delighted to work with Ruby on the 'Our Research Story' exhibition. We were very impressed by her calm and professional manner, which ensured that our researchers and patients relaxed and helped to get the best results from the photoshoots. Everyone responded to them so warmly at the launch event, and they have really brought the story of early career research to life in Leeds."
Lara King, Interim Head of Communications, Leeds Hospitals Charity