I met Dr. Kate McCarthy in July 2021 purely by chance at Starbucks. We struck up a conversation and immediately connected. During our conversation over coffee, I discovered she specializes in orthopedic surgery of the spine. I mentioned I was a professional photographer. She asked if I had ever photographed any surgeries. Not the kind of “surgery” set up for a TV commercial or an advertising photo shoot - I’ve photographed lots of those. She was referring to an actual, real surgery. My answer….yes, multiple times.
She continued by mentioning that on occasion, she operates with her father, Dr. Richard McCarthy, who was planning to retire in the near future. As a gift to him, she wanted to document one last surgery where they were both in the operating room together. I thought it would be a wonderful gift, and great opportunity for us both.
Fast forward to November 2021. After speaking with her patient, the hospital, her surgical team, all the necessary paperwork was signed. and permission was granted for the photos. I’ve photographed several surgeries over the years, but this was my first spinal surgery. I didn’t know what to expect or exactly what I’d be able to see.
After scrubbing in and being fully gowned, I kept my distance, shooting mostly with a long lens. I knew to never approach, or touch anything, that was draped in blue. After noticing I was standing at a distance, Dr. Kate asked me to come in close….really close and while still avoiding the blue drape. Dr. Kate wanted photos of her and her father operating very close-up. I photographed everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING.
I know this type of photography doesn’t appeal to many people, but I loved every, single minute I was in the operating room. To say photographing this surgery was fascinating is a major understatement. Since the patient had two spinal deformities, this surgery would allow full enjoyment life to its fullest in ways that weren’t possible before.
During my time in the operation room, I kept my footprint light and small. I had my rolling ThinkTank camera bag with all of gear, but also an old-school Domke shoulder bag for going back and forth between lenses. For much of the photo shoot, I opted to use a few of my prime lenses; 35mm & 50mm and both cameras were Canon 5D Mark III, using only ambient light.
I checked in with Dr. Kate before publishing this blog post and this is what she wrote, “Sadly, my husband and I have made a decision to leave Little Rock and move to Louisville. It’s a great opportunity for me professionally and for our family. I just wanted to make sure you knew. Can’t thank you enough for all you have done over the last year for me!”
Thank YOU, Dr. Kate! It was a honor knowing and working with you, your father and your surgical team. I hope our paths will cross again. This time, I’m buying the coffee.