Documenting the Fight Against Cancer: A Photography Assignment with City Cancer Challenge in Cape Town
I had the opportunity to photograph an important initiative by City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), a global organisation focused on improving cancer care in cities around the world. This project, held in Cape Town, was part of C/Can’s broader efforts to strengthen diagnostic services across the continent. As a Cape Town corporate photographer, I was tasked with documenting key moments of collaboration between African oncology experts, a role I approached with care and professionalism.
City Cancer Challenge: Building Capacity for Better Cancer Care
City Cancer Challenge, or C/Can, is committed to addressing the growing burden of cancer by working directly with cities to enhance healthcare systems. Since its inception in 2017, C/Can has aimed to build locally driven solutions that improve access to equitable and high-quality cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By focusing on cities, C/Can leverages urban networks to drive innovation and sustainability in cancer care.
Cape Town is among the cities engaged in this effort. As part of a broader African initiative, C/Can’s 2022 project in Cape Town focused on strengthening diagnostic services, a crucial area in the early detection and treatment of cancer. According to a report by African News Page, C/Can organised a series of scientific visits between diagnostic experts from different African countries. This initiative was designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration aimed at improving cancer diagnosis and treatment protocols in several African cities, including Cape Town.
The Role of Photography in Corporate and Global Health Projects
As a corporate photographer in Cape Town, my role was to visually capture the essence of this collaboration. Projects of this nature require careful attention to detail—not just in terms of technical execution but also in portraying the significance of the event. These were not just routine corporate meetings; they were moments of shared expertise and collective problem-solving, all directed at improving healthcare for communities that need it most.
In documenting such projects, my goal is always to ensure that the images tell a compelling story. This includes candid shots of the experts as they engage with one another, portraits of key figures, and images that highlight the technical aspects of the work. For C/Can, it was important to showcase the interaction between specialists as they discussed diagnostic techniques and shared insights, which would later inform improved cancer care protocols across the continent. By visually capturing these moments, my photography served as a tool for C/Can to communicate its impact to a wider audience, including stakeholders, donors, and the public.
Why Corporate Photography Matters for Non-profits
Photography is a powerful medium that can help non-profit organisations like C/Can communicate their mission more effectively. Whether it’s through capturing the scale of a global conference or the detailed interactions between participants, visual documentation plays a key role in showcasing the value of their work. In a world where attention spans are short, high-quality images can help to create lasting impressions.
For non-profits involved in complex initiatives such as healthcare, professional corporate photography can be essential in building credibility and engaging with various audiences. In the case of C/Can, my role was to ensure that the visual story conveyed both the professionalism of the event and the human element behind the initiative—the experts working tirelessly to improve cancer care for vulnerable populations. These images are not just visual records but tools that help organisations like C/Can to raise awareness, secure funding, and build partnerships.
Photography in Action: The C/Can Project in Cape Town
The 2022 project I documented was a significant step in the fight against cancer in Africa. Bringing together diagnostic experts from across the continent, the event was an essential part of C/Can’s efforts to build local capacity in cancer diagnosis and treatment. My role was to capture key moments of interaction—both formal and informal—that reflected the collaboration between specialists. These moments are not only central to the mission of C/Can but also help illustrate the impact of shared knowledge and expertise in strengthening healthcare systems.
For this project, I used my experience as a corporate photographer to ensure that the images reflected the importance of the work being done. This included carefully composed shots of the meetings, presentations, and expert discussions, all designed to highlight the collaborative nature of the initiative. By working closely with C/Can’s team, I was able to capture the event in a way that was visually compelling and aligned with the organisation’s communication goals.
Conclusion
Working with City Cancer Challenge in Cape Town was a rewarding experience, and it reinforced the importance of visual storytelling in large-scale healthcare initiatives. For organisations like C/Can, professional photography is an essential tool in demonstrating their impact and reaching a wider audience. As a Cape Town corporate photographer, I take pride in helping organisations tell their stories in a way that is both visually engaging and professionally executed.
If your organisation is looking for professional event or corporate photography in Cape Town, I would be happy to discuss how I can assist in capturing the essence of your next initiative. Contact me to learn more about my services and how I can help you document your important work.
