Sunderland’s Photography Pro Makes Waves with Stunning Portrait of Britain Submission

A photographic representation of a medical engineering team member at Newcastle Hospitals has been featured in the latest Portrait of Britain collection.

The striking image of Yann Kimpouni, which qualified for the shortlist in the annual contest, was captured by University of Sunderland photography instructor, Johannah Churchill.

The image, published by the British Journal of Photography, forms part of Johannah’s NHS Darkroom series, which was initiated by the Newcastle Hospitals Charity in May 2023.

Johannah is a distinguished photographer who trained as a nurse at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital from 2007 to 2010 and captured the evocative image Melanie, March 2020, which significantly shaped the UK’s response to COVID-19.

She commented: “Newcastle Hospitals Charity is aiding NHS personnel to honor their peers and contributions to excellent medical care by photographing each other in their workplaces.

“Alongside being photographed by me, the initiative allows for a moment of reflection and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as all the wonderful positive elements of working in a black and white darkroom.

“We are examining what it means to care and illuminating some of its consequences. Taking time to slow down is essential. Not an easy feat these days. The previous year’s group was a complete pleasure to collaborate with. It’s a challenging era to be part of the NHS, and it’s crucial to ensure that we do not take individuals for granted.”

The NHS Darkroom exhibit can be viewed on Level 3 of the Leazes Wing at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), or Level 2 at the Freeman Hospital along the corridor leading to the Northern Centre for Cancer Care. Phase two of the project will soon be displayed outside the RVI location.