‘These Children Actually Impressed Me’ Says Canon Explorer of Light Atiba Jefferson

Canon Explorer of Light Atiba Jefferson labored with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation to offer children at Rady Children’s Health in Orange County with a photo-filled afternoon they’ll always remember.

The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, based in 2009, brings interactive media studios to pediatric hospitals and healthcare facilities to assist children battling critical sicknesses have extra enjoyable and flex their artistic muscular tissues. There are 14 Seacrest Studios throughout the nation, the place sufferers can host podcasts, produce movies, interview superstar visitors, and take photographs.

Last 12 months, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation produced 8,406 hours of reside programming and labored with sufferers to create 265 unique reveals, reaching over 3 million sufferers and members of the family.

RSF additionally has an internship program that helps practically 50 interns annually, offering college students with hands-on expertise they’ll want for a future profession in broadcast manufacturing.

As for Atiba Jefferson, well-known Canon Explorer of Light, he served as a visitor choose for a “Photos in Motion” contest. Before Jefferson’s go to, sufferers at Rady’s Children had been tasked with capturing a single body that captured “the essence of action” utilizing Canon cameras. Canon has supplied digital imaging expertise to RSF since 2024. The successful photographer acquired a Canon swag bag with creator necessities, together with a Canon SELPHY QX20 photograph printer.

“Seeing the creativity and the unique perspectives these kids brought to the theme of ‘Photos in Motion’ was incredible,” says Jefferson. “Photography is all about capturing a moment in time that will never happen again and today was full of those moments, these kids truly inspired me.”

Jefferson then gave the youngsters a reside closed-set photoshoot, displaying them his skilled course of. Jefferson, well-known for his improbable skateboarding pictures, labored with Seacrest Studio workers member Josh Castaneda to point out the youngsters the way to freeze motion. The children then acquired to attempt their hand at skateboard pictures, with Jefferson giving them pointers alongside the best way.

“Our partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation is rooted in the belief that imaging has the power to inspire and transform,” explains Sammy Kobayashi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Seeing these resilient young creators, mentored by Atiba Jefferson and using Canon technology to capture their unique perspectives, is truly moving. We are honored to provide the tools that help these patients explore their creativity, build confidence, and share their stories with the world.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Canon and Atiba Jefferson for bringing such energy, creativity, and inspiration to our patients,” provides Kathryn Burton, Director of Patient & Family Experience and Child Life at Rady Children’s Health. “At Seacrest Studios, our mission is to give kids a space where they can express themselves, explore their creativity, and simply be kids. Watching our patients step behind the camera, learning from a world-class photographer, and seeing their ideas come to life was truly powerful. Experiences like this bring joy, build confidence, and create lasting memories for our children and families.”

The day wrapped up with a Q&A with Jefferson, throughout which era he answered questions and shared tales from his illustrious profession.

“I was so inspired to teach this group of amazing kids how to shoot skate photos and also judge their photo contest. Best day ever!!!” Jefferson wrote on Instagram.

Image credit: Canon U.S.A.