Mastering the Art of Visual Storytelling

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

On 14 May 2025, CERI hosted an interactive photography workshop in the famous glassenclosed “fishbowl” boardroom at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking

text: Yajna Ramphal and Dr. Monika Moir

photos:Tulio de Oliveira, Bethlehem Tefera, Lavanya Singh, Yajna Ramphal and Stefan Els

where creativity meets science, great storytelling begins. On 14 May 2025, the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) hosted an interactive photography workshop in the famous glass-enclosed “fishbowl” boardroom at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University. This workshop aimed to equip CERI staff, students and fellows with hands-on photography training to help them produce improved science communication visuals. In an era where research needs to break past academic walls, the ability to capture thoughtful, eye-catching images has become an essential skill in every academic’s and researcher’s toolkit.

For decades, academics held onto the aphorism of ‘publish or perish’ for career advancement. The success of an academic would be judged by the number of peerreviewed papers, proceedings, or book chapters they have published. But nowadays, in a hyperconnected world, a new mantra has emerged: ‘be visible or vanish’. It’s no longer about publication quantity but visibility, reach, and impact, making research resonate beyond the ivory tower. It also requires academics to develop an intellectual identity and engage with the public to showcase the findings of their latest work. To reach the widest public audience, scientists are using visual storytelling through photographs, tweets, videos or “reels” on social media. CERI understands the importance

of doing this well and arranged this workshop for their team to further develop this skill set.

This workshop focused on photography as it is a powerful tool for communicating ideas, sharing stories, and connecting with others. Naturally, the workshop was facilitated by Stefan Els, Stellenbosch University’s renowned photographer, known for capturing some of the campus’s most iconic images. With his signature clarity and creative eye, Stefan guided the team through the fundamentals of photography. He covered aspects of composition, lighting, and framing, and helped to capture the art of science through the camera lens. Stefan emphasised using cell phones in photography as a quick, effortless means to snap a pic, with minimal setup and is always readily available in our pockets. After a short instructional session, the team excitedly grabbed their phones for a fun and interactive exercise. We were sent outside for 15 minutes to capture photographs of anything that caught our eye. When we shared these photographs to critique and learn from one another, we were impressed by the natural talent of the team. From the flowing lines of a reception desk to the creative reflections of colleagues through glass windows framed perfectly with the CERI banners behind them, and striking shadows on the walls of the new School for Data Science Headquarters. But most striking of all was the laughter, smiles, and teamwork that flowed out

of the CERI staff while photographing their surroundings and one another.

Beyond the technical skills, the workshop encouraged the team to think more critically about how visual documentation works. A well-timed image can tell a compelling story or simply show the human side of research. How a well-composed photograph requires spatial awareness and design thinking and how an image can create a narrative that connects people to the heart of science. It can bridge the gap between complex science and public understanding or just remind us of the beauty in our everyday work.

After the workshop, the team feels more inspired to capture memorable moments while travelling for conferences or meetings. And better equipped to tell our scientific stories through photographs of our journeys in public health and genomics. The CERI team reflected on their experience of the workshop and what they have learnt:

“I learnt about several features in my phone that I was not previously aware of. I will certainly be more intentional about my photos in the future to make sure they tell a story” – Dr Cheryl Baxter

“The highlight for me was finding out about all the cool tips and tricks to take high-quality photo’s

using my iPhone. Also, great to learn about how mundane and ordinary objects could be brought to life when captured in the right frame!”

– Dr Lavanya Singh

“Besides the many useful tips on cell phone features to assist with lighting, spacing, dimensions etc, what resonated most with me as a laboratory scientist was the emphasis on intentionality in photography. In the same way we diligently fill our lab books with highly detailed records for comprehension in years to come, so too should our photographs capture details relevant for later context, like location, timing, etc. I appreciate this new perspective.”

– Prof Lenine Liebenberg

“Through the lens, I’ve always seen beauty—but this training helped me understand the art of framing it. It turned my passion for photography into a deeper craft, where every moment becomes a masterpiece of light, focus, and timing.”

– Dr Bethlehem Tefera

At CERI, where science meets collaboration and innovation, the workshop was a welcome pause to reflect and connect.