Photo Shoot: Gloucester Biotechnology Academy

We recently photographed our newly constructed Gloucester Biotechnology Academy to visually showcase a project we are very proud to be part of. The Academy, a space designed by PAYETTE’s George Marsh, Jr., will be home to the new Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute where recent high school graduates will attend a cutting-edge vocational training academy. The program features a six month marine-themed curriculum followed by a three-month paid internship at a local biotechnology company.

This was my first time participating in an architectural photoshoot. It was a great experience to walk through a space I had only read about, and gave me a deeper understanding of the project. During our photo shoot, we focused on capturing two of the main rooms, the research lab and conference room, and their locations within the building. We captured the research lab from every angle including from inside the research lab, the outside corridor and the conference room doorway, so all the details of the space would be expressed through the photos.

Not only was it a great experience to see a completed project, the photoshoot taught me how to effectively and accurately capture a space through photography. Gloucester Biotechnology Academy Education Director John Doyle was helpful in giving us advice on how to stage the research lab to appear like scenarios that would occur in the space. John explained to us that a common mistake he sees in laboratory photographs is people using dyed water in lab beakers. Although it may look less visually pleasing, it would be more realistic to have a clear liquid in the beaker. In addition to staging the space, I learned the different ways the spaces will actually be used by the students. In the conference room, the tables are easily movable to accommodate multiple uses whether it be lecture, group brainstorming session or a group meeting.

My day on the photoshoot was such a great experience, and it really showed me the power of detail. Whether it be fixing a crooked chair to having the correct instruments in the laboratory, the details are what make a great photo and can really tell a story of our projects.

Photo credit: Keitaro Yoshioko