MICROSURGICAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Men and Women in Microsurgery of the Hand, Black and White Photographs
by Nancy Chee

This body of photographs is an accumulation of work begun in 1991 to the present and represent the many aspects of care given by the microsurgeon. Very often the handiwork of the surgeons is seen and confined to those in the operating room. Much of what is seen and done is technical and often not aesthetically pleasing. What is not seen is the emotional considerations in treating and caring for patients.

The photographs in this collection include the many aspects of the care given - from surgery, post operative care, office follow up to discharge. They show not only the various activities of surgeons but also the intensity and emotions of physicians and their work.

Through the Microsurgical, Replantation and Transplantation Department at Davies Medical Center, these images were taken over a period of four years. As a hand therapist, I was given the opportunity to enter the operating room - initially as an observer and eventually as a photographer. With permission of a number of microsurgeons (including Drs. Harry and Greg Buncke, William Lineaweaver, Alfonso Oliva and Rebecca Jackson) I was allowed to document their work. This collections also includes many of the fellows and resident who have come through to study, do research and learn the skills of microsurgery.

It is with great pleasure that this project is made available for all to view and enjoy. As a photographer, my continual struggle is to compose and balance what I see and to capture it through the camera. My photographic style strongly uses form and light to create the aesthetic and emotional balance of the moment. For me, the artistic fulfillment is to be able to share the beauty and passion I observe in life with others.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
All the photographs were taken with available light only using the Nikon FM2 camera. Film used was Tri-X 400 (developed in D-76) or at 1600 (using Acufine). Printed on Oriental Seagull graded paper and developed in Dektol 1:1. For more information about these photographs, please contact Nancy through E-mail (nbchee@pctime.com) or call 415.664.6230.