New book by local photographer and NHS worker Glenn Dene, to raise funds for the NHS and Welsh Air Ambulance. In his own words, Glenn tells us about some of his experiences shooting photographs for the book whilst continuing to work at Nevill Hall during the crisis.
I have photographed cancer patients, who have become friends. I’ve photographed various protests in London but this was by far the most difficult. When I thought about documenting the coronavirus in my workplace it had to be done right. Full support from the Chief Executive, communications team, colleagues and of course the patients. I wanted to cover Theatres, Intensive care and obstetrics, to tell the full story. Photographing my mates in PPE in a posed manner didn’t interest me. Unless it was a portrait, these type of images didn’t tell the truth about what was happening around us. It would’ve been a lie.
I spent my time working as an Operating Department Practitioner and photographer. I built up strong relationships with the Health Board and all of the above. I witnessed patients get well enough to be transferred to the wards from Intensive care but I unfortunately witnessed some sadly pass away.
Things that stick in my mind is the the camaraderie within health care. If you don’t smile, you’ll mentally break down. We had each other’s back. Nevill Hall Hospital really does have that ‘Family’ feel to it.
There were moments I cried behind my PPE. Grandchildren speaking over the phone to ‘Grancha’ willing him to get better because they’re missing him. Assisting in airway management during an emergency intubation only to find out that the patient passed away just a few days later. She lived only 4 miles from my home. NHS and Key workers will need support following this pandemic and we have to make sure it’s there.
To me, the book’s title ‘Behind the Mask’ is what the public don’t see. We experience an incredible range of emotions in the National Health Service. They really are super heroes. When I set out to document the pandemic I wanted the images to tell a story, to capture real moments. Nothing constructed. If I miss the shot then it’s gone. I wait for the next shot. I wouldn’t then ask the staff or patients to reconstruct it. I’ve said in various interviews, when I set out on this project, the aim wasn’t for personal gain. As a photographer to have this type of access and consent is a dream come true. You can’t rush it and not tell the story.
Many of the images are being printed and preserved at the National Library of Wales for generations to come and ‘Behind the Mask’ has 700 copies pre-ordered and it reached No1 in the Amazon ‘Photojournalism chart. Behind the Mask is available in Waterstones, Amazon, Bookish, Graffeg Publishing and many more. All royalties are being donated to the NHS and Welsh Air Ambulance.
Glenn Dene
Click here to pre-order a copy