Surviving in Scrubs: A Powerful Brand Shoot for Change in Healthcare
- Kayleigh King
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
Some brand shoots feel extra special because they’re more than just photography—they’re about telling a story that needs to be heard. This was exactly the case when I had the honor of working with Surviving in Scrubs, an initiative founded by Dr. Becky Cox and Dr. Chelcie Jewitt to raise awareness about sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in healthcare. Their work is powerful, necessary, and changing lives.
Who Are Surviving in Scrubs?
Becky and Chelcie are both doctors who have experienced, witnessed, and fought against sexism and sexual violence in the medical profession. Through Surviving in Scrubs, they’ve created a platform to share survivor stories, advocate for cultural change in healthcare, and push for systemic action against harassment and discrimination.
Dr. Becky Cox is a GP specialist in gynecology and an academic with a focus on violence against women. A survivor herself, she has spent her career advocating for change through education, research, and public speaking.
Dr. Chelcie Jewitt is trained in both Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine. After experiencing and witnessing sexual misconduct in her field, she launched the Sexism in Medicine Project, which led to the BMA’s groundbreaking 2021 report on sexism in healthcare. Her passion lies in staff wellbeing, maternal health, and changing workplace culture.
Their mission is clear: to amplify survivor voices and drive change in healthcare. With 91% of women doctors reporting sexism and 47% feeling they’ve been treated unfairly due to gender, their work is critical.
Why This Shoot Matters
Brand photography isn’t just about visuals—it’s about translating a message, a movement, and a mission into images.
For Surviving in Scrubs, this shoot was about more than aesthetics; it was about visibility, advocacy, and ensuring their voices are heard. These images will support them in growing their platform, reaching more survivors, and pushing for policy changes in healthcare. They’ll be used across their website, social media, speaking events, and campaigns—helping them continue their fight for a safer, more equal profession.
Key Goals for the Shoot:
Authenticity: We wanted to capture them as real people, not just as doctors or campaigners, but as the women behind the movement.
Approachability: Their work is serious, but their platform is also a safe space for survivors, and we needed to reflect that.
Empowerment: Every image had to communicate their strength, resilience, and leadership.
Collaboration: Their work thrives on community, so showing their dynamic together was important.
How We Brought Their Vision to Life
Location: We chose a setting that balanced professionalism with warmth, moving away from a sterile, clinical feel and toward something welcoming yet powerful. Haybeno Studios was the perfect place as it allowed different vignettes and plenty of space to move around, including a dressing room, and hair and makeup space where they got the VIP treatment from Beautification by Katie. We also took a quick field trip to a local coffee shop to get shots of them working together - I'm pretty sure they went through actual emails together in between me directing them!
Wardrobe & Styling: Chelcie and Becky wore smart yet relaxed outfits, as well as scrubs, staying true to their roles while ensuring the shoot felt approachable.
Storytelling Images: Rather than just individual headshots, we captured candid moments of discussion, action, and connection—representing their ongoing fight for change, as well as content images that showcase images that speak to the cause. We had a few illusions we constructed as well - I found a hospital backdrop on amazon that we used, making sure to get them far off it so it blurred and looks authentic; and I managed to photoshop the opening slide of their presentation to a backdrop to showcase them giving a talk.
A Sneaky Peek at their Shotlist
Here's a sneak peek at just a few of their desired shots we created after planning their shoot together. Have a scroll through below to see how they turned out.
Individual headshots
Relaxed, profesh, in scrubs
Paired headshots
Relaxed, preofesh, in scrubs, graphic tees
Together having a chat over a brew
Support chat (back of head)
Getting placards ready (bamboo and duct tape)
Giving a speech
With laptop, notebooks, etc
Leaning over desk together
One gloved hand holding non-gloved hand
Gloved hands making heart shape in front of scrubs with SIS pin
With banner
Working together on laptops
Having a chat
Writing notes
Working on presentation
Why we Chose Haybeno Studios
This shotlist needed a number of neutral backdrops that match their branding and to make it seem like we shot in multiple locations. We also needed loads of space to spread out and a place for them to have touchups, store their wardrobe, and to change their outfits quickly.
The studio was perfect for this and they even had a welcome message for us when we arrived. They have changed their setups since this shoot so it does look a bit different and won't seamlessly blend for as many brands but keep your eye out for any upcoming studio updates on their instagram.
Final Thoughts
This shoot, and the passion these clients possess, left a lasting impact on me. Working with Becky and Chelcie was not only inspiring but a reminder of why strong brand photography matters—because when done right, it becomes part of a bigger movement.
I highly encourage you to check out their work and support their fight for change in healthcare:
WEBSITE:
INSTAGRAM:
