Our iconic photo wall greets visitors and inspires staff on the MFH campus.
Videos and the printed word are impactful storytelling tools, but an arresting photograph can forge an almost instant connection and make you want to know what comes next. It can be the difference between scrolling and seeing.
That understanding inspired the Foundation to gather iconic photographs of real Missourians and feature them in our communications and communal spaces. MFH is committed to helping people across the state have their best chance at living a healthy life. Part of that involves making sure the systems that shape our lives work for us no matter what we look like or where we live.
Our iconic photo wall greets visitors and inspires staff on the MFH campus.
Changing systems requires building relationships that lead to coalitions of people who see and value humanity in others. Our iconic photographs help put literal faces to our work and build emotional bridges that highlight how much we have in common.
What makes a photograph iconic? For us, it reflects a real moment. One person or a group, smiling or slightly solemn, braced to take on the world or wondering what’s next – each photo is a candid representation of the subject.
The people featured are not professional models – they are everyday Missourians whose lives are captured in an authentic moment.
“I was so pleasantly surprised with how many people said 'yes' to being photographed,” said Jeannie Liataud. The freelance photographer traveled across Missouri to capture photos representing people across our service area and capture the latest batch of images. “I kind of had the impression going into this, that most people would say 'no' and I’d have to be very creative to convince them.”
Just a few of the new photos of Missourians added to our collection this year
Liataud was also connected with partner organizations by our community liaisons. Teletia Atkins, Community Liaison-Southeast, was able to accompany her during a shoot in Cape Girardeau. “Just having a familiar face to that community, I think, made people really comfortable, too,” noted Liataud.
The new batch of photos will roll out across our retooled website, reports, and other communications. We’re excited to keep sharing the faces and the stories of those we serve by capturing them one moment at a time.
© 2024 Missouri Foundation for Health
