Orvis Nursing Social Media and Photography
I took full ownership of Orvis School of Nursing’s social media presence across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. I leaned on advice from a friend who managed another college account on campus, but the direction and execution were mine. I kept the posting cadence intentional so we stayed visible without spamming followers. On Instagram in particular, I focused on information that was actually useful to nursing students, since it is the best channel for reaching that audience.
A Distinct Visual Identity
I wanted the feed to feel recognizable at a glance, so I built a look inspired by the blue, clinical lighting you see in hospital TV dramas. It is a familiar visual language that immediately signals “healthcare,” and I think that association works in nursing’s favor because the work is serious. Choosing a more cinematic, restrained style felt a bit risky compared to the typical smiling, posed content I saw on other nursing school pages, but that was the point. People are tired of safe visuals.
To make the grid feel intentional, I designed each post using a consistent boxed layout. That “frame” acts like a system, not a one-off template, so when posts sit next to each other on Instagram, they visually connect and read as one unified body of work. It helps the account look curated and official instead of random, and it makes Orvis posts instantly recognizable even when you are scrolling past content from clubs and student groups using the Orvis name. Even the cream accent color was intentional, it nods to the warm neutrals you see in real hospital interiors. I also wrote the caption copy myself. I wanted it to feel genuine, while still matching the university voice, upbeat, clear, and never pretentious.
Photography for Orvis Events and Student Life
It was my job to photograph every Orvis event and lab day, plus help out on a professional shoot at Renown. My goal was to capture as many candid moments as possible because they feel real. That authenticity mattered to me, especially after seeing how many competing nursing school pages rely on stiff, posed photos.
Photography also pushed my technical skills fast. Lighting was often unpredictable, so I shot manual regularly, and my experience shooting film helped a lot when I had to make quick decisions without perfect conditions. The stage lighting during the Honor Pledge and Commencement was especially challenging, and it forced me to get comfortable exposing and focusing under pressure while still delivering clean, consistent images that matched the serious, candid look I was going for.
It was more social than I expected too. I had to work a room, approach people, and give quick direction when needed, while still staying low-profile so I did not disrupt classes or the flow of events.
