Behind the Lens: Capturing the Personality of Grinn Dental Hygiene – An Interview with Taeva Wiffen

In the heart of Calgary, Grinn Dental Hygiene is setting a new standard in dental care. To showcase their welcoming environment and the talented team behind the smiles, we sat down with Taeva who recently completed a photoshoot for Grinn. The session focused on creating updated headshots, team photos, and illustrating the positives of booking with Grinn. Through action shots, behind-the-scenes captures, and a keen focus on personality, this shoot was all about making Grinn’s professionalism and warmth shine through

Q: Can you tell us a little about this shoot? What was the main goal?

The Grinn Dental Hygiene shoot was all about showing the human side of dental care. When people think of dentists or dental appointments, they often imagine a clinical, perhaps even intimidating, environment. Grinn wanted to change that perception by showcasing their team as approachable and friendly while highlighting the ease and positivity of booking with them.

We needed to capture updated headshots and team photos of their staff, but the shoot also had a broader focus. We wanted to give potential clients a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to visit Grinn. So, we staged a series of photos to walk people through an appointment—showing everything from consultations to cleanings. The goal was to make Grinn Dental Hygiene seem like a place where people feel comfortable, supported, and valued as patients.

Q: How many people did you need to accommodate during the shoot?

We worked with six people in total—three employees and three models. The models helped us bring to life the step-by-step process of an appointment, giving the images a more dynamic and relatable feel. By incorporating both the staff and the models, we were able to show genuine interaction, which adds a personal touch to the photos.

Q: What location did you use for the shoot, and how did it enhance your photography?

We shot the entire session at the Grinn Dental Clinic in Calgary. We wanted to capture the essence of their actual working environment. The clinic had a beautiful setup, which provided a great backdrop for both the team photos and the action shots. The space itself was integral to the shoot because we wanted to give viewers an authentic glimpse into what they’d experience when they walk into Grinn. It’s one thing to take headshots in a studio, but shooting at the clinic added that extra layer of realism and connection.

Q: What were some of the memorable moments from the session?

Honestly, meeting the Grinn team for the first time was a standout moment. The staff was incredibly warm and fun to work with. One thing that really came through in the photos was their genuine personalities. We took some lighter, more playful shots that showed off the friendly atmosphere they create with their patients.

One of my favourite moments was during the behind-the-scenes shots. We wanted to capture what a real appointment would look like, and the team was so natural in their interactions with the models. There was a lot of laughter, and you could really sense the comfort level between the staff and the "patients." Those small moments of connection made the shoot feel authentic, which is exactly what we wanted to highlight.

Q: Was there a particular aspect of photography you focused on during this session?

Yes, I really focused on action and behind-the-scenes shots. Dental photography, in particular, can often look too polished or overly staged, but that wasn’t the vibe we were going for. The goal was to make the images feel natural and relatable. We wanted to capture the team in motion—working with patients, sharing a laugh, and interacting with one another in real-time.

Q: What challenges did you face during the shoot?

One of the biggest challenges was working with the clinic's darker decor. The space has a more muted, modern design, which is aesthetically pleasing in person, but it can be tricky to photograph. My goal was to ensure that the images felt bright and inviting, so I had to adjust the lighting and angles to balance the darker tones of the space with the vibrant, welcoming vibe we wanted to communicate.

Additionally, Grinn requested that we avoid showing too much of their employees' faces in certain shots, which meant I had to get creative. We wanted to respect their privacy while still capturing the energy and personality of the staff, so I used angles and framing techniques that allowed me to highlight the clinic and the interactions without focusing too much on faces.

Q: What did you learn from this particular client or industry?

Working with Grinn Dental Hygiene really reinforced the importance of showcasing the personalities of employees in industries like dental care. People often have some level of apprehension about going to the dentist, and showing the friendly, approachable side of the staff can really help ease that anxiety. Whether it's a dental clinic, a corporate business, or any other type of industry, people connect with people. By highlighting the team’s personalities, we were able to make the clinic feel more relatable and welcoming to potential clients.

Q: How do you think content creation like this impacts businesses?

Content creation is crucial for businesses, especially in a competitive market like dental care. When people are looking for a new dentist, they’re not just choosing a clinic—they’re choosing a place they feel comfortable and cared for. Photography plays a huge role in shaping that perception.

For Grinn, the photos will likely be used across their website, social media, and possibly even printed materials, which will allow potential clients to see the people behind the clinic. When businesses invest in high-quality content creation that highlights their unique qualities, it helps build trust with their audience. It shows that they care about their brand and, more importantly, about their clients.

Q: Lastly, what was your favorite part of working with Grinn Dental Hygiene?

My favorite part was definitely the people. The Grinn team was so much fun to work with, and their energy really made the shoot feel relaxed and enjoyable. You could tell they genuinely love what they do, and that made it easy for me to capture those moments of authenticity. Their passion for providing great dental care came through in every shot, and that’s something that’s hard to fake. Overall, it was a great experience, and I hope the photos help show just how special this clinic is.

If you're in Calgary and looking for content creation that can help showcase your business in its best light, food photography or dental photography, remember—it's all about capturing the moments that matter!