Client: Pompeii Surgical

Location: San Diego, California

Industry: Medical Tourism / Weight Loss Surgery

Project Type: Branding, Facility, Lifestyle, and Experience Photography

Pompeii Surgical is a trusted name in weight-loss surgery, serving an international clientele seeking high-quality medical care at accessible prices. The brand also operates a separate Recovery Spa, offering patients a holistic healing experience post-operation.

The leadership team recognized the need for a visual update that communicated the level of professionalism, care, and tranquility their patients experience, both at the clinic and the spa.

The Challenge

  • A consistent and professional visual identity for both their medical clinic and spa

  • High-quality images that matched the expectations of international patients researching online

  • Efficient coordination across multiple locations and departments without disrupting operations

  • Visual storytelling that built trust and showcased comfort, hygiene, and modernity

My Role

  • Visual strategy planning (including shoot list, examples, and moodboards)

  • Pre-production coordination with their admin and operations teams

  • Photography sessions covering both the clinic and the recovery spa

  • On-site direction to ensure minimal disruption to staff and patient flow

Strategy & Approach

1. Pre-Production & Creative Direction

  • Developed a clear shot list focused on trust-building: patient care, surgical cleanliness, and spa calmness

  • Referenced top-performing competitor visuals to align with patient expectations

  • Created a day-by-day timeline, aligning with patient schedules and staff availability

2. Multi-Site Execution

  • Captured clinic interior, patient interactions, staff portraits, and procedural setups

  • At the recovery spa, focused on ambiance: soft lighting, warm towels, peaceful settings

  • Balanced documentary-style realism with polished brand presentation

3. Post-Production

  • Color grading optimized for health and wellness (natural skin tones, clean whites, calm neutrals)

  • Delivery of multiple versions: horizontal for web banners, vertical for email/social, and print-friendly crops

Results

  • Full visual overhaul of Pompeii Surgical’s website (English and Spanish versions)

  • Improved online conversion rates and reduced pre-consultation hesitation

  • Enhanced reputation and trust signals for international patients browsing online

  • Ready-to-use assets for brochures, lead magnets, and video thumbnails

Empty operating room with surgical lamp, hospital bed, monitors, medical equipment, and supplies.
Young female nurse in white uniform holding a clipboard and pen, standing in a hospital room with two unoccupied hospital beds in the background.
Hospital room with two beds separated by a blue privacy curtain, each bed has white linens and pillows, with wall-mounted medical equipment and artwork on the white walls.
Exterior view of a modern building at dusk with a glass entrance, palm trees, and a small parking area with vehicles inside a gated garage.
Lobby of Pompeii Surgical with seating area, decorative wall designs, and a large blue Pompeii Surgical logo on glass window.
A healthcare professional, standing and smiling, talking to a seated woman in a clinic reception area with a geometric wall design and a window counter.
Hospital room with a single bed, white pillow and sheets, a gray nightstand with a vase of white flowers and a basket with towels, a patterned purple wall behind the bed, and medical equipment mounted on the wall.