Note to readers: This article contains a graphic image of a medical operation.
A close-up photo of brain surgery is certainly a reminder of Nick Brancaccio – but it was just another day at work for the retired Windsor Star news photographer.
“It was kind of unique at the time. The patient was awake,” recalled Brancaccio.
For the media to have access to an operating room at the Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital at the time, some unique measures were needed, like Brancaccio’s gown. “I had to swab all my photo equipment,” Brancaccio said.
“The main thing I think about is that I was doing a job… Our job was to bring the news to our readers and our viewers.”
The stunning picture of the operation in progress is just one of many images hand-picked by Brancaccio for his career retrospective exhibition at the Chimczuk Museum.
Opening September 14, the installation features 50 enlarged photo prints, and more in a digital slideshow.
A wide range of material is featured, with selections from Brancaccio’s 41 years as a photojournalist for the Star.
“I knew I chased a lot of scanner calls,” said Brancaccio. “Police, fire, boating disasters … though I’ve done everything well. You name it – entertainment, sports, feature, and just everyday street action.”
Attendees will see emergency responders at work: Firefighters dealing with massive flames. Police officers making an arrest. Crash victims being rescued from wrecked vehicles.
There are dynamic shots of sporting action, famous artists and entertainers, prominent politicians and beautiful scenes at community gatherings. Some of Brancaccio’s selections say he wants to keep personal attendees a surprise.
“There is no AI here. These are all real photos – photos taken here in Windsor from various events,” says Brancaccio. “There’s some tragedy there. There’s also some challenge, and there’s also great triumph.”
“It represents a lot of what I’ve taken over the years… It’s just the breadth of all the work – it’s beautiful to share.”
Craig Capacchione, exhibition coordinator with the Windsor Museum, organized the installation to include “artifacts and ephemera” from Brancaccio’s day-to-day working life: Cameras and photographic equipment, press badges, and newspaper front pages dating back to 1981.
“We got a wide spectrum of what is happening in Windsor, and I’m sure a lot of people will come in and see some images that they might recognize from their past here on the walls, ” said Capaccione.
Some parts of the installation are sure to leave an impression, and attendees will be warned about graphic images, Capaccione says.
Brancaccio’s photography exhibition, titled Windsor in Focus, is on at the Chimczuk Museum (401 Riverside Dr. West) until March 2025. The opening ceremony takes place on Saturday at 1 pm, with free admission.
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