Behind the Lens: Inspiring Action through Photography 

At Operation Smile, the photographers who work with our volunteers around the globe don’t just capture images; they capture joy, humanity and resilience. Through their images, we see the true impact of our work: moments of care, courage and transformation. Each photograph tells a story of hope and dignity, honoring the patients, families and volunteers who make our work possible. 

As we celebrate World Photography day, we are honored to spotlight a few of the many photographers who help bring our mission to life. Their unique perspectives and heartfelt stories remind us of the power of photography to connect people, bridge cultures and inspire action. 

Zeke du Plessis | South Africa 

How it started: Zeke first picked up an SLR camera in 2006 during a work trip to India, where the colors, textures and human connections sparked a passion that’s lasted ever since. He joined Operation Smile in 2015, drawn in by a friend’s invitation.

His favorite photo: Zeke’s favorite photo features Nzulu, a young boy born with both a bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. The image was taken with his parents. 

“This photo emanates warmth and happiness,” Zeke explains. “It shows the love and dedication of Nzulu’s parents.” 

What photography means to him: “Photography is a powerful tool,” he says. “It can do immense good. A photo can start movements or change history in ways that words sometimes cannot. I particularly love portraiture — capturing that eye contact that reveals the soul.” 

What he has learned from Operation Smile: “I’ve learned how people with a selfless attitude and shared purpose can achieve great things.” 

Manuela Emmer | Global Citizen 

How it started: “I began working with Operation Smile in 2017 during a surgical program in Amman, Jordan. I got involved after a chance encounter at a coffee morning in Abu Dhabi.” 

Her favorite photo: An image captured during an American Heart Association training. “My goal has always been to capture emotions,” she shares. “This photo reminds me why I’m exactly where I’m meant to be — using my photography to spread awareness and evoke feelings.” 

What photography means to her: “I see photography as a way to capture raw human connections that go beyond language,” says the photographer who grew up as a second-generation child of immigrant parents and living across Asia and the Middle East. “On surgical programs, I’m often the link between worried parents in the waiting room and children in the operating room, capturing relief and joy that last for years.” 

What she has learned from Operation Smile: “When people from completely different walks of life and with different skill sets come together and put aside their own needs for the greater good, the impact can be really powerful — in a surprising way.”

Carlos Rueda | Guatemala 

How it started: “I’ve volunteered for 15 years and photographed with Operation Smile for 10. I was invited in 2011 to take patient photos and never looked back.” 

His favorite photo: His photo that shows the connection between Zoe, a young patient from Honduras, and her father. 

“On surgery day, Zoe was scared. Just looking at her dad calmed her and brought back her smile,” he recalls. 

What photography means to him: “My passion for photography started when I was a child. In my family, there was always a special appreciation for photography; it was always part of my life.  

What he has learned from Operation Smile: “Photography is a faithful witness to events,” he says. “It’s not about a ‘beautiful’ photo, but images that carry strong emotions. That’s what we do at Operation Smile.” 

Osvaldo Godina | Mexico

How it started: “I’ve been a volunteer for 10 years, joining over 30 surgical programs. My first was in 2015 in Monterrey, where I was invited to discover the magic behind Operation Smile.” 

His favorite photo: An image that shows a Tsotsil mother holding her child after traveling over seven hours to a surgical program in San Cristóbal de las Casas. 

“We didn’t speak the same language, but her gestures, gaze and the way she held her baby told a story of love, sacrifice and faith,” he says. “This photo reminds me how images can transcend language and culture.” 

What photography means to him: For him, photography is a craft that requires responsibility and empathy. 

“It’s not just about taking a picture; it’s about becoming part of the moment, feeling what they feel. Each image connects emotionally with viewers and honors the struggle, hope and transformation.” 

What he has learned from Operation Smile: “Telling a true story requires empathy and respect. The people I have photographed have taught me that human strength is found in the details  — a look, a hand holding another, a smile after years of waiting. I have also realized that surgery not only transforms the life of the patient, but also that of their family, their community and everyone around them.” 

Marc Ascher | United States 

How it started: “I’ve worked with Operation Smile for 26 years. It started when I was a photo editor covering a local surgeon’s work in Kenya. The following year, I joined as a photographer on a surgical program in Brazil.” 

His favorite photo: “Seven months prior, Thanh had no friends. On arrival at his home in Vietnam, we were greeted by the whole neighborhood. I took him to the side of the hut for photos; the crowd caught up to us. We asked Thanh who was his best friend, the crowd went wild, [and] soon a little girl emerged. His best friend was also his girlfriend.” 

What photography means to him: “Photography is evidence that something happened — a ‘wink into permanence,’ as it’s been called,” he reflects. 

What he has learned from Operation Smile: “Volunteers come from all over the world on their own time, bringing heart, compassion and skill. Families often don’t realize the depth of experience behind the care their child receives.” 

Every photo tells a story — of our dedicated volunteers and brave patients. Through our work, we bring care closer to home for children and families who need it most.