Canon Explorer of Light Inspires Patients at Rady Children's Hospital

Atiba Jefferson leads photography workshop and contest for young creatives

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:34pm

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An extreme macro photograph of a Canon camera lens and sensor, capturing the intricate textures and reflections of the high-end imaging technology in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the power of photography to inspire and transform.Canon's cutting-edge imaging technology empowers young patients to explore their creativity and share their unique perspectives with the world.San Diego Today

Canon Explorer of Light Atiba Jefferson visited Rady Children's Hospital in Orange County, California to work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and provide patients with a hands-on photography workshop and contest. Jefferson served as a guest judge for a 'Photos in Motion' contest, where young patients captured creative frames using Canon cameras, and then led a live photoshoot teaching them his professional skateboard photography techniques.

Why it matters

The partnership between Canon and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation aims to inspire creativity, build confidence, and give pediatric patients an outlet for self-expression during their hospital stays. By providing access to professional photography equipment and mentorship from a renowned Canon Explorer of Light, the program empowers young patients to explore their artistic talents and share their unique perspectives with the world.

The details

Prior to Jefferson's visit, patients at Rady Children's were tasked with capturing a single frame that embodied the theme of 'the essence of action' using Canon cameras provided by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. The winning photographer received a Canon swag bag with creator essentials, including a Canon SELPHY QX20 photo printer. Jefferson then led a live closed-set photoshoot, showing the kids his professional process for freezing action, before letting them try their hand at skateboard photography with his guidance.

  • In 2024, Canon began providing digital imaging technology to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
  • Last year, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation produced 8,406 hours of live programming and worked with patients to create 265 original shows, reaching over 3 million patients and family members.
  • The 'Photos in Motion' contest and Atiba Jefferson's visit to Rady Children's Hospital took place in April 2026.

The players

Atiba Jefferson

A well-known Canon Explorer of Light who served as a guest judge for the 'Photos in Motion' contest and led a photography workshop for patients at Rady Children's Hospital.

Ryan Seacrest Foundation

A nonprofit organization that brings interactive media studios to pediatric hospitals and healthcare centers, providing kids battling serious illnesses with an outlet for creativity and self-expression.

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The American subsidiary of the Japanese imaging and optical products company, which has provided digital imaging technology to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation since 2024 as part of their partnership focused on inspiring and transforming through the power of imaging.

Rady Children's Health

A pediatric healthcare system in Orange County, California that hosts a Seacrest Studio where patients can explore their creativity through various media production activities.

Kathryn Burton

The Director of Patient & Family Experience and Child Life at Rady Children's Health, who expressed gratitude for Canon and Atiba Jefferson's contributions to empowering the young patients.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing the creativity and the unique perspectives these kids brought to the theme of 'Photos in Motion' was incredible. Photography is all about capturing a moment in time that will never happen again and today was full of those moments, these kids truly inspired me.”

— Atiba Jefferson, Canon Explorer of Light

“Our partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation is rooted in the belief that imaging has the power to inspire and transform. Seeing these resilient young creators, mentored by Atiba Jefferson and using Canon technology to capture their unique perspectives, is truly moving. We are honored to provide the tools that help these patients explore their creativity, build confidence, and share their stories with the world.”

— Sammy Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

“We are incredibly grateful to Canon and Atiba Jefferson for bringing such energy, creativity, and inspiration to our patients. At Seacrest Studios, our mission is to give kids a space where they can express themselves, explore their creativity, and simply be kids. Watching our patients step behind the camera, learning from a world-class photographer, and seeing their ideas come to life was truly powerful. Experiences like this bring joy, build confidence, and create lasting memories for our children and families.”

— Kathryn Burton, Director of Patient & Family Experience and Child Life at Rady Children's Health

What’s next

Canon and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation plan to continue their partnership, bringing more photography workshops and creative opportunities to pediatric patients at hospitals across the country.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates the powerful impact that photography and mentorship can have on young people facing serious health challenges. By empowering them to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives, the program helps build confidence, foster joy, and create lasting memories for the patients and their families.