Polish-born Jozef (Joe) Szczepanski immigrated to Melbourne in 1949. Originally employed by The Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital in Mt Eliza as a gardener and carpenter, Szczepanski had a natural talent for photography and became a prolific documenter of daily life at the hospital. From 1950 to 1971, Szczepanski held the role of Chief Photographer for the Medical Illustration Department. His sensitive and unique photographic style contributed to the hospital’s clinical purposes and added dimension to public perception of the hospital. His photographs were also used for fundraising appeals and publications.

Szczepanski was a member of the Melbourne Camera Club, where his artistic and technical talents were recognised through inclusion in exhibitions.