Recently, I was accepted as a Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) Volunteer Photographer. It's a group of photographers who take portraits of very special groups of people... all at no charge. The groups that fall under the guidelines to receive free sessions and the files of the portraits (with a copyright release to them) of the foundation are:
~Pre-mature babies (usually very pre-mature... under 5 lbs)
~Babies who are born with a terminal illness
~Children and Teens on Hospice (under 18 years of age)
~Babies who have passed before, during or shortly after birth
*Foundation guidelines state a 25 week gestation or later. Most photographers (including myself) will take portraits of any baby earlier than 25 weeks who has developed fairly well.
~Mothers who would like maternity portraits after they have received the news that their babies will not survive after birth.
This is a relatively new type of photography, the foundation itself is only 4 years old. While the passed baby type of photography may seem unusual to some people, those who have lost a baby may only have those few precious memories of their little one. After my recent loss, I realized just how important this would have been to me had I been able to see my baby.
Anyone may go to the foundation website and see exactly what we do. NILMDTS
Everything that we do for these babies and their families is free of charge. Each family will also receive a CD of high-res files that they may do what they wish with. Volunteer Photographers may be contacted by individual families, or hospitals, either is fine. I will be serving the Perryville, Cape, Chester and Ste. Gen areas.
Now that the 'technical' information is out of the way, allow me to just talk about it. This foundation was introduced to me over a year ago. I debated back and forth about whether or not to apply to be a photographer for the foundation. While this is a growing charity, with more that 1,000 volunteer photographers, the foundation does stress that this is not the right thing for every photographer to do. It is very difficult for members to photograph these babies, and many photographers have had to quit the foundation because it was too emotionally difficult for them.
That is the reason that I debated for so long. I finally decided to apply at the end of 2008. I was accepted, and have been in touch with Perry County Memorial Hospital to inform them of the charity, and that it is now available in our area. The hospital itself is not contracted or advertising me in any way, simply helping to inform parents that this service is available. I will also be contacting other area hospitals. But, hospitals are not the only ones who may contact me. Anyone who knows someone who may be in need of these services may contact the studio and we will set up a time with them for whatever session they are in need of! Hospitals will have my cell phone # to contact me should a need arise at 3am (yes, that does happen to many photographers!)
If anyone has any questions about this foundation, I'm more than happy to answer questions. I feel as though I'm just rambling now, but I feel so strongly about this, that I wanted to share the basics of NILMDTS. As I said before, you may look at the website and see a large handful of babies who have been photographed. But, please be warned, you may need a kleenex, and have your children, especially younger ones, in a different room, the website is quite sad.
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