Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

09/15/2007 10:04:51 PM · #1

Earlier this week I mentioned this organization in this thread.

What I failed to mention at the time was that a reporter from the Rocky Mountain News would be following me through the evening for a front page article. A day earlier I had volunteered to photograph little Cheznie before and after life support was removed. This baby was beautiful, tiny and very fragile. Her parents, both 16 were two of the most mature, loving and respectful young adults I have ever met. They would have been awesome parents had Cheznie lived. Most of the time when I do these sessions the baby has all ready passed. It was hard knowing her parents and grandparents had made the decision to remove life support as soon as I finished her photos. I admit to taking a bit longer than needed to give everyone some extra time. It was even harder waiting for her to pass away so we could continue taking photos.

You can read the full article here Rocky Mountain News While I an thrilled to have a photo with my name underneath it on the front page of todays paper, I wish it was for happier reasons.

The reason I am posting this is to encourage others to think about offering your services to the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization. Most of us fill the need when we can but many requests go unanswered due to the lack of volunteer photographers. Yes, it can be a hard thing to do. But it is such a gift for these families and the reward to you can't be measured.

Please think it over - Debi
Now I lay Me Down To Sleep

sherpet

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

09/15/2007 10:27:54 PM · #2

So SAD, yet so BEAUTIFUL
So REAL, and also so SPECIAL,
LOVE is everywhere, LOVE is truth, Love is also MEMORIES.

What a wondertful organisation, and you are one very special person to give your time and your talant to this organisation.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

RayEthier

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

09/15/2007 11:28:47 PM · #3

I truly admire you for undertaking what is a truly difficult task.

Having watched a son die, I know only full well that I could never embark on such a trek, as I still bear the emotional scars from a time long past.

It is indeed gratifying to see that there are truly selfless people like yourself who undertake truly altruistic missions such as this one.

Ray

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/16/2007 12:21:20 AM · #4

I hope not to belittle the tenderness of the moment by asking a technical question, but ... what were you using for lighting? I mean, did you take anything special in with you, or do you just use the lights that are already there?

Love the B&W toning. Superb photography all around. I'm sure they will appreciate your work on many levels.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/16/2007 12:30:06 AM · #5

David, NILMDTS is promoted hugely in my area. Before they let you go shoot alone, someone instructs you about what you should expect, what to shoot and how to shoot in that space. You use your flash/flashes as you feel comfortable, but you work within the space of the parents and hospital without intruding any more than necessary. I would so love to participate because I feel strongly about the organization. However, every image I see breaks me to tears and I cannot imagine myself finishing a session with any images at all once I meet those parents.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/16/2007 01:29:02 AM · #6

Deb,

I have thought about volunteering for this, but the site places such a huge emphasis on being reachable by telephone, and of course I can't use one. I can only be reached by e-mail, being deaf. You think they'd still be interested in me?

R.

ericwoo

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

09/16/2007 03:51:02 AM · #7

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

.

I'm sure they'd still be interested, especially with your skill level, Robert. The shoots are often last minute, so that is why I think the telephone issue is there. Occasionally, the group will set up the shoot the day after the child's passing down in the morgue. That happens more frequently when the child dies overnight, and no photogs are available. It is a very worthwhile organization, and I'd say submit your application to them. Every volunteer helps.

techiechick

Pentax K10D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical IF for Pentax

09/16/2007 09:20:47 AM · #8

You have a huge heart to donate your time and talent. I'm sure this is a difficult thing to do, but such a blessing to the family.

Thanks for sharing.

09/16/2007 10:52:16 AM · #9

Originally posted by dwterry:

I don't like using a flash for these sessions. If the baby is still alive it can be very startling and the last thing I want to do is stress the child or parents any more than necessary. I have a small video light that I bring with me. In this session we had a PR person from the hospital who was just standing around so I put her to work holding the light. My daughter Amanda comes with me for most sessions and she helps with the light or we sit it on the table. Before the video light we used available lighting as much as possible. I also bring in black velvet to either clip on to the curtains or hold for a background.

I know when Sandy does a session she brings in lighting and portable backgrounds and others who just show up with their cameras. We work with what we have.

09/16/2007 11:02:11 AM · #10

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Bear
Most of my contacts come through emails first and if no one steps up to fill the need our area coordinator then makes phone calls. Sometimes the hospital will contact me directly to set up a session. Usually we know somewhat in advance if a family needs us. (The mom is in labor and they know the baby has passed or they've had genetic testing to know something is wrong....)

Contact the area coordinator and tell her your situation -- I'm sure she/he would be more than willing to work with you. If you use a TTY I'd bet the hospital could contact you directly. With your talent it would be a shame not to include you!