NILMDTS - Pro Photographers needed!

[Art Wright]

Art Wright here, Brazos Valley Coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS)
(http://nowilaymedowntosleep.org/), a world-wide, non-profit organization of professional photographers that exists to provide bereavement photography for families that are experiencing an early infant loss. For infants of at least of 20 weeks gestation, a NILMDTS associated photographer will come to the local hospital (at the parent's bidding) and provide a sensitive, caring, timeless photo session at no cost to the family. This is not for everyone; many of these infants are born still, and require tender care and some Photoshop skills to present a proper portrait. If you feel, like I do, that this is your calling, please join us in this effort. Currently, there are over 500 NILMDTS photographers world wide. We provide a slideshow set to music of the session images, and a CD of printable images. Like I said, this photography isn't for everyone, but if you can do it, these images will be the most meaningful you ever take. The images we take of the babies mean everything to these precious families.

Here is an image of the Cofounder, Cheryl Haggard, with Baby Maddux. The image was shot by Sandy Puc' (http://www.expressionsphotos.com/home.shtml).

[brad]

GREAT cause... but I don't think I could do it... my admiration goes out to those that can.

[Digital Prophet]

If my work is acceptable then I would like to volunteer for this. Who do I get in contact with and how are the shoots arranged? Is this done immediately after the birth? Is it on location? I hate to ask dumb questions but I am serious in saying that I think I could and would contribute to this.

PM me with information please.

*** Edit ***

I should have read this better. I will contact them soon. Thanks for the information.

Prophet out.

[Art Wright]

Click on this link to the page for photographer sign up

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/...fm?PAGE_ID=161

Here is the photographer's service agreement:

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/...ID=375&EXPAND=

[Art Wright]

Originally Posted by brad

GREAT cause... but I don't think I could do it... my admiration goes out to those that can.

Brad - no shame for not being able to do this. I've only done one session and it was very hard, yet the family was SO grateful. A nurse is highly trained in the medical arts, but not necessarily a good photographer. A pro is needed for such a sensitive, one-chance shoot.

Note: this was a test shot of a very healthy six-month old girl. She's just sleeping...

[boxofrocks]

Art,

I may have met you at a workshop on color management in Dallas on June 15th at the Doubletree. Someone came around the lunch tables telling us about this.

How many times a month would you say there is a need for this in the DFW area? How does a family find out about this and get in touch with you?

Just curious.

Thanks!

[Art Wright]

There are eleven photographers in the Dallas area, and a North and South coordinator. With the large population in the DFW area, I would imagine that there are quite a few NILMDTS cases per day, city-wide. I did meet you at the color conference; it was I who was telling folks about NILMDTS. The Area Coordinator gets in touch with the hospitals and delivers brochures. It is up to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurses and/or the clergy to gently inform the family of our service. It is then the family's decision to call us or not. The Area Coordinator gets the call, and if he/she can shoot it, they do. If not, the Area Coordinator calls one of the affiliated photographers in that area, until a photographer is found.

[mcphotography]

I am a volunteer with another organization that does the same thing - American Child Photographers Charity Guild - and it's not an easy task but it's very rewarding when you consider what you are able to give to the family in the most difficult times of their lives. It's one of those things where you don't do it often - I could not do it every week - but each time you do it someone is blessed by your work and you feel blessed to be able to give that gift to the family.

[Art Wright]

That's awesome, Donnie!

[ndsimm]

To those of you that can do this, my hat is off to you for your creativity, sensitivity, and strength....have lost two children in this manner, it would be too hard, but the pictures really do mean something...

[Art Wright]

Nathan, we also produce slideshows of parent's images of children that were born prior to NILMDTS...

[mcphotography]

Originally Posted by Art Wright

That's awesome, Donnie!

thanks Art but my reasons for giving are personal, I almost lost my son during childbirth and came close to losing my wife, but we made it and now he's almost my size - when i saw the opportunity, i just felt that it was something i should do - i'm just glad to be able to give what i can when i can, and it makes me appreciate more how blessed i am to still have my family

[mcphotography]

a great story just ran on fox morning news on NILMDTS - congrats on the coverage

[Art Wright]

Someone from our organization will stream it on our website; thanks for the update (I miss Dallas!).

[simon]

I would do this if I were a more experienced photographer. I think it is a very good idea.