Article I read...

[Wykyd]

I subscribe to Photojojo and the article they sent today was astounding... thought provoking... It was about the history of photographing the dead and how that has changed over the years. Many years ago most could not afford photographers so they would only bring them in when someone died. This practice has obviously faded but there some renewed interest. So following the links in the article I came to a photojournalist journey with about 12 hospice patients - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/ga...ture=333325401. Then I followed the other link to "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" - http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/start.php. I was almost brought to tears and wish I were a strong enough person to donate my time. Anyway, I thought I'd share and get your opinions on this.

Blessings... Wykyd

[johnastovall]

It's not faded. Avedon did a photograph of his dead father. Annie Lebovitz did photos of both her dead father and lover Susan Sontag.

I did the same with my wife's death in May from cancer in a series in progress, "Cancer Ward".

[Corrie]

I did pictures for sister's and their mother who was on her death bed with colon cancer. Just that tore me up. I have to hand it to people that can do those type of photographs.

[Cajungaltx]

I'm a volunteer photographer with NILMDTS. It is an amazing, awe-inspiring thing to do... in a manner that you could not believe. I've cried at every session... you can't help it. Actually - at a recent training session in Houston, Sandy Puc stated that if you DIDN'T cry, she would worry about you. But the moment I start taking pictures, it's simply about preserving the memory of this precious little one for the parents.

It ain't easy - but there is a reward all it's own. The Houston group has a wonderful call schedule that they do. Once you've been approved, you simply sign up for a day (or 2) per month, when it's 'your day' - the phone is forwarded to you. If you don't get any calls - you still volunteered that day.

The current Area Coordinators are just phenomenal.

One thing - sort of a personal thought as it is - is that I absolutely LOVE the changes that have us taking pictures of pregnant women...and even in the case of NILMDTS... to me, it simply celebrates a life that maybe years ago would just be forgotten....except by the parents. And memories fade... so I love it.

[Stifled_1]

How do I find out more about NILMDTS?

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

I'm a volunteer photographer with NILMDTS. It is an amazing, awe-inspiring thing to do... in a manner that you could not believe. I've cried at every session... you can't help it. Actually - at a recent training session in Houston, Sandy Puc stated that if you DIDN'T cry, she would worry about you. But the moment I start taking pictures, it's simply about preserving the memory of this precious little one for the parents.

It ain't easy - but there is a reward all it's own. The Houston group has a wonderful call schedule that they do. Once you've been approved, you simply sign up for a day (or 2) per month, when it's 'your day' - the phone is forwarded to you. If you don't get any calls - you still volunteered that day.

The current Area Coordinators are just phenomenal.

One thing - sort of a personal thought as it is - is that I absolutely LOVE the changes that have us taking pictures of pregnant women...and even in the case of NILMDTS... to me, it simply celebrates a life that maybe years ago would just be forgotten....except by the parents. And memories fade... so I love it.

[my3peas]

Thanks for the link, Cheryl. very interesting!

Originally Posted by Stifled_1

How do I find out more about NILMDTS?

http://nilmdts.org/

:)

[my3peas]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

I did the same with my wife's death in May from cancer in a series in progress, "Cancer Ward".

John, this series is very emotive. I hope you are finding peace.

[Cajungaltx]

The best way is to go to their website - nilmdts.org

Please feel free to email me if you have any specific questions. If I can't answer them - I'll be happy to find out the information for you.