Infant Bereavement Photography
Note: This post deals with sensitive subject matter (look at the title), and I know that it may not be appropriate for some Gazette readers. Please feel free to browse elsewhere. I just didn't want to unintentionallly surprise anyone.
I'm not sure why -- because the subject matter has never directly touched me or my family -- but after only about 30 seconds on this site I had a strong sense of really needing to go somewhere else.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep ("NILMDTS") is a nonprofit organization that offers free photography services to parents experiencing the death of a baby. I had no idea that such a service existed, or that there was a demand for it.
Similar free services are provided to the parents of "desparately ill children" American Child Photographers Charity Guild.
The thing is, as difficult as it is to consider the subject matter, I can't imagine being the one doing the photography. It takes a special person, I think, to provide this kind of ministry, and that's what it is, really. And I need to start getting more comfortable with it, because I've just learned that one of my professional photography web clients is going to start offering these services in our area. I don't know if the client will be a member of the NILMDTS network, or will offer these services independently, but we'll be building a new website focused on these services.
May God grant me the sensitivity and skill to do a job worthy of the subject.
Wow. I'll pray for you. I have a few acquaintances who have these photos in their email signature and they always tear my heart and make me want to look elsewhere quickly as well. But at the same time, I know that the photos are very healing for them - so it's definitely a ministry. I'm sure God will give you the strength you need.
Posted by: beth at August 3, 2006 06:49 AMRachel, just don't tell anyone that I can be sensitive. I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation. ;-)
Beth, they put the photos in their signature? Hmm. I don't know how I feel about that, although it's not my place to judge how people deal with their personal loss and the attendant grief. It does raise a rather interesting question about the implications of making that grief so public.
Posted by: Eric at August 3, 2006 09:04 AMI'll join Rachel in the sensitivity chorus...I believe you will do a great job in this new endeavor, with God's help.
Posted by: Gwynne at August 3, 2006 09:44 AMThose are beautiful and heartbreaking photos. I believe, Eric, that if God put this in your lap He trusts you and will give you what you need to do this right-both strength and sensitivity.
Posted by: Jennifer at August 4, 2006 07:11 AMWhat a heart-breaking site. I wept and wept, especially seeing the two rings on the toes; I didn't know if I was going to stop. I don't know why that image in particular resonated so intimately.
My first thought on reading the title was that this was some type of scam by preying upon the grief of a man and woman in perhaps the worst time of their lives together. Upon reading about the services they actually provide, however, it's clearly anything but a scam. In fact, it's apparently quite healing.
May God strengthen and bless you in this.
Posted by: Jack at August 7, 2006 12:33 AM
I am sure (without a doubt) that you will have the sensitivity needed to take undertake a project of this nature. I have seen some of the comments you've made to people in pain and seen the sensitive person behind it. (should I add in a manly way? hehe)
Posted by: Rachel at August 2, 2006 09:19 PM