We are very passionate about the work we do for “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep,” which is a charitable organization of volunteer photographers who provide remembrance photography (at no cost) to families suffering the loss of a baby. The most common response we get when we try to explain this to people is, “I don’t see how you do it.” The short answer to that is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). The longer answer is, although we have not personally experienced this kind of loss, many of our friends and family have, and most of them have nothing tangible by which to remember their child. I think that adds another level to an already tragic situation.
There are still a lot of misconceptions about these images. Remembrance photography is nothing new; it began back in Victorian times. When people think of taking pictures of a baby that is dying or has recently passed on, most people don’t think these images could be beautiful, but we hope to dispel that notion.
I was very touched by what Addison’s mom said to us in an email about the photographs from their NILMDTS session:
“These photos, and especially the slide show, have been the one thing our family can look to as the bright spot in this terrible thing that has happened. In fact, [my husband's] extended family was so touched by the NILMDTS organization that, as a Christmas gift to us, they all pitched in and made a donation in Addison’s memory. But we all know that behind the organization are the selfless, caring people like you and Ken, who volunteer your time and resources to help families like mine.
I have to share with you that until we learned of the existence of the organization (48 hours after Addison’s birth, and just 15 hours after her diagnosis/prognosis), we weren’t sure if we should have our son come to the hospital to meet his baby sister, who was destined to die within days. We weren’t sure if it would be traumatizing or too weird for him. But once we learned about the organization, it was a no-brainer. There was nothing I wanted more at that moment than pictures of my two children together. And those pictures will help [him] remember his little sister as he grows up.
I wish there was more awareness of NILMDTS… The gratitude that we have for the services that you and Ken, personally, and the NILMDTS organization, as a whole, provided for our family cannot be fully expressed. Thank you again, and if there is anything we can do to help spread the word about NILMDTS please let us know.”
We want to spread the word about NILMDTS. There are thousands of photographers across the country, and now in other countries, who serve as volunteers for NILMDTS. We wish no one ever had need of this, but if they do, this should be something they know about, so please spread the word. And if you are a photographer, please consider volunteering your services as well. Feel free to contact us with questions.
Hi! I found your website from the photographer listing from the NILMDTS website for my local area. I first learned about NILMDTS earlier today from an ad in my recent issue of Rangefinder Magazine. I was at an appt and as soon as I got home I looked up the website and started researching the organization. And now I feel like I have a burning desire to become a part of it. Not sure how else to describe it other than that. I can’t stop thinking about the program, and being a part of it. The one problem I have is that I consider myself more a professional amateur than a professional photographer. I shoot with a Canon Rebel XT and my kit lenses, though sometimes I often rent lenses for shoots or events. I would LOVE to contribute my time or help in some way, but am not sure my skills are where they need to be for the organization. But I honestly cannot get the concept out of my head… the idea of giving families the memories that you all give them. That is why I started following my passion for photography after losing my job last November. I had taken photos of a coworker of mine and her 4 children. Almost 4 months after our shoot, she passed away. And I was thankful for the day I spent with her and her kids, and to have the memory of that entire day – good photos and bad photos – to share with their family. I realized then just how important capturing moments in peoples lives can be. I would love to be able to volunteer my time for NILMDTS… and I am certainly willing to keep working on my skills so that I *can* be a helpful volunteer to the organization. Your work is amazing. I loved looking thru your site.
Thank you for your time! I am going to add you on FB and save your site so I can continue to follow along and learn from some of the other photogs as well.
:) Kate H.
PS.. I call my photography company Passion to Pixels.. if you want to see some of my work, my site url is passiontopixels.smugmug.com.