Recently, I received a call from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) asking me to photograph a family experiencing the heartbreak of stillbirth. These are always some of the most devastating circumstances in which to meet a family. There are no words that can make sense of such a profound loss, but I am continually humbled by how deeply grateful families are to have photographs preserving the brief, precious time they have with their baby.
I have not personally experienced pregnancy or infant loss, but my own journey as a mother has given me a glimpse into the fear and uncertainty that can accompany a child's medical crisis. When my son was in the NICU, we faced an uncertain future, including the possibility of very serious disabilities. During that time, I realized that the only thing more heartbreaking than the uncertainty we were experiencing was the thought of not being able to bring him home. That experience has stayed with me, and it is one of the reasons I choose to volunteer my time and photography skills in service of families facing unimaginable circumstances.
Recently, I also stepped into a volunteer leadership role as Area Coordinator for the South Denver Metro area with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. I am honored to help support an organization that provides remembrance photography to families experiencing the loss of a baby. These photographs cannot take away the pain of loss, but they can offer something tangible to hold onto—a way to honor a life, preserve memories, and remember a child who will always be part of a family's story.
One of the greatest challenges we face is finding enough volunteer photographers to respond to the families who need us. Sadly, many calls go unanswered simply because no photographer is available. If you are a professional photographer who feels called to serve families during these incredibly difficult moments, I encourage you to learn more about volunteering with NILMDTS. Your time and talent could make a lasting difference for a family when they need it most.
Learn more about volunteering at Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Sometimes, the most meaningful photographs we ever create are not about celebrating a milestone or capturing a joyful occasion. They are about honoring a life, preserving love, and offering a family something they can carry with them long after the moment has passed.
