It is still amazing to me that I have the privilege of waking up every morning with the opportunity to earn a living doing something that I enjoy so immensely. I find it incredible that I get to share in some of the most important moments of so many people’s lives. I’m there to see the tears shed, as a groom sees his beautiful bride for the first time. I see the pride on the faces of young men, and women as they take their first steps as Seniors. Then there’s the amazing beauty that flushes the face of an expecting mother, as well as the strong arms of a father as he gently cradles his newborn in his arms. There is rarely a wedding that you won’t find me wiping the tears away along with other family, and friends, as a father dances with his newly married daughter.
The moments that we share with our clients leave undeniable footprints on our lives. Each moment is as special and unique as each of our clients. This is the reason we feel so compelled to pray for each of our couples before each wedding. The work that we do is not just to take photographs, or sell prints….it’s to hopefully, touch the lives of our clients in some small, and memorable way.
Lana and I have certain causes that we feel very strongly about, both personally, and professionally. It is both of our desire to give back in an even greater way than we have been blessed. What worth is our gift if we only use it as a means of earning a living. One local cause that we strive to make ourselves available for is the local Pregnancy Help Center. We have had the pleasure of photographing several events for the Center, and we look forward to continuing to work with this incredible group of volunteers.
Recently, at a seminar in Richmond, Lana, and I came face to face with a foundation that we had already discussed on several occasions. This foundation, as well as one similar to it, and whether to be a part of it, had actually been a part of my prayers for well over two years now. Well, the answer to that question became abundantly clear back in May, as we sat watching a video of how the foundation got its start.
The “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” Foundation, is a non-profit organization that links families facing the most tragic moments in their lives, with a photographer that will compassionately, and respectfully, capture the precious moments before, and following the death of a child.
At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.
The moments that we share with our clients leave undeniable footprints on our lives. Each moment is as special and unique as each of our clients. This is the reason we feel so compelled to pray for each of our couples before each wedding. The work that we do is not just to take photographs, or sell prints….it’s to hopefully, touch the lives of our clients in some small, and memorable way.
Lana and I have certain causes that we feel very strongly about, both personally, and professionally. It is both of our desire to give back in an even greater way than we have been blessed. What worth is our gift if we only use it as a means of earning a living. One local cause that we strive to make ourselves available for is the local Pregnancy Help Center. We have had the pleasure of photographing several events for the Center, and we look forward to continuing to work with this incredible group of volunteers.
Recently, at a seminar in Richmond, Lana, and I came face to face with a foundation that we had already discussed on several occasions. This foundation, as well as one similar to it, and whether to be a part of it, had actually been a part of my prayers for well over two years now. Well, the answer to that question became abundantly clear back in May, as we sat watching a video of how the foundation got its start.
The “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” Foundation, is a non-profit organization that links families facing the most tragic moments in their lives, with a photographer that will compassionately, and respectfully, capture the precious moments before, and following the death of a child.
At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.
You can now see why the decision to be a part this network was such an agonizing one. I honestly don’t know how we will handle being in the presence of such sorrow, and grief. All that I do know is that this is absolutely a cause that I must be a part of. Just as every wedding, every Senior, and every family leaves and unmistakable footprint on our lives……..these children, these infants, will no doubt leave us forever changed.
To find our more information about NILMDTS, or to see how you could support the foundation, please visit http://nowilaymedowntosleep.org.
