Thursday, February 28, 2008

Precious Hands


As you may have read on TwoPeas today, I went on my first shoot last night for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. It was a tender, touching experience to be able to preserve some precious memories through photography for a family saying goodbye to their tiny baby. Here is a tender shot. To give you an idea of how small this little baby's hand was, that's his 3-year-old sister's hand next to his.


Out of respect for the family's privacy, I'm not at this point sharing any photos that show the faces of the baby and his family.

I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement that came from the Peas today. Thanks again to all of you. And again, if you've ever considered being a part of NILMDTS, I really encourage it. It touched me so deeply. It is so sad that some parents have to face the death of their infant, but it is such a privilege to provide some memories for them through photography.

That little family last night seemed so overwhelmed...and I know they will continue to feel that way for a long time to come. I only wish I could have done more for them.

33 comments:

Amy said...

So sad yet so incredible for you to capture those for them. They will treasure them forever. The picture you posted is incredible. Thank you for sharing it.

For Over 29 Years... said...

Margaret, Thank for posting this. I really wanted to see what you had captured, but didn't want to pry. You've inspired me.

Liz said...

Your account of your experience had me in tears. This is such a beautiful photo as I am sure the rest are as well. You are an incredibly generous, talented woman! I am sure that this little guys parents will be forever thankful for these precious memories you have preserved for them.

Anonymous said...

simply beautiful....you did a truely wonderful thing for that family...
cari

cherie said...

you did so much for them , you gave them a memory of thier little one that they will treasure forever.thank you so much for sharing this experience and that photo is just so moving.

Lauren Hartman said...

Oh my gosh, if this is ANY indication, you did a stunningly beautiful job with this shoot. This photo is simply amazing. I wish I had the strength to do what you did. These are photos that mean so much, and the family will treasure them forever.

Mom2Drew said...

I'll be honest...i didn't want to click on your link for what I would see.

But...such a BEAUTIFUL moment you captured. Truly emotional.

Amy said...

Wow, this is touching and what an incredibly kind thing for you to do. That photo is beautiful and makes me cry. I'm sure the family will treasure it forever.

Sharon said...

Oh wow! I can't imagine being strong enough to take photos. Good for you.

Michelle said...

such a poignant photo. one that i am sure the family will treasure for always. how wonderful that you were able to give them a memory that will last forever.

Angela2932 said...

Margaret, I was just thinking about you earlier this week, and this project. . . I'm so glad there's people like you in the world, willing to reach out and give a hand to people at such painful times. Thank you for being there for them, and for posting this.

Anonymous said...

When I read this post all I could do was cry. You did a very special shoot for this family. This one shot is so moving so perfect. I thought about this but I would be to emotional. God Bless you.

Tasha said...

Yes I cried reading your thread, then I cried at your blog. Very brave!

Jodi said...

oh that is such a precious photo. I'm sure it will mean a lot to them. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

April said...

oh my gosh. i want to cry. i'm so glad that you could go do that for them. i can't even imagine what it would be like to go through losing a brand new baby. i wish nobody had to go through that. from that picture it looks like you probably got some great shots for the family.

Kristina said...

This shot is so powerful. I don't know when I'll be brave enough to look at more...

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I think you are amazing for doing this shoot.

Becky said...

This is beautiful and heartbreaking. I hope these photos bring them some measure of comfort. Kudos to you for doing a difficult job so beautifully.

Jen said...

What a wonderful capture! What a precious gift you are providing the family! You ROCK!

Angelica said...

Awww...sniff, sniff. That is such a touching photo and you are doing something wonderful! I could not imagine loosing an infant.

Debbi said...

What a beautiful gift you have given them. I admire you greatly! This photo is so touching. I cannot believe it is a 3 year old's hand! I thought is was a parents when I first looked at it. I'm sure it is an experience that will greatly impact you as a photographer and as a person. Great job!

Tera Fraley said...

Oh my!! This gave me goosebumps! What a lovely thing for you to do. Im sure the family was so sad, but very touched to have these memories documented.

Travis said...

I think its cool that you did this. I don't think I could ever do it, I would be too scared I would mess it up and they wouldn't have another chance to get shots. Nicely done on this shot.

Travis

Chris Harrell said...

Margaret,

I'm actually in tears. That is so tender, and so amazing what you do. You are going to bless families in ways you might never fully understand, that is so special! I admire you and your work!

This photo is simply beautiful!

bprincephoto said...

Wow- that has to be so hart wrenching. Great shot. Thank you for sharing.

Jess said...

Amazing... how tiny that precious little angel was! I can only hope that one day if I get the call to do a NILMDTS session I can do as beautiful a job as you did. *hugs*

Mandy said...

Oh my word...that you did this for a family Margaret...is only an account how beautiful you are as a person. You are so incredibly gifted in photography, but also in heart. It is an hour to be part of your daily experience...and this one too.

Mandy.

mamawest777 said...

Oh, Margaret. You nailed the emotion there. Thank you for including us.

Shanna Jones said...

Oh my goodness. So tiny. Beautiful picture. I have a soft spot for preemies. Jolie was one...

Reds said...

It is so amazing that you have given your time to do this. I am sure the family will treasure the pictures you have taken.

Tori said...

i commend you so much for working with NILMDTS and doing these shoots. This is a beautiful memory that you've captured for this family.

Alicia Barry said...

I said it on the board already but you are amazing to me. This is such an amazing photo, and becasue of people like you this family will have this forever now. I know you said you wish you couuld more for them, but you have done such an incredible thing for them, you shouuld be so proud of yourself.

Ginnie said...

That is such a sweet, beautiful gift you have shared with that family. Very, very touching!

mel said...

beautiful! how touching for the family to have these photos. You've been a huge blessing for them I am sure!