PDA

View Full Version : Our first sesson



Steve Vento
05-04-2007, 01:52 PM
Last year we met with the Chaplin at our local hospital to discuss NILMDTS service that we wanted to offer. That was seven months ago and just about the time I had given up on them they called last night. Oh oh, now I had to face the inventible. I called my associate Marie, to lend a helping hand and support.
The Chaplin and staff could not have been more helpful. I asked few questions of the Chaplin mainly to help us get a feel for what was ahead. As we trudged through the halls of the hospital with our trappings of gear everyone looked at us rather quizzical, what could we be up to, a hospital is not a place you would normally see soft boxes, light stands and camera gear rolling down the cold and lonely hall ways. As we approached the family’s room I made a gesture to Marie to smile. We found the room with a small hand made sign taped to the door in the shape of a tear drop. As we entered the room we found a small family sitting there with what you’d expect, looking very sad.
We realized that the young mother was holding her tiny baby in a swaddling blanket looking a bit lost in what was supposed to be a happy time for her.
As I set about the routine of setting up camera gear, lights and testing for exposure, Marie had set about to get the baby in its bassinet. I started taking pictures as the Grandmother and Marie kept adjusting the clothes and posing the infant. We took some extra images of the flowers and some of the baby’s clothes neatly folded in a satin box along with a certificate with the babies name on it. When we felt we had done what we could we packed up and left. It was a long walk back to the car chatting a little about how it went.
On the way home I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few dinner items and as I walked thru the store isles, I saw a young mother holding her new born baby and I though to my self, not everyone in this world was very happy right now.

Kirk Kief
05-04-2007, 02:13 PM
Steve,
The first couple sessions you do will always be the toughest. However, no matter how tough they are, always remember that you are giving these families their Angels, forever, and that is the greatest thing that we, as photographers, can ever give to a grieving family.

Steve Vento
05-04-2007, 02:43 PM
Thanks for your kind words. In case no one told you, you are doing a great job yourself.

calvin's mother
05-04-2007, 03:25 PM
If it wasn't for Cheryl, Sandy and all of you photograpers...we would not have what we have today..Comfort...in knowing that I can always picture my Calvin's little nose,his eye,his lips..and the peaceful look on my face while craddling my son in my arms...Bless you all for your talent and self-lessness..

linda
05-04-2007, 06:11 PM
Thank you so much for sharing - a friend at work is a photographer on the side and I have shared so much with her about the site and how she could be a part of such a wonderful thing. But what I can't share is your (the photographers) side of the story. She is so scared she'll cry or not be able to be strong for the family. She is going to view the site tonight. Now I can tell her to view this thread, that other photographers feel the same way she does! Thanks for sharing!!!

Kirk Kief
05-04-2007, 06:16 PM
Linda, Trust me when I see that we all cry on some of these sessions. It is okay, we can not be expected to be the pillar of strength at these sessions. We are all human, and it is expected fr us to show our emotions, as well. Tell her it is okay.

Steve Vento
05-04-2007, 06:19 PM
Tell you friend crying is normal and its OK. I did. Have her take an assistant along for support, its a big help.
"Praising what is lost, makes the remermbrace dear" (Shakespeare)

marylouise
05-04-2007, 06:48 PM
Linda,Tell your friend it's OK too cry. I had 5 session with 8 babies in 14 days. I cried for all of them. But really lost it with the last. She was 33 weeks, they didn't know why she died, she was perfect looking. I cried all the way home & called my daughter to go hug my newborn granddaughter. That helped but also made it harded to know that Faith's gramdmas would only have the photos I took. It's only a small part, but I know the family will cherish the photos. Tell your friend it's one of the greatest things she can do with her talent.
Hugs

linda
05-04-2007, 07:31 PM
Love that Shakespeare QUOTE, ok that one got me! ((Tears))

I will share this...I know she'll read this too! Thanks for all you do, we are so blessed because of it and although we only have our pictures the truth is if we didn't we couldn't look at their tiny toes or tiny nose! We are forever greatful for what we do have in these photos!!

Mike Dolny
05-07-2007, 12:30 AM
As a parent of an angel, I'd like to say in advance for all of your families, "Thank You so much!!" The work you have done and are going to do is such a gift. The photographer we had was a rock. I forgot he was there, but when I noticed him standing off to the side of the room, I approached him and said "You're handling this pretty good." He paused, looked at my wife and daughter and said "I have three daughters at home." His voice cracked. I don't know how he held it together. But I'll tell you this, if he did break down and cry, it in no way would have detracted from the gift he was giving us.
Good luck, and God bless.