We have an organisation in Australia called Heartfelt.
Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers from
all over Australia dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to
families which have experienced stillbirths, premature births, or have children with serious and terminal illnesses.
Heartfelt is dedicated to providing this gift in a caring and compassionate manner.
All services are free of charge.
They are amazing people doing great things and making a difference to many people's lives... they are looking to spreading across the seas into the UK and are looking for expressions of interest from photographers... even retouchers.
There was a thread on this a while back. While I think Heartfelt's motives are in the right place, I personally find the idea of photographing dead babies creepy bordering on repulsive. Especially the shots where a young living sibling is posed with the dead child.
Still, if it brings some sort of comfort to the mother to have a picture of the dead infant then I guess I'm okay with it. It just isn't my cup of tea and I'd never do it as a volunteer or as a paying gig.
i would love to do it for the families to help them with their situation, but i dont think i would be able to approach it with the professionalism that it would require. I would feel a bit creeped out, like i was intruding on personal time that would be so precious, and i'd ball my eyes out.
@sharonaddison It's only been in Australia, well this group. There is another in America but it's a different name and I can't think of it right now. Very nice of you :)
@kmrtn6 Yeah, I don't think I'd be able to either... it's something which makes me rather emotional having had too many friends and close friends go through this and the past few years in particular.
@cromwell There was mention in another thread. I remember your comments. It is each to their own. I think if you've been there it's something you feel very differently about. I've been so close to this for years now and I see the difference first hand that it makes. That said, there are some people who don't want photos too, so it's both side of the fence which feel the way you do, Crom.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Still, if it brings some sort of comfort to the mother to have a picture of the dead infant then I guess I'm okay with it. It just isn't my cup of tea and I'd never do it as a volunteer or as a paying gig.
@kmrtn6 Yeah, I don't think I'd be able to either... it's something which makes me rather emotional having had too many friends and close friends go through this and the past few years in particular.
@cromwell There was mention in another thread. I remember your comments. It is each to their own. I think if you've been there it's something you feel very differently about. I've been so close to this for years now and I see the difference first hand that it makes. That said, there are some people who don't want photos too, so it's both side of the fence which feel the way you do, Crom.