Almost a year ago, I was accepting into an organization called Pictures of Hope. Here’s what the organization is about:
Pictures of Hope is a charitable organization of professional photographers who provide complimentary, documentary-style, photography sessions to babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families. The Pictures of Hope Foundation is comprised of photographers (many of whom are “NICU mothers” themselves) from across the United States and Canada who are dedicated to donating their time to a cause they believe in, and sharing the gift of photography with families in need.
Throughout pregnancy most parents don’t anticipate the possibility of their baby needing to stay in the NICU after birth. Whatever that reason may be, time spent in the NICU is often an unexpected journey for families, a journey full of overwhelming emotions…sadness, confusion, hope, celebration, and unfortunately, at times grief. Throughout this roller coaster of emotions, many parents do not consider the importance of documenting these precious moments in their lives nor do they think about how much they will truly cherish these images years down the road. In some cases, a little extra TLC from the NICU is needed to be sure the little one gets off to the best possible start, for these families on the road to well being, photographs are a wonderful reminder of just how far their little one has come, however, photographs also play a necessary and very important role in the healing process for other families. In the most heart breaking circumstances, photos may be the only tangible keepsakes some parents have of their precious little one. All Pictures of Hope participating photographers are dedicated to providing NICU families with invaluable images you will cherish forever, captured in a sensitive and caring manner.
I thought it would be so easy to walk right into Bronson, say “I’m here to take pictures” and click away with my camera. I was so wrong and so naive. It took me months to establish a relationship with Bronson. I had meeting after meeting and had to go through their volunteer application and training process. With great reason, Bronson won’t let anyone walk into their NICU.
Little did I know, but Lori Reedy of Reedy Boutique Photography was trying to accomplish a similar goal. She wanted to create Wall of Hope. She intended to take pictures of babies in the NICU and follow up with them a year later. This picture story would be rendered up and displayed on the wall leading into the NICU.
Lori and I joined forces to establish Pictures of Hope at Bronson with the intension of providing photographs to the families in the NICU. After a year with this project, she and I will create Wall of Hope, as she visioned. All with the desire in our hearts to share our gifts and share hope those families that need it.
I have been photographing in the NICU for about 5 months now. The families are always gracious and appreciative, but I never really know how they respond to the pictures because I am never there when they see them for the first time. I wasn’t sure if I was making an impact – if the mom’s even liked the photos. Yesterday, however was a great day for me. I received a call from a mom, whose baby I photographed back in early May. She told me she cried when she saw the pictures and just wanted to thank me for taking the time to volunteer. That phone call was powerful for me. It made me feel like I was making an impact. I was capturing a moment so rare, so beautiful, so special.
Last week, I walked into a patience room and immediately recognized the mom. She was a bride who hired me to photograph her wedding last year. I’ve thought about her often, because I was my favorite wedding from last year, but I never imagined with would intersect in this way. There are days when I drag my feet, not feeling motivated to drive the short drive to Bronson. But I will think about that call. I will think about that bride. Those are the reasons I continue to give my time.
If you feel inclined to help me continue to Pictures of Hope at Bronson, make a donation to Bronson – Pictures of Hope. The money will be used to help mail the discs and print images for the families. If you are a photographer and want to give your time, please contact me at valerie@valerieott.com.
You can visit www.picturesofhopefoundation.org for more information.
