NILMDTS Volunteer | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
My Journey as a Raleigh Newborn Photographer and Affiliated Photographer with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
I believe in the power of photography to freeze precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime; this is what draws clients to me for their newborn photography session. Having said that, I recently furthered my investment in photographing some very special families by becoming an Affiliated Photographer with *Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep* (NILMDTS), a nonprofit organization whose mission holds deep meaning and significance for families with unimaginable loss.
Today, I want to share with you what this organization does, why its work is so important, and how being a part of it has impacted me as a photographer and as a human being.
What is Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep?
Founded in 2005, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep provides remembrance photography to families facing the loss of a baby. This free service offers families beautiful, professional portraits of their child—capturing love, connection, and tender goodbyes. These photographs become an invaluable source of comfort and healing, allowing families to honor their baby's life and create lasting memories during a heartbreaking time.
The organization connects volunteer professional photographers with hospitals and families in need across the world. These photographers use their skills and sensitivity to ensure that families have something tangible to hold onto, a gift that helps them on their journey through grief and remembrance.
Important Work
The pain from the loss of a baby is quite inexpressible, and for many parents, the time they have with a child is heartbreakingly short. Often, families do not even think about documenting such a time. NILMDTS steps in to give families a lasting reminder of their baby's existence, a confirmation that their child was here, loved, and cherished.
These photos are not just pictures, but treasures that comfort, validate grief and remember the baby in ways words often cannot. To many families, these photographs become part of their vital healing.
Why I Chose to Get Involved
As a photographer who specializes in newborn photography, I've witnessed the joy and love surrounding a new life. But I also understand that not every journey unfolds as we hope. My work with NILMDTS is one way to use my skills to serve families during one of the most difficult times imaginable.
The decision to become an Affiliated Photographer wasn't one I came to lightly. It requires not only technical expertise but also compassion and the ability to provide comfort to grieving families. Knowing I can offer a gift of immeasurable value and tangible memories of their child gives profound meaning to my work.
My Role as an Affiliated Photographer
It is much more than just photography when I am called to a NILMDTS session. I provide a peaceful, gentle atmosphere where parents can feel at ease. I handle every detail with care, knowing the portraits will capture the love between these parents and their child.
It serves as a daily reminder for me of how photography has the power to preserve legacies, tell stories, and provide solace. This work has given me a new appreciation for my craft and the trust families instill in me.
How You Can Support This Work
Organizations like Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep would not be able to continue their mission without community support. Here's how you can help:
Spread the Word: Inform others about NILMDTS so families who need this service will know.
Volunteer or Donate: Whether you're a photographer or just someone with a heart for this mission, NILMDTS is grateful for volunteers and donations to keep this service operating.
Offer Compassion: If someone you know loses a baby, be a listening ear, be supportive, and respect his or her pain.
A Final Note
Being part of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is one of the most meaningful parts of my job. I find it an important privilege to be able to provide something that helps families navigate loss while preserving the memory of their precious child.
Please feel free to ask any questions or request further information in regards to my work as a Raleigh Newborn Photographer or involvement with NILMDTS. Thank you for taking the time to let me share this journey with you.
Bernice Isley
Mess of a Dreamer Photography | Raleigh Newborn Photographer
