CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

mremery Loc: From Maine, living in Virginia

It is so hard to write this, I can't imagine being a part of that for so many families. There is a tremendous amount of strength in the photographers recording this and preparing the discs provided to the families losing a loved one.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention and sharing it with us.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

This is a huge opportunity to serve - I know, I've done it. But you've got to have a strong constitution!

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

Thanks, Captain - I get so wrapped up in making images, sometimes I forget, the emotion stirred up in the viewer is the true meaning and value of art.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

Having experienced the loss of a child at birth and the loss of a nephew days after birth, this is very touching as I type thru my watering eyes.

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

Cliff, you have my utmost respect for your involvement in this service. It takes a strong strong man to be able to handle this.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I know that is what people think. the reality is that this is not nearly as difficult. Sad? Sure. But we treat it as what it is...a job to do and do properly.

So the concentration on getting the posing or positioning, getting the lighting right and being sure we get the little detail images correct, far outweighs the emotion of the moment. The photographer is not there as an observer, but as someone with a task to complete. Talk to any NILMDTS photographer and they will tell you the same thing...if you are concentrating on your job, the emotional stuff has no place.

Our problem is recruiting people who have the skill to just do basic one-flash lighting (either in a small modifier or bounced) and have the capacity to do one session a month - two if we are really lucky.

Our best candidates are middle-age folks who do not have small kids at home. We have tons of applicants who are young moms. They have the desire, but family/child care issues are always a problem.

The demand for the service far outstrips our supply of available affiliate photographers and I just KNOW there are members here who can do the work. Some of our BEST photographers are NOT professionals, but just advanced amateurs with great skills and a desire to give families a gift no other skill can give.