I am so excited to announce the I have been chosen to be a Pictures of Hope photographer in the Kansas City area. The Pictures of Hope Foundation is a charitable organization comprised of professional photographers from all over the United States that provides an opportunity for professional photographers to give back in their community.  Members of Pictures of Hope offer complimentary, documentary-style, photography services to families with a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Why Pictures of Hope?

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.

What is provided?

Families with a child in the NICU would receive a complimentary photo session, using the available light in each room, and would receive a complimentary set of 4×6 images from the session (approx. 25).  Upon request, images could also be posted to a private online gallery to share with family and friends who are unable to visit. Sessions can take place immediately upon entering the NICU or parents may opt to wait until closer to their dismissal date. Each session is accommodated to the needs of each individual baby. There are absolutely no pre-qualifications or fees for the services provided by Pictures of Hope photographers, any family with a child in the NICU qualifies.

I hope that my involvement in Pictures of Hope will be a blessing to many families facing this trauma and that my contributions will bring them joy.