Anyone volunteer with the tiny footprints project?

[Destin]

Hey all, I'm considering applying to volunteer with the tiny footprints project because it looks like a really worthwhile cause.

My nephew was born at 26 weeks and spent 3 months in the NICU, so this issue is near and dear to my heart. I know just how much parents of NICU babies struggle both emotionally and financially, and would love to help them out in their time of need.

Just wondering if anyone on here has any experience working with the foundation? How are they to deal with? Any stupid rules on photo rights or anything?

 

[Destin]

Bump. Still trying to find reviews on this non-profit.

 

[cherylynne1]

I haven't heard of that one. I know I asked about the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization (not sure if it was on this forum or another one.) That one is a little different, I think, because it deals with babies who are stillborn or soon to pass. Many who responded told me that the emotional toll is too much for many photographers to do for very long, since you have to deal with parents who are understandably devastated. Then there are others who felt it was just plain creepy (in the cases where the child passed before the photographer was able to arrive but the parents wanted some momento anyway.)

In this case, it sounds like hopefully most of the children will survive, so it's a little different. In the case of those that don't, however, I wouldn't be surprised if the parents ask if you can Photoshop out tubes and things like that. I see many Photoshop requests asking for that very thing, I actually did one of those just last week.

My brother and sister were both born early as well, at 31 and 32 weeks, which was close to the limit of the youngest that could be saved back in those days. One of my friends went into labor with her twins at 23 weeks and 6 days, but they managed to hold it off for 24 hours to give them a fighting chance. One twin survived, and the other didn't. So it's something that's near and dear to my heart as well. I just don't know that I could handle it, and the last thing anyone needs is a photographer that breaks down crying.

Anyway, if you feel you can handle it, it's a wonderful blessing for those families. I really admire the photographers that volunteer for programs like that.

 

[Destin]

I haven't heard of that one. I know I asked about the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization (not sure if it was on this forum or another one.) That one is a little different, I think, because it deals with babies who are stillborn or soon to pass. Many who responded told me that the emotional toll is too much for many photographers to do for very long, since you have to deal with parents who are understandably devastated. Then there are others who felt it was just plain creepy (in the cases where the child passed before the photographer was able to arrive but the parents wanted some momento anyway.)

In this case, it sounds like hopefully most of the children will survive, so it's a little different. In the case of those that don't, however, I wouldn't be surprised if the parents ask if you can Photoshop out tubes and things like that. I see many Photoshop requests asking for that very thing, I actually did one of those just last week.

My brother and sister were both born early as well, at 31 and 32 weeks, which was close to the limit of the youngest that could be saved back in those days. One of my friends went into labor with her twins at 23 weeks and 6 days, but they managed to hold it off for 24 hours to give them a fighting chance. One twin survived, and the other didn't. So it's something that's near and dear to my heart as well. I just don't know that I could handle it, and the last thing anyone needs is a photographer that breaks down crying.

Anyway, if you feel you can handle it, it's a wonderful blessing for those families. I really admire the photographers that volunteer for programs like that.

Being able to handle it wouldn't be a problem.. i work full time as a paramedic so I have the (gift.. or curse) of being able to handle situations like that and remain emotionally detached.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I've heard of it but not specifics. The work I did for 20 years was as an early intervention specialist with preemies and babies and toddlers with delays in development. Don't know offhand if our children's hospital has this or still does their own thing.