A Very Special Gift.

It's no secret that most of our photography is of good things: weddings, new babies, birthdays and the requisite pet photo, to name a few.  But what about the other photos? The ones that tell a story no one wants to tell?  Last August I was a summer camp photographer and had the privilege of meeting so many great kids, but one girl was special.  She had a brain tumor and was in the fight for her life but sadly, on April 13th, she lost the battle at the tender age of 4.  Not too long after, her mom contacted me: I would like for you to attend Ann's service and burial on Friday, and if possible captivate it with your wonderful lens.  It was definitely taking me outside of my comfort zone as I had never done something like this before, but how could I not? It was the least I could do for this wonderful family and to honor the child they had lost. 

Have you ever gone out of your comfort zone when photographing something or someone? Please, share your special stories with us...

In Loving Memory of Ann Marie Ambrosio-Cerna, June 17th, 2006 - April 13th, 2011

Comments

[Jeannine]

I'm not sure which blog/photographer to thank for this entry, so I shall just send out a blanket THANK YOU and multiple hugs! It is not often that I meet women (and men) who give so completely, so easily. And when that happens, it stops me in my tracks for its decisive aspect. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and for the oh so important reminder that NEED is everywhere, everyday. We just have to open our eyes, hearts (and often lenses) to see them.
~Jeannine Campbell

[kiersten]

My friend Leanne was getting married. It was a beach wedding in Hubbards, one of my favorite places in the world. She asked me to come take photos. She knew I would capture the essence of she and TJ....the rocker and his glammed out bride. I had just come home from out West and was recovering from the worst heartache I'd ever experienced. Seeing their love in technicolor wasn't going to be easy but I relented and was sooo glad I did. Most magical day ever, and I'm not a fan of weddings. I captured the love but in the second photo...the best of the day...I captured what their love is all about..and that made it all worth while.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/5127103105/in/set-72157625139203077/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/5127103105/in/set-72157625139203077/

[Puna]

This is so touching. I was at a funeral and asked if the widow would like photos. She thought about it for a moment and declined, saying that she wasn't strong enough to go through it again. She's a friend and my heart went out to her.

[Kizz]

A friend of mine died a week ago. I went to her home and spent time with family and friends, taking photos last week. Tomorrow I travel to our original hometown and take some more. I've captured a few funerals and memorials now and, it does take some getting used to, but I really think it's worth it. I'm glad you granted Ann Marie's mom's request.

[Kimberly]

Capturing my Uncle's funeral. It seemed strange to do, sort of intrusive. But later when I had these moments captured it was a beautiful gift for my grieving aunt.

http://kjbehavior.blogspot.com/2011/02/scenes-from-funeral.html

[Jessica Peña]

I went outside of my comfort zone this weekend and did photos for Race For The Cure. I generally do nature and travel stuff - I am very much an introvert and haven't stepped up to do photos of people before. I'm so glad I did! Not only did I get some shots I am very proud of but it was an awesome experience.

[Laine]

What a touching story. What an honor they asked you to help their family capture such a tender memory. Even though it is a painful memory, you also helped them celebrate their daughter's life and remember those who were there to comfort them and honor their daughter. Thank you for sharing.

[Shannon]

The first funeral I took pictures of was for my best friend's grandmother about four or five years ago. My friend had asked me to come not only as a friend but in a more "professional" sort of role (I am a psychic). Taking pictures for that funeral was actually such a great experience because it let me be a bit removed from all the emotion and information I pick up in those sorts of situations. Since then, I have shot four or five funerals and been asked by families to specifically come and take pictures of the day.

When I took pictures for the funeral of my grandmother, I was worried that people would think it was weird or not appropriate, but everyone was really nice and even would wait at certain parts of the ceremony for me to get a particular shot.

My latest request was in February for a very short funeral of a military veteran. I love some of the pictures I got from that day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodsroadave/sets/72157625851283930/

[Elizabeth Crocker]

As a twice bereaved parent who is also a photographer I can understand the need to have someone do this. I have heard of an organization who invites photographers to provide charity services for families in final days with a loved one. I have thought about volunteering. I think as a person who has been there my self, twice, I could give it a more personal touch, but then I fear I might get too close & too emotional. I don't know.

[Chantal]

I have indeed, but will not share the photo, for privacy reasons...

[tracy]

My husband's uncle passed away recently and we traveled out of state for the funeral. I documented the trip with my camera. Hoping to do so in a respectful way. And I blogged about it to honor my husband's uncle and his life because it mattered. I was unsure about sharing the words and the images but with my husband's blessing, I published the post:
http://thefindingofme.com/?p=586

I do think we capture life and history with our cameras. It is important to tell all of the stories. Not just the good and happy ones.

I also posted about my sister's baby girl being born 11 weeks premature. My sister allowed me to take photos and document the entire experience from the day she was admitted into the hospital, the week she was there before her daughter was born and the 2 months after. This story has a happy ending but we were not sure what would happen in the moment: http://thefindingofme.com/?p=384

It is not always comfortable, but I'm willing to document it all. Because it is real life.

Thank you for this post Shutter Sisters!

Tracy

[Jen]

I photographed my own daughter in her casket. It was the only thing I COULD do.

I photographed my family as they said goodbye to my grandfather, and it did feel odd at first, like I was getting into a space so intimate and personal with something as technical and unfeeling as a camera. But I felt the NEED to do it, to helpl me (and maybe them) remember how precious that time was.

I sometimes question this idea of photographing people in the most vulnerable of times, especially when the subject(s) are private people, prone to keeping feelings inside. I don't know whether I'm honoring their vulnerability or exploiting it.

For me, sometimes it's healing to have a camera at an otherwise "non-camera" event.

[Kiley]

My son died as a newborn, before we went home from the hospital. In his memory, I have become a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, the organization that sends volunteer photographers to hospitals to capture portraits of babies who don't ever make it home. Its the only way I know that I can turn my personal tragedy into something positive.