This year, we’ve joined a select group of photographers from around the world by making the commitment to join Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. We are part of a network of 7,000 photographers who offer our services free of charge to families who have experienced the loss of their baby. In the midst of grief, loss, and confusion, we collectively seek to provide families with a sensitive and private portrait session with their child, providing heirloom quality photos to honor their baby’s legacy. These portrait sessions are intense and emotional, but we are humbled by the opportunity to ban together with colleagues to help these families heal.
As part of my commitment to Now I Law Me Down To Sleep, we participate in an annual event to raise much needed funds to keep this all-volunteer organization operating. The event, International Charity Model Search Contest allows photographers to enter fabulous family portraits. The winner is chosen based on the number of votes received, and each vote is $1. Last year, over $10,000 dollars were raised through this effort, by doing what we lovetaking gorgeous portraits of families.
Testimonials
Working with Portrait Playtime was the perfect fundraiser for our La Leche Leauge group! We hosted the locations for the photo shoots, spread the word to fill up the schedule, and they did everything else. Not only did we raise money for our group, but everyone who participated was delighted with the photos that were taken. The portrait of my family captures each personality perfectly.
— Jenn GriffithMy children are far apart in age—our son is 17 and our daughter is 9—and I worried it would not be possible to get intimate, loving photos of them together. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Jessica engaged my children with each other and with her. The photos exceeded my expectations. Visitors to our home almost always ask who the photographer was.
— Marianne V.Jessica and through her, Portrait Playtime made some beautiful portraits of our family. We were especially happy with Jessica's ability to get everyone to relax and "act" natural. My in-laws are in their 90s and it is not easy to get them to loosen up, but Jessica did, and the pictures are a tribute to her abilities as a photographer. Thanks Portrait Playtime!
— Nancy S.Working with Jessica on my headshots was a delight -- she was diligent, creative, enthusiastic and playful, and the whole process was fun. The photos were great and my publisher is thrilled!
— Benjamin R.Doing a fundraiser with Jessica was easy, and enjoyable. I loved watching her interact with babies, children and adults to create great portraits.
— Marianne V.Jessica and Rebekah wen’t above and beyond based upon our families unique situation; my husband is leaving next week for a 6 month deployment. Because of the special bond between these ladies and our family they expedited the photo process so that my husband will be able to see them before he leaves. On the surface this may appear to be more than a kind gesture, but for me, this has allowed my family to enjoy the beautiful photos together.The professionalism, humor and care that we experienced with Jessica and Rebecka will be something that we will take with us for the rest of our lives. These ladies have truly given my family a reason to smile at such a difficult time in our lives. Thanks so much Playtime Portraits!
— Paris T.Your photographs are brilliant. Looking at them, you immediately know that our campers are interested, active, challenged and engaged. If you look at the pictures on any other camp web site, you see only posed pictures of smiling campers with their arms around each others' shoulders.
— Shane MishkinOur session with Portrait Playtime was so much fun that I almost forgot we were there to take pictures. Jessica really captured my children’s personalities and our family dynamic in the images. I am very happy with our pictures and I know we will enjoy them for years to come.
— Maggie T.Simply awesome. Thanks for a job well done.
— Wilfred C.Thank you!! So excited...we just had our La Leche League meeting on Tuesday and the pictures were an absolute hit. Everyone was in awe of the beauty you captured.
— Rene K.Jessica captured the spirit and personality of each of my 3 boys, she was patient calm and sweet and the photographs are treasures for our family
— Alisa H.Jessica knew how to engage the boys so that the photo session was very easy. The pictures are beautiful and we will treasure them forever.
— Kristin H.Working with Jessica was 100% enjoyable—from the photo shoot to the final product. The magnificent shoots captured the true essence of my daughter's personality. I love my pictures!!
— Lori B.My daughter's picture softens the room and everyone who can't help but to stare at it.
— Lizette A.What I love about my photos is that Jessica completely captured the essence of my two children at different stages and ages. Their quirks, their expressions and their personalities. When I look at our family photos I feel like I've entered a little time capsule where I can experience memories that I may have otherwise have forgotten. Thank you Jessica, what a treasure!
— Michelle W.Tweets
- RT @discoverywoods: RT @VAStateParks: Excellent ideas! “@balmeras: #playoutdoors 7 Ideas for Outdoor Winter Play http://t.co/rRKXpDB8”
- RT @sanborncamps: RT @GoExploreNature: RT @balmeras: Boredom is not a 4 letter word! http://t.co/yGXdsV8H #gno #parenting #gno #SanbornCamps
- At Campbell Elementary's Wetlands Benefit Concert and Silent Auction today, you can bid on a Portrait Playtime photo session!
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