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SandyP


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Despair II (ARCHIVAL) (Standard Editing*)
Collection: Portfolio
Camera: Canon EOS-5D Mark III
Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Date: Dec 15, 2018
Aperture: 2.5
ISO: 800
Shutter: 1/50
Date Uploaded: Apr 26, 2022

 I went back and forth on whether or not to share this moment of what must be the deepest kind of despair this world can throw at you. My friend and my best client for years was so happy just the day before this nightmare. We texted back and forth all day about the maternity session we were planning for the following week. Which dress should she wear? Can we try this or that pose? Can you do a composite and put us in a forest.... The only emotion in the air was joyous anticipation. That very night, her husband called me sobbing at 1:00am and told me that for some unknown reason, 8 healthy months into the pregnancy, the baby died - just a few days before Christmas. They asked if I could come to the hospital and photograph the baby and capture their experience with him because they wanted to honor his place in their lives, and they never wanted to forget him. We all cried buckets the whole time they had their precious time together to say good-bye. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and the grief stayed with me for such a long time - even still I feel like crying remembering it.

The good news is, there is much joy in this momma’s life. She is the mother of the twins that won 1st place in the Symmetry challenge, and two older boys. She has been very open about sharing her story and has helped others who have gone through this.

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 40
Avg (all users): 6.7805
Avg (participants): 6.4545
Avg (non-participants): 7.1579
Views since voting: 588
Views during voting: 87
Votes: 41
Comments: 13
Favorites: 2 (view)

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AuthorThread
 05/07/2022 05:55:37 PM
incredible story. THank you.
 05/05/2022 04:46:53 PM
Thank you for sharing the story behind the photo…. Heartbreaking indeed. Hope the parents have overcome this loss.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/05/2022 12:14:51 PM
What a heartbreaking story and what an emotional image. Although non of her children will ever replace this baby, at least she has the joy of having children.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/05/2022 11:45:29 AM
Powerful image. Such a heartbreaking story.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 09:17:02 PM
Thanks for sharing, my family also had this experience. Words can not convey my gratitude for this. May peace find its way into your heart.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 08:33:36 PM
I can't imagine taking this photo... You are a strong woman Sandy, and a true photographer.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 05:04:50 PM
Congrats
This image makes me cry. I can't believe such a sad thing could happen and I am sure it does. It devastates me to image this life that will never be and the soul of this poor woman to bare such a loss. :'(
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 01:42:28 PM
I can feel the emotion. Thank you for sharing the photo and the story.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 10:32:44 AM
Originally posted by Lydia:
I almost can't look at this image, Sandy.
I hope they have (or have had) another baby since then.


I totally understand, Lydia. That’s why I hesitated to share it. But my friend has been very open about sharing her story. She’s been a big help for others having gone through this.

The good news is… yes… she has other children. She is the mother of the twins that won a blue ribbon in the Symmetry challenge.
 05/04/2022 10:19:08 AM
I almost can't look at this image, Sandy.

I appreciate you sharing it and the story, but it just hits me too hard.

It's perfect for the challenge.

I hope they have (or have had) another baby since then.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 12:49:12 AM
Heart-breaking, Sandy. Just reading the story brings tears to the eyes. It was very brave of you to do this photo shoot. The ribbon is well deserved. (Should have been blue.)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2022 12:10:58 AM
That would surely be one of the hardest things to go through.

Well deserved ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
05/03/2022 10:23:19 PM
Desperately sad. My condolences to those involved. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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