Our Whole Family
Portrait Sessions
Every family has a story. Some stories include a child who isn't standing in the picture, but who will always be part of the family.
Date: Sunday, October 25th
Time: 1-5pm
Location: Open Space Studios
Hosted by Heidi Saint James and photographed by For His Glory Photography, these complimentary portrait sessions are offered to families who have experienced the loss of a child.
Each family will receive:
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A 15-minute portrait session
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Approximately 10 professionally edited digital images
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The opportunity to include immediate or extended family members, if desired
We encourage you to bring whatever feels best to represent your child. Whether that's a photograph, blanket, ultrasound, favorite outfit, stuffed animal, flowers, a special keepsake, or something uniquely personal to your family, we're here to help create a portrait that tells your family's story.
Every family remembers differently, and there is no right or wrong way to include your child. If you'd like help deciding what to bring, we'd be honored to walk through ideas with you before your session.
Why We Created These Portrait Sessions
After the loss of a child, it can be heartbreaking to feel like you'll never have a complete family photo.
About six months after Heidi died, my husband and I attended a wedding where the photographer was taking family portraits. When it was our turn, we stood side by side and smiled for the camera. Looking back at that photo, all I could think was, this isn't our family photo.
It looked like a picture of a couple.
But we weren't just a couple. We were parents. Our daughter simply wasn't with us.
From that day forward, I made a promise to myself that Heidi would always be included in our family photos in whatever way felt special.
When we announced that we were expecting Heidi's little brother, we included a tiny onesie that read, "Heidi's Little Brother." During his newborn session, Heidi's Molly Bear sat quietly in the background with her name embroidered across its chest. In another portrait, we displayed a hand-drawn illustration of me holding Heidi. We even got a blanket made that had here heartbeat on it. That's the blanket we laid Matthew on in the hospital. At Christmas, an ornament with the letter H hung on our tree, reminding everyone that our family includes a little girl who should have been there.
None of these things replace Heidi. But each one acknowledges her.
That's exactly why these portrait sessions exist.
Every family's story is different, and every family remembers their child differently. Some may choose to bring a photograph. Others may bring an ultrasound, a favorite blanket, a special outfit, a stuffed animal, flowers, or another thoughtful keepsake. There is no right or wrong way to include your child.
If you're not sure what feels right, I'd be honored to help. Together, we can talk through ideas and create something that feels personal to your family and the child you're remembering.
While no photograph can fully capture everyone who belongs in our hearts, it can tell the story of a family that is forever changed by love.
My hope is that when you look back at these portraits years from now, you'll see more than a beautiful photograph. You'll see your family... including the child who will always be part of it.
IDEAS
Pillow with initial on it
Baby Blanket with initials
Teddy Bear
Flower Arrangement
Photo of your Child
If you still aren't sure what type of item to bring for your photoshoot, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for some more ideas that are more specific to your sweet baby.
These sessions are made possible through the generosity of community members who believe every family deserves to have their love remembered.
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For His Glory Photography for donating their time and talent.
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Open Space Studios for generously providing their studio at a nonprofit rate.
Together, they're helping create lasting memories for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.