SGM Remembrance Photographers are an integral part of the SGM Perinatal Hospice and Bereavement Services Team. Some of the greatest gifts we can give to parents are photographs of the precious moments captured as a family meets their baby, saying hello…and goodbye. It is an honor and privilege to be the one to make lasting memories for bereaved families, as you view their experience through the lens of a camera. Sufficient Grace Ministries wants to offer quality pictures to families, but more than that, we are concerned with the heart and vision of those who serve. We want to give each family our best, not rushing or cutting corners. We want to give them the experience we would want if this was our child, and even more so, the experience that tells each individual story.
SGM Remembrance Photographer Volunteers are not required to be professional photographers. The ministry welcomes all photographers from amateur to professional. If a person is interested in becoming a volunteer, but has only basic knowledge and skills, training can be arranged with a qualified professional photographer of the ministry’s choosing at the cost of the interested person. All volunteers must attend a training provided by Sufficient Grace Ministries with different topics about remembrance photographer and covers the policies of the ministry before serving families.
After completing training, photographers will accompany an experienced SGM remembrance photographer at least once before going on session alone, and will wait until approval from the SGM board before serving a family as the only photographer on a session.
Photographers must have a working knowledge and access to a high quality digital camera. It is preferred for photographers to also have access to other camera equipment. The ministry strives to provide families with high quality heirloom photos of their babies and their experience with them. Any equipment that can enhance the photographs without being intrusive to
the families is welcome. Volunteers are preferred to have a working knowledge of some type of photo editing software to better enhance any photos acquired during a bereavement session. Photo editing software with skin editing and softening capabilities is required. If a volunteer is not knowledgeable with photo editing software, it is encouraged for the volunteer to take the time to learn. Volunteer photographers who are knowledgeable are expected to step up and fill the need
for editing when needed. All photos should be treated with respect and dignity.
Photographers will be working with an SGM Comfort doula who is trained and experienced in giving support and comfort to bereaved families and in handling birth situations. The role of the photographer for the family is to capture precious moments of the family and the baby, as well as assist the hospital staff and doula as needed.
To become an SGM Remembrance Photographer:
Sufficient Grace Ministries will consider individuals who have a heart to serve bereaved families as potential volunteers. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to serve as a remembrance photographer. When considering candidates, knowledge of photography will be assessed. Training and in-service will be required of all volunteers wishing to meet directly with families. There may be additional background checks and regular evaluations. We are looking for those with a heart of compassion and a proper level of professionalism to serve families in such tender moments. A minimum of two letters of recommendation to sufficientgraceministries at gmail dot com, along with at least five sample photographs are to be submitted to Sufficient Grace Ministries where they will be reviewed. In addition, you must fill out the application/online interview for below, and may also be required to do an in person or telephone interview prior to approval. The ministry board of directors will review and approve all remembrance photographers. It is expected of those representing the ministry to have an understanding of and agreement with the statement of beliefs. Those volunteers who are approved and have signed the agreement will be expected to comply with all policies of the ministry.