In Focus: Remember My Baby

This In Focus interview is with the founding members of Remember My Baby, a remembrance photography charity that provides precious memories for families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

The Interview

How long have you been into photography? Was there a reason you got into it?

Each of us came to photography through different paths, but we all share a deep passion for capturing meaningful moments. For some of us, it started as a hobby, while others discovered photography through our professional work. The common thread is our desire to use photography as a way to help others and create lasting memories.

What photographers past or present inspire you if any?

We're inspired by photographers who use their craft to tell important stories and make a difference in people's lives. Documentary photographers like Dorothea Lange and Sebastião Salgado show how photography can bring attention to important social issues. We also admire contemporary photographers who work in sensitive areas and handle difficult subjects with compassion and dignity.

Did you decide deliberately on the style of photography that you currently do or did it just naturally evolve?

Our approach to remembrance photography evolved naturally from our desire to help families in their most difficult moments. We had to develop a very specific style that's both sensitive and beautiful - one that honors the baby while providing comfort to the family. It's not something we planned, but rather something that developed through necessity and compassion.

What is your favourite image that you've taken to date and why?

Our favorite images aren't necessarily the most technically perfect ones, but those that have brought the most comfort to families. Sometimes it's a simple image of tiny hands or feet that means everything to a family. These images become precious treasures that families can hold onto forever.

Most photographers have a favourite lens that they keep going back to, do you have one and if so what is it and why is it your favourite?

For remembrance photography, we often use a 50mm or 85mm lens. The 50mm gives us a natural perspective that feels intimate without being intrusive, while the 85mm allows us to maintain a respectful distance while still capturing beautiful details. The choice often depends on the specific situation and what feels most appropriate for the family.

What is your next project going to be?

We're working on expanding our services to reach more families who need our help. We want to train more photographers in remembrance photography techniques and establish partnerships with more hospitals and bereavement services. Our goal is to ensure that no family has to go through this experience without the option of professional remembrance photography.

Do you remember your first camera and what was it?

Each of us started with different cameras, from basic point-and-shoots to entry-level DSLRs. What matters isn't the camera we started with, but how we learned to use photography as a tool for healing and remembrance. The equipment has evolved over time, but our mission remains the same.

What is it about photography that you love the most?

We love photography's ability to preserve precious moments and create lasting memories. In our work, we see how a single image can bring comfort to a family for years to come. Photography has the power to honor life, even in the most difficult circumstances, and that's what drives us to do this work.

What do you think you'll be photographing in ten years time?

We hope to still be providing remembrance photography services, but with an even wider reach. We'd like to see remembrance photography become a standard service offered in all hospitals, and we want to continue training photographers to provide this important service with sensitivity and skill.

If you could give just one piece of advice to someone who wanted to start out in photography today what would it be?

Find your passion and use photography to make a difference. Whether it's documenting important social issues, preserving family memories, or creating art that moves people, photography is most meaningful when it serves a purpose beyond just taking pictures. Also, never underestimate the impact your work can have on others.