BEE Strong
Combining my love for nursing, volunteering, photography and storytelling, I was inspired to create a complimentary service for families with babies staying in the NICU, as well as children fighting chronic illnesses. During these difficult times, it is only natural for professional portraits to be pushed off a family's list of priorities; many miss out on capturing special milestones. My goal is to provide parents a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic and emotionally challenging time, as well as to help them create memories with their loved ones.
Guidelines & Information:
1. These sessions are for families with babies born before 34 weeks, or babies that have been or will be in the NICU for longer than 1 month (preemies and babies born with health problems). No baby is too 'young' or too 'old' to be photographed. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at any point of your baby's journey...
2. The sessions must be coordinated between the photographer and the parents themselves. If you'd like to inquire about a session on behalf of someone, please have the parent(s) contact me directly. I visit the NICU as a guest and I am NOT affiliated with the hospitals.
3. I generally need at least 1-2 week’s notice to work these sessions into my schedule.
4. All props and outfits brought to the NICU are carefully washed and/or brand new in order to protect your little one. The session can be more 'lifestyle', in which feeding, tubes, monitors, etc. are visible, or we can hide them if you prefer... each family is different.
5. Babies are handled with care, and sometimes not at all if instructed not to by the nursing staff or parents.
6. Flash photography will only be used if deemed appropriate. While flashes do not hurt a baby's eyes, it may overstimulate a preemie in their first few weeks. It can act as a trigger for babies with a seizure disorder and will not be used in these cases.
7. Sessions last about 30 minutes to 1 hour in length, twins/multiples may take longer. We will do our best to find a time of day that best suits your baby's schedule. It will take about 10 days to get your edited images to you, with previews being delivered as soon as possible in the days following the session. No images or videos will be shared on social media without your consent.
8. If you'd like to meet with me beforehand to get to know me, explain your baby's situation, share your vision for our session, I am often available to do so. It is my priority to make you feel comfortable throughout this experience.
*** There is NO CHARGE for these sessions. Please understand that the guidelines I have created (listed above) are to ensure that the time being donated is going to the families who can benefit from it most. If you’ve spent time in the NICU and would still like to have newborn portraits taken in your home/my studio, please consider investing in a regular session so that I can continue donating my time to further touch other NICU families.
"Taylor is an incredible person with such a genuine heart! With BEEhind the Lens, she offers beautiful photo sessions, free of cost, for babies in the NICU! Her experience working in healthcare ensures that your baby is safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. This service offers parents the opportunity to celebrate their new child during this dark and scary time."
