15 October 2009 – Today, on International Baby Loss Day, The Australian Community of Child Photographers (ACOCP) is urging people to recognise the many families that go through the tragic loss of a child, rather than risk isolating them by neglecting to acknowledge their loss.

International Baby Loss Awareness Day is 15 October. Across the world, memorial services, balloon releases and candle lighting at 7pm take place in honour and as a sign of remembrance for lost children.

Said Jessie Broome, president and co-founder of ACOCP, “The grief that follows the loss of a child is so engulfing but it can also be very isolating. We encourage people to take the time to honour this grief; to realise that by avoiding the subject does not make it go away and by simply acknowledging the child can help the family immensely.”

ACOCP is an entirely not-for-profit Australian organisation that gives the gift of photographic memories to families who have had a stillbirth, premature baby, infant in the NICU or child with serious or terminal illnesses. Participating photographers – some of whom have previously experienced their own loss – are on call 24/7 to go to hospitals or homes and are often present during the families’ most tragic hours.

Jessie continued, “The wider community finds the loss of a child very difficult. We find it difficult to know what to say or what to do, so often tend to stay away – particularly after the funeral. The process goes on for a long time and support is needed over the long haul and not just the first weeks.

“Listening is the key. Parents often want to tell you the stories of their children. You don’t have to say much. Alternatively, some people find practical measures easier, such as helping out with cooking meals, child care services or housework.

“It’s understandable that people feel at a loss of what to say or do – for a long time, death has been a taboo subject in our society. It’s not something people discuss, but I think we must.”

The Role of Photography in the Grieving Process
Jessie explains the important role the ACOCP plays, “The most heartbreaking thing in the world is losing a child. As a parent, we look forward to watching our child grow, finding out who they are and watching them develop. We fill boxes with drawings and paintings and reports and photos. When you lose a baby, you also lose a lifetime of memories.

“In some situations, when facing the death of a child, parents are encouraged to take time with their little one. They are given a fleeting opportunity to try to create a lifetime of memories within a small space of time. They are encouraged to bond with their child, to hold them, to sing to them. To take their footprints, a lock of their hair and as many photos as possible. This is where the ACOCP comes in. We capture many beautiful, professional-quality, images in the most loving and sensitive way, so that parents has something that they can share with family and friends, something to treasure and remember always.”

About ACOCP

ACOCP is an entirely not-for-profit Australian community organisation giving the gift of photographic memories to children in need and their families. ACOCP works with families who have had a stillbirth, premature baby, infant in the NICU or child with serious or terminal illnesses. Participating photographers are on call 24/7 to go to hospitals or homes all over Australia. The service is entirely free. There is no charge for the photography, prints, beautiful presentation, tasteful packaging or delivery.
For more Information

Australian Community Of Child Photographers

The Official Site of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (USA)

Baby Loss Awareness Campaign (UK)

Support for families following a loss:

Bonnie Babes Foundation

“These photographs are more than just images, each one tells the story of a young life, at times tragically short, at times endured, but always loved. These photographs are not documentaries but rather tangible memories that help the families both grieve and delight in their children. These photographs show the significant role that photography plays is creating a sense of family for all of us.”

We also had an Obstetrics social worker, Deb de Wilde who has been in the industry for 20 years, speak about her support and thanks for the ACOCP and expressed from a medical support staff’s point of view, how important these photographs were for these families. Our president Jessie Broome, once did a heart wrenching job for a beautiful set of identical girl twins, Ava and Brianna. The were born early and unfortunately did not survive, but Jess was able to capture some beautiful family moments for them together. Ava and Brianna’s parents flew up from Melbourne to tell their story at our exhibition launch, and it was such a beautiful yet such a sad story that it did not leave a dry eye in the house. I personally heard many people on the night, mention that they had expected to be touched by these stories but were truly blown away by the compassion and dedication from everyone involved. I have included a few photographs below.

Nat Green, the ACOCP publicist, Cristina Garduno Freeman, the ACOCP exhibition curator,
Nettra Chetty, ACOCP Exhibition Coordinator
and Nicole Boenig-McGrade, a wonderful photographer who donated to our silent auction

]]> http://www.acocp.org.au/blog/2009/07/12/the-acocp-exhibition-launch/feed/ 0 http://www.acocp.org.au/blog/2009/06/10/new-website-blogand-so-much-more/ http://www.acocp.org.au/blog/2009/06/10/new-website-blogand-so-much-more/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:49:42 +0000 Jessie.Broome http://www.acocp.org.au/blog/?p=115 There have been some major changes within the ACOCP lately. Today we officially launch our brand new website and blog. The new design is thanks to our new Graphic Designer – Netra Chetty. Netra donates her time as a graphic designer to the ACOCP as well as her talents as a retoucher.

We also want to thank Ryan at 16ninjas for his work on coding the ACOCP site and blog. He took Netra’s design and transformed it into a reality.

I also want to thank Karen Buckle for her past blogging efforts, she has done a fabulous job. I also wanted to welcome our new blogger – Casandra Anguita-Deep. Casandra will be keeping you all updated on the goings on in the ACOCP.

The other exciting news is the ACOCP’s first exhibition. “Heartfelt” opens on the 22nd of June at the MLC gallery in Sydney. I encourage everyone to go along and see the work our members have been doing. We will be sharing the stories of the children who have been photographed by the ACOCP with the blessings of the families. You can find out more information by visiting www.heartfelt.org.au

A big welcome also goes out to all our new members. We currently have over 120 members, now covering every state and territory in Australia. We look forward to continuing to expand our services and reaching as many families as possible.

I want to take this time to also thank all the generous sponsors and amazing supporters of the ACOCP. With your help we will continue to reach families all over Australia.

Jessie Broome

ACOCP President

http://sarahblackphotography.com.au/blog/?p=173

Fiona – Ribbons Galore
Claire at Craftpak
Johana at the photo store

From here on most of our families will receive their photos either boxed or in an album (dependant on the amount of images they have from their session and availability).

We are so grateful to our amazing sponsors and we just know our recipients will love to see their precious photos honoured with some gorgeous packaging

Thank you

Without a doubt, behind the scenes an organisation such as the ACOCP takes a lot of effort to run, let alone set up and we can all appreciate how much Siobhan has given to make this happen. From all of us here at the ACOCP we want to thank Siobhan for all the time, money and effort she has put into creating this community and wish her and her family all the very best. 

Siobhan will continue to be the QLD state contact for the time being so we will still see her around.

Vice President Jessie Broome will be stepping up as President with a new Vice President to be announced very soon.

Please join us in wishing Siobhan well  and thanking her for what has been an awesome start for the ACOCP

Thanks Siobhan!!!!!!!!!!

We are so proud of Casandra and all our photographers that entered this year

Read Casandra's blog here

Keep an eye out for caspix (Professional Category)

Bubbles

Tea light

and Jessie Broome (Professional Category)

Bubbles

Crayon 

Good luck girls! 

http://www.j-studios.com.au/blog/?p=307

http://sweetbluephotography.com.au/blog/?p=103

and you can read Niamh's blog here

http://www.niamhdaybyday.blogspot.com/