Mill Creek Newborn Photographer, June Bug Photography

june bug photography

Guest post by June Bug Photography, Mill Creek Newborn and family photographer.

My name is Melissa Jenkins, and I have found my calling. I know that sounds dramatic (I get accused of being dramatic often. Maybe I should just embrace it?)

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When asked to share my favorite session, I didn't even have to think twice. The Shepherd  family, their story, and my connection to their experience holds a very special place in my heart. I met the Shepherd family several years ago, during a family photo session. Mama was pregnant, and we planned on getting a few cute "pregnancy announcement" shots during their session. Session went well, they looked beautiful, and I went on with my busy life as a photographer.

At the time, I was a volunteer photographer for the amazing organization, Now I lay me down to sleep (NILMDTS). NILMDTS organizes teams of volunteers to work with local hospitals, to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with a free gift of professional portraiture.  My path to becoming a photographer began with this organization following the loss of my little daughter Maisey. The images I have of Maisey are some of my most treasured possessions, and I was determined to be accepted as a volunteer photographer with the organization.

Several months after meeting the Shepherd family, I received a call from my NILMDTS coordinator about an infant loss at a local hospital, and the need for a volunteer photographer. I packed up my camera bag and headed out. When I arrived in the room to meet the family, I met eyes with dad, and he said "Remember us?" My heart sank, and I immediately recognized the family in the room. The Shepherds had lost their little baby boy. With tears in my eyes, I captured images of this beautiful family, of their tiny baby boy, with the hope that these images would bring them some sense of comfort in the years to come.

Rainbow after the stormJune Bug Photography snohomish

When I learned that the Shepherd's were expecting a little boy last summer, I offered them a newborn session. Big sister is amazing, and is completely in love with her baby brother. She was so gentle with him. At the end of the session, big sister brought out her "Wyatt Bear", and adorable bear named after the baby brother she had lost. She held her Wyatt Bear tight, and whispered "when I hold my Wyatt bear, I can talk to my baby brother in heaven." That right there...in that moment, I realized I have found my calling. She snuggled her two brothers tight, and I cried while capturing the moment.

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About June Bug Photography

June Bug Photography specializes in newborn photography, maternity photography, and family photography in Mill Creek, Wa. Find more of our work at junebugphotography.org or on facebook

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