Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation- Remembrance Photography

I came across this wonderful organization that people need to know about.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) is a national (and international) non-profit foundation that sends photographers to maternity wards, for free, to photograph babies who have died, or are not expected to survive longer than a few days.

It was co-founded by Cheryl Haggard whose son, Maddux Achilles, was born with a debilitating condition. After 6 days, the family finally chose to end his suffering and take Maddux off life support. But before the tubes and wires were removed, they decided to have local photographer, Sandy Puc', take photos of Maddux before he was removed from life support, and then with Cheryl cradling him after he had passed. This experience inspired Cheryl and Sandy to create Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

They have more than 5,000 volunteer photographers worldwide, but are always looking for professional photographers to add to their network.

They believe that capturing these moments can lead to healing,

And what a wonderful way for photographers to give back.

If I ever start working on portrait photography, I will definitely sign up.

The Getty Villa- A Photographer's Heaven

"Tea For Two" - Lilly Pads in one of the many reflecting ponds

While on a recent visit to L.A., I took a little jaunt to the newly re-opened Getty Villa museum down by the Ocean in Malibu/Pacific Palisades. The grounds are incredible- a photographer's paradise, with something for everyone: from Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities to lush roman herb and flower gardens, to reflecting ponds and roman-inspired architecture. Make sure you have plenty of memory and that your batteries are charged.

The grounds are huge and there is much to see, so try to make your reservation early. The earliest I could get was 3 p.m. on a Sunday, and with the grounds closing at 5 p.m. it didn't give me time to see much of anything. They have scheduled tours throughout the day, on a first-come, first-served basis. I took the ground's tour, which was well worth it, and you can't beat the price: free.

Admission is free, but parking is $10.00 per car, and you must make a reservation which can be arranged on-line. Print your tickets and take them with you, as you will be asked for them upon arrival.

The Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California. It's a little tricky entering the property as access to the museum is only from the northbound right-hand lane of Pacific Coast Highway.

Directions:

Take the San Diego Freeway (405) to Sunset Blvd exit and go west. Take the long winding drive through Pacific Palisades until you dead end at Pacific Coast Highway and turn right (north). Then The Getty Villa will be on your right.