The Profitable Photographer

The Profitable Photographer


249: Missy Thomas - Remembrance Photography to Bless and Comfort Others

March 20, 2024

Welcome to The Profitable Photographer! Today, we're honored to have Missy Thomas, the Executive Director of “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS)” joining us. This is an organization that trains photographers and sends them to photograph babies and their families that have or will pass away shortly. Since 2015, Missy has dedicated herself to various roles within NILMDTS, driven by compassion and dedication, culminating in her current role as Interim Executive Director.


Missy's personal connection to NILMDTS stems from the loss of James, the son of close friends, in 2014. Through this experience, she discovered the importance of remembrance photography, igniting her passion to support others on similar journeys.


This organization offers a compassionate service to parents losing a child, providing them with beautiful and sensitive professional portraiture as a tangible reminder of their little ones.


In this episode, we explore the essence of volunteering to photograph these precious souls, touching on technical skills, lighting techniques, and the delicate art of interacting with grieving families. We'll also delve into the transformative power of giving back, emphasizing how it enriches both the giver and the recipient.


In this episode:

  • Introduction to NILMDTS and its compassionate team
  • Becoming a volunteer photographer 
  • Exploring photography techniques, like lighting, for capturing meaningful moments
  • The transformative impact of giving back on volunteers and recipients
  • Interacting with grieving families: finding balance
  • Emotional support available to photographers when the experience becomes emotionally difficult


Join us as we learn more about how we can serve people with our skills, where every click of the camera and every act of kindness holds profound meaning.


Connect with NILMDTS:


Connect with Missy Thomas:




Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: