Compassionate Captures
What is
Compassionate Captures?
Compassionate Captures focuses on the connection between the departing soul and their loved ones, and various reminders of memories gone by that have touched their lives and/or the lives of their loved ones. Such as the last pair of shoes they wore, a photograph of them and their pet or even a favorite chair they would sit in and tell stories. They are reminders and memories of some of the most intimate feelings and emotions we share and are significant in the grieving/healing process.
A moment in time
Why?
Like birth, death is a miracle of equal significance to one’s life. It is a time of love and compassion beyond compare. A time to share memories that created a beautiful life. A time to celebrate one’s journey of moving forward. These intimate moments deserve to be preserved and, in time, will be cherished. I say this from personal experience.
My Experience
I had the honor of helping one of my dearest friends, my brother, move forward from this life and I had the opportunity to document this miracle through my photography. I consider it “moving forward” and not “moving on” because he progressed, he didn’t abandon us. I believe we will see him again when we move forward and he is still with us, just not in the way we want him to be.
I did not realize the extent of his illness until the last 6 months or so of his life. Although it had been several years since I had seen him, we had kept in constant contact. As our communication began to diminish and subsequently transferred to his wife, I realized his health had declined. When his wife informed me he was being put on palliative care and she was making arrangements to bring him home for hospice care, I dropped everything and went to him.
During this time, we had wonderful days of reminiscing, laughter, tears, sharing lots of hugs and love. There was also the reality of the situation. He was moving forward and we were helping him with that transition. Throughout this time I was able to capture various moments and memories with my camera.
The following weeks are a blur in my mind. If it was not for the photos I had the opportunity to take during this time, I don’t know if I would be able to adequately remember some of the most precious moments I have ever experienced. To witness and be a part of one of the most intimate and emotional events in ones life is an honor. And to be given the opportunity to document it, is a privilege.
I captured the compassion that filled the room. The somber moments of quiet reflection, the silly, even the last laugh. I also obtained simple memories that had created this beautiful life and of the supplies that assisted him in his journey forward. The hat he always wore when he went out to that esteemed bench in his back yard that brought him so much joy. The hospice care package that took away the pain and gave him comfort in the end. The ramp his wife had installed so he could come home. The irony in that ramp. He used it twice. Once to come home and once to go home.
This brought me to where I am now. Death is a significant part of the life process and deserves to be recognized and preserved. Participating in this miracle not only changed my life, it also inspired me to offer my photography services to others experiencing this miracle. To capture and preserve the memories that created a loved one’s beautiful life and the compassion shared during their journey to move forward.
Moment in Time
Your Hat
You so enjoyed spending time creating a beautiful yard.
Your Shoes
It’s the simple things, like going for a walk, that meant so much.
The Last Beer
One last beer to share with you.
Coming & Going
You used this ramp only twice. Once to bring you home and once to take you home.
Love Holding On
You always talked about how you loved holding her chubby little hand in yours.
Emptiness
Emptiness for us is peace for you.
I am sharing the moment in time that changed my life forever. Although these photos were taken over a period of time, it feels like a single moment to me. There’s never enough time with a loved one. I will cherish these moments for the remainder of my life. You are missed and loved.
At the request of his wife, I am not posting any photos that may identify either of them. She prefers to keep those personal moments private.
Final Days
Finding Dad
The nurses at the VA Home always knew where dad was by the trail of sucker sticks.
Comforting Touch
Touch can be so comforting
Reaching for the Stars
Reaching for the stars and beyond
Grandfather and Grandson
Comfort within the generations
Finally in Peace
Testimonial:
“Today, Dawn, my dear, dear sister(-in-law) sent me photos that were taken during my husband’s hospice care. They reflect so much. They show the care and support given, the love and the memories shared and the devotion of family to a unique individual who is in transition. Moreover they focus on a celebration of life before that life is gone. There is no greater gift that will be treasured more. Thank you. As to the picture you created with some of his ashes, it brings to mind our travels and scuba diving days off the warm sandy shores in the Caribbean and Sea of Cortez. Memories of these will last for the rest of my life.” Sharon Spear
Pricing & Options
DL Marshall Photography offers a free consultation and 3 photography session plans to choose from. All plans require a signed contract and a deposit of ½ of the session fee at the time of signing.
01.
Schedule a Call
02.
Make a Plan
03.
Review Photos
You will have a variety of photos to select from. For a better idea of options and pricing see below
5×7 printed photo(s) of your choice $6.00 each photo
1 complimentary usb with a minimum of 24 photos FREE
10% discount on photo session charge with permission to use photos and/or stories for advertising purposes including but not limited to brochures, flyers or website.
12 5×7 printed photos FREE
Additional printed photos can be purchased $6.00 each
1 complimentary usb with a minimum of 24 photos FREE
10% discount on photo session charge with permission to use photos and/or stories for advertising purposes including but not limited to brochures, flyers or website.
24 5×7 printed photos FREE
Additional printed photos can be purchased $6.00 each
1 complimentary usb with a minimum of 24 full FREE
This session can be divided into two 2 ½ hour sessions to accommodate care takers and loved ones.
10% discount on photo session charge with permission to use photos and/or stories for advertising purposes including but not limited to brochures, flyers or website.
Please be advised, there is a $25.00 travel fee for locations beyond a 20 mile to 50 mile radius of DLMarshall Photography / Aurora, Colorado. Beyond 50 miles will have to be addressed on an individual basis.