As you probably know I volunteer for the The Australian Community of Child Photographers, the ACOCP is an entirely-volunteer service that provides family portraits of children that have been stillborn; died neo-natally; are terminally ill; or have been born very early. Members of ACOCP’s nationwide network of photographers go on location at any time of the day and night to various hospitals to do the shoots. They also supply prints and albums to the families free of charge.

Well this week the ACOCP is putting on an exhibition called…

Heartfelt

An exhibition by The Australian Community of Child Photographers

On Monday 22 June 2009, ACOCP will open its Heartfelt Exhibition which will run for two weeks at MLC Gallery in Ultimo, Sydney, N.S.W.  Free to the public, the showing features 20-30 images of the best of 153 pictures submitted by proud ACOCP photographers with the blessings of the children’s families.

This exhibition draws together family portraits, which display the emotional sensitivity and awareness of these highly skilled and proficient photographers. The images, often taken under difficult circumstances, both technical and personal are warm, beautifully detailed accounts of family love.

Photographers are careful to balance the importance of representing the events these families are enduring, whilst minimising the many interventions and difficulties these children are facing.

Cristina Garduño Freeman, curator of the exhibition and an EB (Essential Baby) member  herself, urged people to support the exhibition by taking the time to visit. “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 families both grieve and delight in their children. These photographs show the significant role that photography plays in creating a sense of family for all of us.”

“The ACOCP exhibition is a chance for those who appreciate photography; who want to see pictures of precious children; or who are interested in finding out more about ACOCP services. I hope the community will visit the exhibition and support us,” ACOCP president, Jessie Broome said.

There will be a silent auction and celebration event auctioning custom portrait sessions from some of the leading lifestyle and custom portrait photographers in Sydney, and press night on Thursday, 25 June at 6pm. ACOCP members and photographers will be available to meet and chat with visitors to the exhibition.

The exhibition is open to the general public on:

June 22nd to 4th July 2009
Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm; Saturday 12 to 4pm
Location: MLC Gallery, 449 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007
(go to Heartfelt website for map).

For more information
www.Heartfelt.org.au
or www.acocp.org.au
I hope to see you there if you can make it!