With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tim Biddle, a loving and talented volunteer at Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Tim’s commitment to our mission was steadfast, taking on various roles within our organization—Affiliated Photographer, Area Coordinator, and a vital member of the Volunteer Application Committee. In Indianapolis, he was the linchpin holding his team together throughout his tenure as the Area Coordinator, fostering a supportive and loving team.

Tim’s photographic eye had a unique talent for capturing the raw emotions and love present in families during their most vulnerable moments. His photography, shared with over a hundred NILMDTS families, became treasured keepsakes, showcasing parents’ profound love for their babies.

Tim’s wife, Melody, was his unwavering companion in life and their NILMDTS volunteer work. Their collaborative efforts were immeasurable, as Melody stood by Tim’s side during sessions and assisted in managing local calls, augmenting the impact of their joint dedication.

Tim’s absence leaves a palpable void, but his impact remains forever in the hearts of the families he served and the countless other volunteers he inspired, taught, and encouraged in photography and in life. Our deepest condolences go out to Melody, their son, and all those touched by Tim’s empathy and dedication.

Memories and words shared by those who knew Tim:

“To know Tim, is to simply love Tim. Tim had an infectious laugh, personality, and dedication to all things photography. He was passionate about learning but even more so about teaching others. If you ever had a question, you knew who to ask. If you ever needed someone reliable to count on, you knew who to turn to. And it was always going to be Tim. Tim loved his fellow volunteers but Tim loved the families he served the most of all. Tim never said no, and always gave all that he could to the families that he served and had a special way of capturing their moments with their babies. I used to scroll through his galleries for inspiration and learned a lot about how I photograph my own sessions today through the work of Tim. His joy and his love is missed and felt throughout the hearts of so many people. We will miss him forever.” – Melanie Rodger

“Tim was a remarkable individual who taught me and many other volunteers valuable lessons, imparting his photography knowledge and dedicated himself faithfully to serving the Indianapolis community. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tim’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he imparted to other NILMDTS volunteers. Despite him becoming less involved with NILMDTS to focus more on family, I had stayed in touch and thought of Tim more often than he knew as each day, on a few emails, I had adopted his simple but always impactful signature of “Thanks for your consideration.” I will always be grateful for his consideration.” – Ali Furtwangler

“I first met Tim at a NILMDTS information meeting at Imaging USA in Atlanta. Tim was sharing why he became a volunteer and told me why I should sign up after the meeting.

The next year, when I was a new NILMDTS photographer, we both volunteered in the NILMDTS booth and had dinner with the other volunteers at a Mexican restaurant, and he introduced me to many of the other photographers. Between conventions, I always knew I could ask him a question about a situation I ran into at or before a session. Tim had so much experience and was always willing to share or help.

The last time I saw Tim was at a Shutterfest convention. We ran into each other in line with one of the food trucks and were catching up on what was going on in our photography business and with the mutual NILMDTS friends. Tim was someone you could not speak to for a year and catch up with and keep on talking where you left off the last time. Tim made a difference in the lives of many families whose baby he photographed. My condolences go out to his wife and son and his family and friends. He will be missed by many!” – Sandrien deBruijn

“Tim first heard about NILMDTS when he attended a workshop in Chicago, which included a presentation by Sandy Puc. He says that he thought to himself (with tears running down his face), “God bless those folks, but that’s not something I could ever do.” Was he ever wrong? Fast forward several years. Tim and I met at Imaging USA in Phoenix. Yes, we lived within miles of each other but traveled 1800 miles to meet! After talking with me and several other NILMDTS volunteers, Tim applied to become a NILMDTS photographer. He was elated to hear he had been accepted.

Tim always treated anyone in front of his lens with the utmost respect – whether in a NILMDTS session or a session as part of his photography business. He was intent on providing the best images possible and spent many hours studying and working to improve his photography. He was particularly proud – and rightfully so – when he earned the designation of “Certified Professional Photographer.”

Tim’s sensitive nature, commitment to improving his craft, and desire to help others do the same combined make him an outstanding volunteer. As a photographer, he seldom turned down a session. He often spoke of how touched he was by the families he served.

But his NILMDTS contributions did not end with his role as a photographer. He also volunteered as a dispatcher. He helped other photographers hone their skills. He recruited volunteers both locally and nationally and was always ready to spread the word about the organization. He eventually served as the Area Coordinator for the Indianapolis area.

Tim, with his infectious laugh and gentle spirit, will be missed.” – Russ Forthofer

“Tim- It seems so impossible that he is no longer with us – not only as a NILMDTS volunteer – but even as a person. I believe the only times I was in his physical presence was at Imaging, and he was a fun person to hang with. We felt like we already knew each other due to the time we spent together on zoom or on the phone as his Regional Coordinator. We talked continuously about either NILMDTS or photography. It was the same when we talked in person. I believe he was always looking for technical improvement in his photography, even though he was already an excellent photographer. Thanks for the memories, my friend!” – Burt Rich