St. Louis, Missouri — April 21-26, 2025 — On Angels’ Wings (OAW), a nonprofit providing therapeutic photography and grief recovery services to families facing unimaginable loss and terminal risk diagnoses, spent a meaningful and productive week in St. Louis at the nationally recognized ShutterFest Photography Conference. The experience deepened connections with photographers and families alike, and created new opportunities to expand OAW’s compassionate mission.
ShutterFest generously sponsored booth space for On Angels’ Wings as the only participating nonprofit organization, offering the team invaluable exposure to potential volunteers from across Missouri and beyond. Throughout the four-day event, OAW staff met hundreds of talented photographers eager to learn how their skills could make a real difference for families navigating grief and uncertainty.
Executive Director Michelle Cramer taught a vendor class during the event that was attended by approximately 40 photographers. The class featured a brief introduction to the On Angels’ Wings mission, followed by hands-on instruction for photographing children with special needs. Three of OAW’s recipient families generously participated in live demonstrations, helping attendees better understand the unique considerations involved in compassionate and inclusive portraiture.
“ShutterFest is more than a photography conference — it’s a place where community and artistry meet,” Cramer says. “The opportunity to represent On Angels’ Wings in such a prominent way was deeply humbling and incredibly impactful.”
In addition to conference activities, OAW took time to give back to its own network. The organization rented a large Airbnb, offering free accommodations to volunteer photographer attending the conference; six volunteers from across two states stayed in the home all week with OAW executive staff, adding to the enjoyable experience.
“Having a place to stay during ShutterFest this year made such a huge difference—not only did it ease the financial burden, but it also gave me the opportunity to connect with some truly amazing fellow On Angels’ Wings associates,” says Amanda Daniel, volunteer photographer in Evansville, Indiana. “Being able to spend time together, share experiences, and build deeper connections was incredibly meaningful. This team is such a compassionate and generous group, and I’m so thankful they opened up their space and hearts to us.”
As a vendor, OAW was given the opportunity to gift five tickets to the Shutterfest conference, all of which went to OAW volunteer photographers who wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise.
“I am deeply grateful for On Angel Wings — not only for the meaningful work they do honoring infant loss and supporting medically fragile children and their families, but also for the powerful network of photographers and humans they’ve brought into my life,” says Destiny Corkle, volunteer photographer in Joplin, Missouri, who able to attend Shutterfest through the provision of a ticket from On Angels’ Wings.
“Not only was the experience fully covered, but I also got to stay in an Airbnb surrounded by some of the most inspiring members of our community — and that alone was a gift,” Corkle continues. “Among the many incredible classes I attended, one of the most soul-stirring moments was sitting in on a session led by our fearless leader, Michelle. Watching her photograph the children she has committed her life’s work to — with such grace, empathy, and pure heart — was absolutely breathtaking. It filled my soul and reminded me exactly why this work matters so deeply. Shutterfest reignited my passion and stretched my creativity in ways I didn’t expect. From better lighting and composition to finding new ways to tell honest, beautiful stories through my lens — I came home changed. Thank you, On Angel Wings, for the growth, the opportunity, and the community I didn’t know I needed.”
Additionally, the organization treated volunteer photographers attending the conference and the organization’s St. Louis-based volunteer photographers to dinner at Favazza’s on The Hill, offering appreciation for their continued dedication and an opportunity to build an even stronger community with one another.
After the conference concluded on Thursday, the OAW team extended their stay to capture powerful stories. On Friday, Stoecker Media recorded testimonial interviews with recipient families and volunteer photographers at the organization’s rented Airbnb. These will soon be available on the OAW YouTube channel to help others understand the heart behind the mission.
Saturday morning brought another cherished tradition: the 2nd annual OAW Moms’ Breakfast at Chris’ Pancake House, where three moms came together to share connection and support.
The week concluded with a meaningful stop on the way home to celebrate a rainbow baby’s first birthday, visiting with two recipient families and creating even more treasured memories.
The week in St. Louis reflected everything On Angels’ Wings represents — compassion, community, and connection through every season of grief and joy. The organization looks forward to welcoming new volunteers and supporters inspired by this special week and continuing to ensure that no family faces loss or terminal risk alone.
