Frequently Asked Questions & Eligibility
Please take some time to go over our FAQ if you have any questions. We will be updating this list as we receive questions, which you may send us here.
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply that is part of the military and/or dealing with a deployment/homecoming. Anyone that knows someone or yourself or has a family member that is dealing with a terminal prognosis or a life limiting diagnosis, genetic condition – the sky is the limit and we encourage EVERYONE of all ages to apply.
Some conditions that we have been honored to gift a session to are Cancer survivors in remission, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Autism, Leukemia, Tetrology of Fallot, Aneurysm, Kidney Failure, Kidney Cancer, Double lung transplant, Alopecia, AIDS, Blepharophimosis Syndrome, Bell’s Palsy, Haemophilia, Muscular Dystrophy, Neurocutaneous Syndromes, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Liver Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Chiari Malformation, Chromosome abnormalities, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, CHD, Childhood Stroke, Severe Diabetes, Down Syndrome, HIV, Helicobactor, Immune System disorders, Kidney Disease, Papillary Carcinoma, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, Spina Bifida, Tay-Sachs Disease and many, many more! If you do not see your disability or disease we encourage you to apply as we cannot name them all, but we will do our best to add your medical issue so we can share it with the world!
How much do these sessions cost?
Nothing!! Yes you read it right – NADA, Zero, Zilch! If your session qualifies for The Maple Leaf Mission then your session is absolutely FREE! Each session includes a disk of hi-resolution images and (1) 8×10 or (2) 5×7 photos. You will have a print release to be able to print your pictures and your photographer will recommend the best places to print your pictures at.
Are you a Charity?
Our official title is we are a registered Not for Profit Society — The Maple Leaf Mission Society.
What does a military family receive from their photographer?
Each family will receive a disk of a minimum of (10+) non-watermarked digital files of your choosing and (1) 8×10 or (2) 5×7 photos. For deployments, soldiers have the option to have 1-2 hard-copy prints sent to them overseas.
What does the One More Moment session include?
The One More Moment session is for individuals that have received or are dealing with a terminal prognosis and includes, from your photographer, a disk of (10+) non-watermarked digital files of your choosing and (1) 8×10 or (2) 5×7 photos.
We at The Maple Leaf Mission will also make and include a DVD slideshow with our MLM song(s) for you to revisit your photo session whenever you would like, but this is to be requested and is not automatically included.
What does the Your Moment session include?
Each family will receive a disk of (10+) un-watermarked digital files of your choosing and (1) 8×10 or (2) 5×7 photos, or an equivalent item that you discuss and agree upon with your photographer.
How do I find a photographer in my area?
Once you contact us and give us your story we will then match you up with a photographer nearest you and that is compatible with your needs; be it military or for a Final Moments session. We screen all of our photographers and send you the best photographer that we deem a fit for your situation. Every photographer has a kind and gentle heart and will keep your needs a top priority. However, if you have a photographer that you prefer or has referred you and you would like them to do your shoot, please let us know on the application so we can make that happen.
What if there is no photographer in my area?
Then your name will go on our waiting list and our staff and volunteers will do what they can to find your family a photographer, unfortunately this does not always happen right away, we may find a photographer immediately or it may take a few weeks to find a photographer, we will not stop searching.
Will my information remain confidential?
Your information is protected under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). You will be required to sign a release form prior to your session and we do showcase some photos on our website to give other families an idea of the kinds of sessions we offer. If you do NOT want your story broadcast on our website you have the option to allow us to showcase your photos but not include your story – or we can keep it off the website entirely!
I am not married or in a relationship but am deployed/ing, can I still do a military session?
Absolutely, bring out the extended family, or some cool friends!
Can we call you directly?
We ask that the majority of communication is done via email as there are 100′s of emails pouring in and its easier to share your story with our photographers via email. The main reason is that there are so many of us working behind the scenes that whomever is near the phone may not know the answer to your question. If you must contact us via telephone please send us an email with your phone number and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Why is one photographer different from another?
Our photographers participate in The Maple Leaf Mission as strictly volunteers, they are not compensated financially and are donating their services. Every photographer is required to meet the minimum requirements by the organization but each photographer is welcome to offer more to you if they wish. Every session automatically includes (1) digital CD/DVD, (1) 8×10 or (2) 5×7 photos, and if you are signing up for a Final Moment session it can also include a DVD slideshow at your request.
Do I have to be in Canada to receive a session?
No Way! Illness, disease, remission, Military and genetic conditions are happening all around the world, so we don’t limit our services either. We have applications from photographers and families around the world. If we do not have one where you live we will find you one.
Can I cancel my session?
We do ask that you give 24-48 hours notice to our photographers as they donate their time, you can contact us but contacting your photographer directly would be best. We understand that situations arise and of course are very sensitive to families that are terminally ill and become too sick for a session or if something happens while the soldier is overseas. We are very accommodating to your needs and are very accommodating to your photographer’s needs as they too have obligations.
Can I do a regular family session in place of the emotional homecoming/deployment session?
Absolutely! Not everyone likes spontaneous sessions so we can set up a regular family shoot in place of the (3) sessions offered. If you would like a family session AND one of the included sessions then your photographer may charge you for their time and pictures (for the extra session only).
Can I volunteer if I am not a photographer?
Of course! A truly international organization, The Maple Leaf Mission has board members from Canada, America, Italy and Australia and our current goal is to enlist a vast army of volunteer photographers, make-up artists, and videographers capable of meeting the ever-growing demand for our services.
