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I though this is a common myth. Been there two times. No one at the grave of Jim Morrison.
Cemeteries - why?
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I though this is a common myth. Been there two times. No one at the grave of Jim Morrison.
John Lawrence
Well-known
I find cemeteries invoke a gamut of emotions in me, from sorrow, anger and rage through to peace and calm, and it's for this reason I photograph them.
I also tend to see them as a mirror on society, with old graves once carefully tended by relatives living locally, now lapsed into a state of decay and decadence as those relatives have either moved away or passed away. The large ostentatious carved figures of the wealthy Victorian man or woman standing next to the humble stone of his poorer compatriot makes a striking paradox, as does the large expanse of grass with no graves marked on it. I once heard a child ask why no one was buried here, to which her father replied that they were the graves of the poorer people who could only afford to mark them with a wooden cross, which had long since rotted away leaving no trace of who was buried there.
Also there are a great variety of cemeteries. A few years back I visited a hospital and was struck by a small patch of land about 12 foot square which was surrounded by roads. There was a small plaque in the centre of the land proclaiming that the hospital had been built on the site of an old Asylum and that on this patch of land lay the remains of those men, women and children that had spent their lives as patients and either had no relatives, or relatives who did not wish to claim their remains.
John
I also tend to see them as a mirror on society, with old graves once carefully tended by relatives living locally, now lapsed into a state of decay and decadence as those relatives have either moved away or passed away. The large ostentatious carved figures of the wealthy Victorian man or woman standing next to the humble stone of his poorer compatriot makes a striking paradox, as does the large expanse of grass with no graves marked on it. I once heard a child ask why no one was buried here, to which her father replied that they were the graves of the poorer people who could only afford to mark them with a wooden cross, which had long since rotted away leaving no trace of who was buried there.
Also there are a great variety of cemeteries. A few years back I visited a hospital and was struck by a small patch of land about 12 foot square which was surrounded by roads. There was a small plaque in the centre of the land proclaiming that the hospital had been built on the site of an old Asylum and that on this patch of land lay the remains of those men, women and children that had spent their lives as patients and either had no relatives, or relatives who did not wish to claim their remains.
John
steveyork
Well-known
They reflect the passage of time. Pictures -- like writing -- have a theme. Unless you're just a 'happy snapper.'
chrismoret
RF-addict
Just take a walk a Perelachaise cemetry in Paris on a tranquil autumn morning. At these moments you can not take no pictures, imposible, you must!! 🙂 And if you do it respectfully.....
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funkpilz
Well-known
People photograph cemeteries because they are human. Humans have, are, and always will be fascinated with death. It's because we're the only species on the face of the earth actually aware of the fact that everyone has to die some day. This terrifies us, and anything terrifying is at the same time fascinating.
That's it, end of explanation. Nobody hear needs to defend themselves with stuff like "I like the way the gravestones look", that may be your individual explanation/defense for taking these pictures, but the actual reason you're taking them is because you're interested in the thing that you take pictures of. And that's the essence of photography, at least to me.
That's it, end of explanation. Nobody hear needs to defend themselves with stuff like "I like the way the gravestones look", that may be your individual explanation/defense for taking these pictures, but the actual reason you're taking them is because you're interested in the thing that you take pictures of. And that's the essence of photography, at least to me.
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johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Funny you should say that. I'm interested in photographing both of them.
To me, its about the contrast between the aesthetics of beauty (lighting, composition, etc) on the one hand and the dark emotion on the other: loneliness, disgust, fear.
I have a set on Flickr, link to the slideshow is here
Juan Valdenebro
Truth is beauty
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robklurfield
eclipse
Jim Morrison at Pere Lachaise... apparently plenty of folks paid homage before I arrived at this scene. Great documentary on PBS this week about Morrison.
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ferider
Veteran
Here's two; I find them peaceful in the morning:
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JohnTF
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Lots of young women were there last time I was, lots of wine, candles, flowers. Lots of spray paint as well.
Another list of photos in France, including cemeteries -- coming up on the 65th anniversary of D Day.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2009/06/05/the-65th-anniversary-of-d-day-on-the-normandy-beaches/
Last photo I posted in this thread was shot a mile or so inland from Gold Beach, interesting photos show German POW's working on the cemeteries.
Regards, John
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dave lackey
Veteran
Again, thanks for the lively entertainment, folks. But, sorry, I see nothing in death that I want to photograph.
Life is too short, I will spend my time celebrating life! Four grandchildren and a lovely wife. I need nothing else.🙂
Life is too short, I will spend my time celebrating life! Four grandchildren and a lovely wife. I need nothing else.🙂
Dave- your mind is made up, and I do not think you want to be convinced. But- do you ever visit the gravesites of where loved ones are buried? I found it peaceful, and gratifying to take Nikki to see where her Grandfather was laid to rest. My Sister picked out a plot to be near him, she has kids and grandkids.
When alive, my Dad would threaten to be buried at Arlington just to get away from her. He was funny. His last words were "Yabba-Dabba-Doo".
When alive, my Dad would threaten to be buried at Arlington just to get away from her. He was funny. His last words were "Yabba-Dabba-Doo".
dave lackey
Veteran
No, Brian, with all due respect, my mind is not made up. I have no choice as it is in my own fabric of being. I abhor death and all things associated with it. I embrace life and try to be a positive influence everywhere around me regardless of the personal cost.
I cannot make it any more clear that I see a distinct separation between life and death. One is either alive or dead. My own beliefs that were instilled in me throughout nurturing as a child are founded on life, not death.
I have been to too many cemeteries over the years and seen too many good people die needlessly. Such waste.
So, you see, there is nothing peaceful for me about a cemetery. A landfill that has been closed and turned into a nature preserve is more peaceful for me, but not something I want to photograph.
In the last 6 weeks, my bride has suffered a heart attack, a subsequent stroke and now is suffering through shingles. Her vision is very bad and her strength has diminished to the point where she could not even walk up the steps to the municipal building this afternoon to see our granddaughter's ballet recital.
That is where I am coming from. No one really cares about our situation but my wife is all things to me...So, with all of this, why would I ever want to visit a cemetery?
I do, however, respect what anyone wants to photograph. This thread is just a fishing expedition as I wanted to know what it was that people find fascinating. The responses have been good and I thank everyone for that.🙂
I cannot make it any more clear that I see a distinct separation between life and death. One is either alive or dead. My own beliefs that were instilled in me throughout nurturing as a child are founded on life, not death.
I have been to too many cemeteries over the years and seen too many good people die needlessly. Such waste.
So, you see, there is nothing peaceful for me about a cemetery. A landfill that has been closed and turned into a nature preserve is more peaceful for me, but not something I want to photograph.
In the last 6 weeks, my bride has suffered a heart attack, a subsequent stroke and now is suffering through shingles. Her vision is very bad and her strength has diminished to the point where she could not even walk up the steps to the municipal building this afternoon to see our granddaughter's ballet recital.
That is where I am coming from. No one really cares about our situation but my wife is all things to me...So, with all of this, why would I ever want to visit a cemetery?
I do, however, respect what anyone wants to photograph. This thread is just a fishing expedition as I wanted to know what it was that people find fascinating. The responses have been good and I thank everyone for that.🙂
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Dave,
A couple of miles from where I live, there is a small older (as such things go in Wisconsin) township burying ground. A couple of acres of oaks & old grave stones. I've been shooting it for years now and it's as beautiful a place as I've ever been. When I don't know what else to do or have a new camera, lens or film to try, I have three "usual suspects". These oaks and stones are one of them.
And a short glance around also makes me give thanks, yet again, for vaccinations.
Edit: I, too, wish your wife is better soon. It looks like we posted about the same time. Still, I find a special grace in a graveyard that I don't find anywhere else. It helps me appreciate all the graces that make up our lives.
William
A couple of miles from where I live, there is a small older (as such things go in Wisconsin) township burying ground. A couple of acres of oaks & old grave stones. I've been shooting it for years now and it's as beautiful a place as I've ever been. When I don't know what else to do or have a new camera, lens or film to try, I have three "usual suspects". These oaks and stones are one of them.
And a short glance around also makes me give thanks, yet again, for vaccinations.
Edit: I, too, wish your wife is better soon. It looks like we posted about the same time. Still, I find a special grace in a graveyard that I don't find anywhere else. It helps me appreciate all the graces that make up our lives.
William
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mwooten
light user
I hope your wife gets better soon Dave.
--michael
--michael
I hope your wife recovers, and is alright.
My Dad got hit with Cancer, heart problems, and Alzheimer's. He later cleared for about a month before he Died, we had a great visit for Christmas- within a month, he was gone. He would phase in and out, one minute I was his son and the next I was his little brother in some memory from childhood. Then I would get, oh- you're Brian, not Billy. He could have tried a bunch of experimental drugs, Mom brought him to the specialists, said no thanks. My younger brother was not ready to let go of him, but I respect his decision. I can only hope that I am as ready as he was. But I'm not quoting Fred Flinstone when I go.
My Dad got hit with Cancer, heart problems, and Alzheimer's. He later cleared for about a month before he Died, we had a great visit for Christmas- within a month, he was gone. He would phase in and out, one minute I was his son and the next I was his little brother in some memory from childhood. Then I would get, oh- you're Brian, not Billy. He could have tried a bunch of experimental drugs, Mom brought him to the specialists, said no thanks. My younger brother was not ready to let go of him, but I respect his decision. I can only hope that I am as ready as he was. But I'm not quoting Fred Flinstone when I go.
oldoc
oldoc
Cemeteries are the place where one generation pays respect to another, and families have places for loved ones.
There is nothing morbid about it.
They are respectful, thoughtful places. They are quiet and peaceful.
You won't disturb anyone.
But more than that, there is beauty there.
A lack of understanding this does not make those who DO understand weird.
no more tha you might think poeple who shoot sports, parades, or fish. All are part of life.
Get used to it...or don't...
There is nothing morbid about it.
They are respectful, thoughtful places. They are quiet and peaceful.
You won't disturb anyone.
But more than that, there is beauty there.
A lack of understanding this does not make those who DO understand weird.
no more tha you might think poeple who shoot sports, parades, or fish. All are part of life.
Get used to it...or don't...
gb hill
Veteran
Speaking of cemeteries, just heard the news Ronnie James Dio passed today! Lead singer of Rainbow & Black Sabbath after Ozzy left. He had one of the best voices in metal. I'm sure his grave site will be busy!....RIP Ronnie James!
JohnTF
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Dave, here's to a rapid and complete recovery for your wife.
As to the OP, my grandfather really raised me, was born in the 1870's or so, and used to read the obits every day. I, of course, could not understand that, and he said "When I see my Name there, I'll give up". He lived pretty full until he didn't, saddest day of my life, and I do not photograph at that cemetery, was only 45 years ago.
Regards, John
As to the OP, my grandfather really raised me, was born in the 1870's or so, and used to read the obits every day. I, of course, could not understand that, and he said "When I see my Name there, I'll give up". He lived pretty full until he didn't, saddest day of my life, and I do not photograph at that cemetery, was only 45 years ago.
Regards, John
Juan Valdenebro
Truth is beauty
Hi Dave,
No one photographs death at cemeteries, but life...
By the way, Borges the great writer who even refused a Nobel prize, said death doesn't exist, because it's something we don't really experience... Never.
Also, when you celebrate life, or photograph it, you're tributing death.
Cheers,
Juan