Funerals?

[grapejohnson]

Thanks for all the advice. I think im gonna just leave one in the car, if I bring one at all. I didn't know the guy personally so it'd be kind of weird. I just haven't had to deal with any funerals since I've gotten into photography (luckily) and wasn't sure wha people generally did in the situation.

 

[Pablito]

it's a cultural thing.

it depends.

 

[jamesj]

When my great grandmother passed away I took photos digging the grave. and at the service with my XA. The roll is sitting around here somewhere.

But I probably wouldn't do it at someone I didn't really know.

 

[Sunti]

I say leave the camera at home unless the family requests that you document the event.

 

[bigeye]

it's a cultural thing.

it depends.

After my father died, several friends who have immigrated to the US asked if I had taken pictures. "No, why would I?"

The friend from rural Ireland said to mark, for better or worse, another event and gathering of the living family as a whole, which I think is beautiful perspective. See Irish wake. Another friend from the islands said that it is expected, to casually document the state of the deceased.

It's odd that we photograph the funerals of great people, such as presidents, prime ministers, and celebrities/sports heros, but feel uncomfortable doing so for the average person.

- Charlie

 

[Bob Michaels]

it's a cultural thing.

it depends.

Absolutely! It is important that we never assume someone else's cultural norms are the same as our own.

For example, our family has not had a funeral for 50 years. Everyone is simply cremated and their ashes poured into the river or ocean. But if anyone wanted to come photograph, they would be welcome.

 

[bjornkeizers]

I recently read somewhere that funeral photography is actually somewhat of a 'trend'. To me, that makes sense. Why would you only want pictures of the happy moments on your life? Fact is, most of us are just as much defined by the unhappy moments such as death, accidents or misfortune. It's a shame we don't have pictures of those moments, since overcoming them can be source of tremendous strength.

Personally, I would encourage people to take pictures at my funeral. It's the last mark we'll all leave on this world. Why not record it?

We also took pictures at an aunt's funeral a few years ago. Yes, that also included the open casket. We did it during a private moment before the funeral, so as not to disturb others who might find it... somewhat morbid. I don't have that particular hangup, as photographing dead people is a tradition as old as photography itself.

 

[E__WOK]

I was part of the funeral procession and took pictures to remember my grandfather who recently passed away.

 

[koven]

its in bad taste, IMO