Mafia Don's Funeral

[mgeary]

Here in Montreal, the death of Nicolo Rizzuto, the "patriarch of Montreal's mafia," was big news. I decided to photograph the funeral as it seemed like a historic event to cover. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear comments/critiscism.

It can also be viewed alternatively as a flickr set. http://www.flickr.com/photos/m-geary/sets/72157625281090591/

 

[Andy Kibber]

The first one is by far my favorite. B&W seems like a good choice.

 

[oftheherd]

Interesting. Nobody objected?

 

[Thardy]

Interesting. Nobody objected?

Interesting to me that Montreal has a mafia. Or should I say people in Montreal believe there is a mafia. My only criticism is too few shots, but you probably couldn't control that.

edit: Also interesting that the patriarch of Montreal's mafia has an Italian sir name.

 

[robklurfield]

Great reportage. It's hard to tell in that fourth image if those folks are mourning or simply frightened. The ambiguity is quite potent. The second one if a great composition.

 

[filmfan]

The second photo is clearly the best to my eye.

 

[porktaco]

"first of all, there ain't no such thing as the mafia. second, here, let me see that camera...

 

[Colin Corneau]

These are quite good -- from a street photography or reportage perspective, I was really impressed. I've seen photos taken by journalists over the wire services and those are coming from a certain perspective...these are unique but clearly competently done.
B&W is the right choice, I agree...my compliments on seeing moments from this event, one that can't have been really easy to get. Between the camera-shy mobsters, crush of the crowds and so much of it barricaded and guarded by various security, it must have taken some real work.
Kudos!

 

[Spleenrippa]

Interesting to me that Montreal has a mafia. Or should I say people in Montreal believe there is a mafia. My only criticism is too few shots, but you probably couldn't control that.

edit: Also interesting that the patriarch of Montreal's mafia has an Italian sir name.

Are you even Canadian?
Polite we may be, but we definitely have our fair share of crime.

 

[Keith]

Are you even Canadian?
Polite we may be, but we definitely have our fair share of crime.

I think your cousins over the border have that market cornered! 😀

To the OP ... Great photos and I'm not sure that I'd be too brave with a camera around such an event.

If you get home and find one of your prized cameras dismantled courtesy of an axe in your bed ... you'll know they weren't happy! 😛

 

[ebino]

Honest feedback.

A little too far, but i don't blame you.

 

[mgeary]

Thank you for the comments everyone. I do wish I had more keepers from the day. There were tons and tons of journalists and photographers with massive zooms on the balconies, but shooting in close was quite something. It was my first poke at amateur "photojournalism" and I think I'm hooked! It could be fun to shoot more in the future.

Honest feedback.

A little too far, but i don't blame you.

Do you mean too far, as in too far from the subjects? Or too far in a different context?

 

[retnull]

#2 is great

 

[ebino]

Do you mean too far, as in too far from the subjects? Or too far in a different context?

Yes, too far from the 'event'. Longer lens might have helped... not to mention lower contrast as well to give the picture clarity under bright sunlight.

 

[luiman]

First photo shows a meaningful idea of mafia, I think...

 

[gavinlg]

These are great - really enjoyed them. Thanks!

 

[DerekF]

Interesting to me that Montreal has a mafia. Or should I say people in Montreal believe there is a mafia. My only criticism is too few shots, but you probably couldn't control that.

edit: Also interesting that the patriarch of Montreal's mafia has an Italian sir name.

This is a joke, right?

Until recently, the Rizzuto family was considered the most powerful crime family in Canada. Several members and acquaintances of that family have been assassinated over the last couple of years. This particular mafia don's son is still serving time in a Colorado prison. Closer to home, our provincial government has been under fire for refusing to call an inquiry into alleged links between the mafia and our construction industry, prompting many to wonder whether there's something the government is trying to hide.

Hmm, or better yet, like another poster said, maybe there IS no mafia. :angel:

 

[chrism]

At least you didn't have James Caan come and break your camera (or does that only apply to weddings?)

Chris

 

[ebino]

At least you didn't have James Caan come and break your camera (or does that only apply to weddings?)

Chris

i think during funerals they're too busy planning who will take over and who needs to get clipped.

 

[Keith]

Sigh ... I miss 'The Sopranos!'

Was there ever a better series to come out of the US?