Funeral photography

[LMH]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11678482

Not something I'd want at a funeral I might be attending (or even my own

). But is it a celebration of a life or the mourning of a lost life?

Lisa

 

[Past_it]

I think they would look better in colour than black and white for such a sad occasion.

 

[emmerson]

niche market, Lisa?

 

[OmOnWeelz]

Smile please, all smile. You too, Sir!
All lined up in a funeral group
'Ere we are for a photograph
We're all dressed up in a mourning suit
All trying hard not to laugh
Since early man dressed in black
Took a trip to Highgate Cemetry
There's always been a photographer
To record the 'end-of-eeee'
'Old it, flash, bang, wallop, what a picture
What a picture, what a photograph
Poor old soul, blimey, what a joke
Lid blown off in a cloud of smoke
Clap 'ands, stamp yer feet
Bangin' on the big bass drum
What a picture, what a picture
Um-tiddly-um-pum-um-pum-pum
Stick it in your fam'ly album

Hold it there, 'Smile' well not too much! Well try saying Ch ch ch ch eeee COFFIN

Niche = Small. Can't see it ever becoming a big boost to Nikon and Canon sales or cemeteries and crems making extra profit flogging disposable camera's

 

[LMH]

There is a niche market emmerson, but it's not funerals.

Lisa xx

 

[LMH]

Smile please, all smile. You too, Sir!
All lined up in a funeral group
'Ere we are for a photograph
We're all dressed up in a mourning suit
All trying hard not to laugh
Since early man dressed in black
Took a trip to Highgate Cemetry
There's always been a photographer
To record the 'end-of-eeee'
'Old it, flash, bang, wallop, what a picture
What a picture, what a photograph
Poor old soul, blimey, what a joke
Lid blown off in a cloud of smoke
Clap 'ands, stamp yer feet
Bangin' on the big bass drum
What a picture, what a picture
Um-tiddly-um-pum-um-pum-pum
Stick it in your fam'ly album

Hold it there, 'Smile' well not too much! Well try saying Ch ch ch ch eeee COFFIN

Niche = Small. Can't see it ever becoming a big boost to Nikon and Canon sales or cemeteries and crems making extra profit flogging disposable camera's

I'm afraid I don't really understand your post. But i doubt funeral photography would actually increase the sales of high end Canon or Nikon cameras as togs (reputable ones anyway) would already have adequate equipment - camera. ocf etc.

I think this is yet another American thing which is creeping into this country.

Lisa

 

[LMH]

Smile please, all smile. You too, Sir!
All lined up in a funeral group
'Ere we are for a photograph
We're all dressed up in a mourning suit
All trying hard not to laugh
Since early man dressed in black
Took a trip to Highgate Cemetry
There's always been a photographer
To record the 'end-of-eeee'
'Old it, flash, bang, wallop, what a picture
What a picture, what a photograph
Poor old soul, blimey, what a joke
Lid blown off in a cloud of smoke
Clap 'ands, stamp yer feet
Bangin' on the big bass drum
What a picture, what a picture
Um-tiddly-um-pum-um-pum-pum
Stick it in your fam'ly album

Hold it there, 'Smile' well not too much! Well try saying Ch ch ch ch eeee COFFIN

Niche = Small. Can't see it ever becoming a big boost to Nikon and Canon sales or cemeteries and crems making extra profit flogging disposable camera's

I'm afraid I don't really understand your post. But i doubt funeral photography would actually increase the sales of high end Canon or Nikon cameras as togs (reputable ones anyway) would already have adequate equipment - camera. ocf etc.

I think this is yet another American thing which is creeping into this country.

Lisa

 

[Dustydog]

Not for me I'm afraid. RIP is just that - Rest in Peace. The Eulogies are important and I think give some finality.
I'm also mindful that Euro passed on very recently

 

[OmOnWeelz]

Sorry, just my irony take on
'FLASH BANG WALLOP'
Half a Sixpence - Tommy Steele Musical.
Just a warped surreal vision of people at a FUNERAL posing for photo's and some snappers assistant running up thrusting light meter under the grieving widow's nose and adjusting those silvery flash umbrella's if the lighting was too gloomy.
Lets just agree the whole idea is BARKING! So yes, proabably USA sickery

 

[602]

Hi,
Wasn't there a story about somebody playing his bagpipes over a recently back-filled grave. The blokes with spades had tears in their eyes, said it was the most beautiful thing they had heard ..... over a drain repair.
602

 

[LMH]

Hi,
Wasn't there a story about somebody playing his bagpipes over a recently back-filled grave. The blokes with spades had tears in their eyes, said it was the most beautiful thing they had heard ..... over a drain repair.
602

I didn't hear about that particular one, but that's nice and a few people these days are going for lone pipers.

Still not sure on photography at funerals though.
Lisa

 

[Timbo1]

Hello Lisa.

I think it is a very personal choice and believe, having witnessed your photography skills and apparent natural empathy, you would capture appropriate pictures that would bring great comfort to the bereaved and not degrade such an occasion as mentioned above.

In my experience, the emotion of the moment often eclipses "the occasion" and valuable memories are lost to the ether. I think I would welcome professional photographs of the floral tributes and procession in particular, as these could be treasured as a special memory and in ensuing months of pain could assist closure. However, I would draw the line at intruding and capturing personal grief - I think the photographer would have to be a very special, professional candidate, putting the needs of others before their pocket.

I once worked with a woman who made her living applying make-up to corpses, reflecting the cultural aspect of the person deceased. At the time I thought "how awful, how could you enjoy doing that!" but when I got to speak with her in depth and understood her passion for her trade, it wasn't about making money, she truly believed that what she was doing bought positivity to both the bereaved and the deceased client. Good luck to her I say.

As always, there will be the people who jump on the bandwagon to earn a few bob, but in my opinon, with the focus on respect and dignity for the deceased it would be something I would certainly consider.

Regards.

 

[LMH]

Hi Timbo

I think I would welcome professional photographs of the floral tributes and procession in particular, as these could be treasured as a special memory and in ensuing months of pain could assist closure. However, I would draw the line at intruding and capturing personal grief -

I think I would agree with the above. I think it was the personal grief that I couldn't get my head around.

Slightly different but I was contacted earlier on in the year by a third party to ask if I would photograph a woman in advanced stages of cancer with her family. The lady wanted some final shots of herself with her devoted and devistated family, for them to keep (young children).

I thought long and hard for a few days and decided to do it (free of course). On the day, how I remained composed, I'll never ever know. After the session, as soon as I had packed away all my stuff into my car, I drove away from the house, round the corner and cried my eyes out.

(Oh and this isn't the niche market I referred to earlier, quite the opposite).

Lisa x

 

[colin(bridgend)]

I am amazed to log in and find such a personal subject on a caravan forum, especially having not long returned from my late sister-in-law's cremation today. She was a wonderful lady who suffered from cancer which unfortunately affected her mind and committed suicide at the young age of 65. The devistating effect it has had on my brother and nephew will last with me for ever.

If the family wishes to have photographs taken at the funeral - well so be it - it is a free country and it is up to the individual. If it is another American influence on British society and you do not like it, don't knock those who wish to have photographic memories of their beloved ones to look back on and cherish. I believe it was an Irish custom to have a photo of the deceased in their coffin and a wake to celebrate the life of the departed.

 

[chrisbee1]

I think it’s a personal preference but if that’s what you want then fine. My MIL was cremated yesterday and as she was not a practicing Christian my FIL opted for a Humanist goodbye. It was very difficult trying not to get emotional and sad, the idea being it was a celebration of her life, but I don’t think a photographer would have been out of place at such a service.

 

[OmOnWeelz]

My mother actually died last year and her cousin and family in Australia wanted to send flowers for the funeral but were unable to arrange it in time being so far away. I called Australia from the florists 3 hours before the funeral and cousin told her what she wanted and I paid. The florist did a magnificent job and got the floral display to the funeral directors.
After the crematorium service when everyone had drifted away from the floral displays, I took three quick photo's of the Aussie flowers and the others fwith my phone for the Aussie 'rellies' so they could see there purchase. There were few people around but I got some very very black disapproving looks from some in our group and from others although I only photograped the flowers.
I have to say, I was in 'pieces' that day and I wouldn't want to be photograhed at a funeral and I have family and friends who hate being photographed. Funeral photography is just a step to far for me, I just can't imagine saddened mourners having to cope with a snapper bobbing around however considerate they might be.

 

[Dexter1]

Each to their own of course but I would love to have some photographs of my dear old Mum's funeral of 5 years ago to look back on. I do not think that a photographer would have detracted from the emotion of the day provided they were sympathetic and discreet, of course and it would be just lovely to see all the guests (some of which are also no longer with us) and have some pictorial reminders of the day. It is after all one of the few lifetime occasions that large groups of families and friends do get together and whilst I do not think it would be appropriate for individuals to take snaps like they do at weddings it would be a nice reminder of the funeral.

Dex

 

[Damian]

This topic certainly got me thinking, and my first reaction was one of unease at the thought of having photos taken at a funeral.

However, as I thought about it some more, I thought about when photos ARE taken during life.
Today, peope are photographed before they are born by way of scans, then there are the hundreds of pictures as we grow up, important birthdays, engagements, marriage and so on throughout life.
But.....the one time we do not have photo images of is the last journey of the individual, which after all is just as important and is the only thing guaranteed in life.

It seems to leave a gap in the whole life story, we have pre birth, birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood,,,but no ending?

There is only one certainty in life and that is death.
Everything else is a bit of a lottery, where we were born, how we grew up, what jobs we do, who we marry etc.

I was talking to my mother in law, who is the best MIL one could hope to have, totally off the wall in the nicest sense of the word, and we were talking about her funeral when the time comes (she is 82 now), and she wants the lid of her coffin open during the service .......so that she can sing along to the hymns !!!!
She has chosen some rather conventional music she would like, but also Bat Out Of Hell and Knock on Wood
I have a feeling she would like nothing more than a photographic record of the event.

I now think that as long as it was done with dignity and not organised as in wedding shots, it is a good idea and a fitting final chapter to ones individual book of life.

 

[ValA.]

I was at a funeral yesterday - the mother of my best friend who is seriously ill, being so poorly she was unable to go herself. It was a very personal service, for a lady who had been 89 years old and in a care home with Alzheimer's Disease for twelve years. All the family took photographs, both phone and camera, and have sent them to my friend. It didn't seem at all inappropriate, and she said it made her feel part of the proceedings. The vicar had no objections to photographs in the church yard (though not in the Church itself) - and even took her place in one of the photographs.
So, despite my initial feelings about this subject, after I came back from the funeral I did think it was rather a good idea - but only if sensitively done, and preferably by someone who was not going to intrude on any grief or take inappropriate pictures.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Mr. Mods - reading the postings on this topic on page 2 I think that the sensative and personal feelings of the many contributors who have recently lost a loved one this topic should be halted. There are many here who have been deeply moved by losing a close relative/friend and have expressed their feelings on this matter. I would even go so far to say the whole topic should be erased from the forum. I do not understand how this was initially brought about - I certainly would not have even considered looking for/at the original link let alone introduced it to a caravan forum. I feel that the whole topic is of bad taste and to those who, like me, have recenly lost a close family member/friend please accept my personal condolances - I fully understand and appreciate your suffering at this sad moment.

 

[LMH]

Colin, seeing as it was I who created this thread, I'll clarify,

I wasn't looking or searching for a link about funeral photography when I came across the link Colin. It was a subject which was being discussed on a photography forum and the link appeared on the BBC news site. So I guess by now, thousands, if not more have viewed it.

When I initially read the report on the BBC site, I thought the subject of funeral photography was in bad taste and an another idea which has crept over here from the USA.

However, having read some of the replies on here from members, many long standing members, I might add, I've changed my mind slightly. Someone mentioned they took some photos of flowers which they bought on behalf of relatives in Australia. They then forwarded the photo's to the relatives. I think that was a lovely gesture.

In fact, I've often thought (particularly when someone is cremated) it's such a shame that the flowers are just left at the crematorium. After reading this thread, I think I would be happy for someone to take photos of the flowers for instance. When my dad died, I took two roses off the huge floral tribute on his coffin. I pressed them in a book, and my mother still has them. I'm glad I did that.

I don't think this thread is in bad taste Colin and I'm sorry if you feel it is. People have replied in an honest and sensitive way and I have enjoyed reading the replies and as no one else has complained, I assume other people are ok with the thread.

I am a bit younger than you Colin but I've already advised my family of my wishes.

Lisa

 

[Dustydog]

I believe Lisa was quite correct to raise this subject on here . Based on the broad knowledge base from the many contributors I feel a genuine balanced view is emerging that neither says yes nor no.

My dad died last year and I admit whilst I didn't take pics of him dead nor of the coffin the family flowers were well photographed. Equally rather than watch the curtains close at the point of committal every member of the congregation went up to the altar and touched his coffin , saying a little prayer on the way out. That was a new type of committal I'd read about and one we all enjoyed. It gave some finality.

Equaly Colin, Colin Yorkshire lost his little dog this week and I am glad so many people on here took time to ofer a few words of comfort.
Pics at the funeral will no doubt become more common place for all the reasons mentioned and if that's what the individual family want then so be it.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I would even go so far to say the whole topic should be erased from the forum.

I personally think that's silly Colyn ap Brydgynd

As someone as already pointed out (Damian I think but can't be bothered to scroll) death is the only thing that is certain in life.
We cannot hide away the fact that it happens and cannot stifle honest debate on an everyday occurence.
Last Saturday a friend and neighbour passed away and we will be going to the funeral on Monday but because of this I wouldn't want the topic deleted, even if it was a close family member.
During my career I had to deal with death many hundreds of times and a little humour was what stopped us going over the top and declining into a kind of depression. Something which certainly would have happened if we took everything so seriously and then it would have had a knock on affect with our families.
Continuing what the topic was about we have taken photos of the grave with the flowers but that is after the event. Somehow I cannot imagine why anyone, if truly showing grief, would want their pics taken.
Again carrying on with the photo subject we had my late MILs pic put on her headstone. The first time I saw this was many years ago when walking through a cemetery in the south of France. I liked the idea at the time and still do. It kind of personalises the grave instead of it being just a stone with an inscription. Unfortunately my MILs brother didn't like the idea but tough, her two daughters did

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Equaly Colin, Colin Yorkshire lost his little dog this week and I am glad so many people on here took time to ofer a few words of comfort.

So do we ask for that topic to be deleted DD because it was an emotive subject?

Afterall, it could have brought tears to others eyes by reminding them of loved pets they had lost in the past

 

[Damian]

There is no reason to remove or lock this thread.
I agree that it is an emotove subject, but it is one of lifes inevitables and nothing has been posted to diminish the kind of occasion it is.
Death is one of the last taboos but only by talking about it does one overcome the grief and sense of loss.

I have seen the death of both my parents in less than ideal circumstances and like LB have seen it in many forms in my working life, from bringing my best friend home in a body bag to dealing with those who chose to exit this world by their own hand.

I can with certainty say that being able to talk about it is a great healer of emotions, so it is not without personal knowledge that I am able to post this.
The important point is to cherish the memories and remember the good times that happened along lifes path,and if a pictorial record is appropriate, so be it.
Going right back to the OP, and the question "is it a celebration of a life or the mourning of a lost life?", it is a celebration of life, and as all other celebrations are photographed, so should this one, if that is what the wish is.