Funeral photography

T

Terao

Kiloran
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Someone just asked me about this so I'd thought I'd ask here. What are your opinions on taking photos at funerals you are attending. They are often great family gatherings (in that people you've not seen for ages turn up) and all human emotion is on display. I know they're deeply personal and private but what do you think - acceptable to take photos?
 
There was a great article a while ago in a photography magazine. I think as long as you are close to the person being buried, there shouldn't be a problem. No flash, and discuss with the family/friends who have arranged the funeral. Very touchy but possibly very moving photo's
 
Depends on the family and how much they value family photographs. Like weddings, it is a time when far-flung family get together.
 
Not at all acceptable at the ceremony or with the family looking on. Ok before and after when few people are around. Although, I do remember once walking in a funeral procession and sneaking a picture of the casket in front of me with a little digital P&S. But I would never share that picture with anyone and deffinitely no one saw me do it.

/Ira
 
"Not at all acceptable at the ceremony or with the family looking on."

Depends if you are part of that family, or are being paid by that family to photograph the event.

Certainly not acceptable to show up at a cemetery and begin photographing an unknown family.
 
I wouldn't be comfortable either taking pictures or being photographed in the case I had to attend a funeral. I suppose it is not illegal but it is one situation where the photographer has to take into account the desires of the family. If they are OK with it and you are also comfortable doing this sort of thing then shoot away.
 
" Certainly not acceptable to show up at a cemetery and begin photographing an unknown family."

What about all those TV shows where the FBI guy stands around taking photos of the gangeters? But then again, even in the "Godfather" certain photographers weren't welcome at the wedding. :D

/Ira
 
I think it's fine so long as it's OK with the family. I have seen it many times, and many people are happy to have the photos. The last funeral I was at, the children of the decesed asked me to e-mail them the photos I took.:cool:
 
To clarify, yes this would be as a member of the family or at the request of the family...
I wouldn't appreciate someone I didn't know turning up and doing some reportage...
 
"To clarify, yes this would be as a member of the family or at the request of the family..."

No problem then. Some attendents may be put off, as emotions can run high and some folks are sensitive to photography to begin with, but if they are made aware of the request of the family then...
 
No. Too painful.....and who wants to be reminded of their own suffering? Who wants to view other people suffering?
The rudeness of it outweighs any artistic benefit as far as I'm concerned.
 
I think it depends on the funeral, if it was someone passing on from natural causes the situation is much more differerent to where the person died "before their time".

Personally - I hate the idea.

Err... That's a little strong and I don't mean offence to anyone who doesn't mind.
 
As one who grew up in a funeral home, yes I did live there, and have attended more funerals than most, I can say that if the family has no objections then it would be ok. Now good taste should prevail, no shots of people in tears or grief, but before and after the service most people do compose themselves and are comforted by their family members. Some have been quite funny with the personal stories about the peculiarities of the deceased. But if one is sensitive one could take pictures without causing or adding to the grief. Sometimes it is the only occasion some see one another for years and photos would be appreciated.:)
 
FrankS said:
"Not at all acceptable at the ceremony or with the family looking on."

Depends if you are part of that family, or are being paid by that family to photograph the event.
Click to expand...

Like Frank says, it does all depend.

I've been asked to photograph at the funeral by the family several times.

Lots of family members were taking pics too.

Edit: I see that Terao has clarified it also.
 
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There were people who took snapshots at my father's funeral and I have never really forgiven them for it. I even asked them not to do it and they decided to disrespect my wishes. I would never do that to someone else. I'm glad this thread was brought up. This is something that has bothered me for year.
 
Amateur armchair psychologist here: Sometimes strong feelings (grief) over one thing (family member's death) are transferred into a different feeling (anger) about another thing. (photographing at funeral) I'm not sure why a family member photographing at a funeral would cause anger (unless it was done disrespectfully.)

No disrespect intended here, Steve.
 
Topdog1 said:
Not at all acceptable at the ceremony or with the family looking on. Ok before and after when few people are around. Although, I do remember once walking in a funeral procession and sneaking a picture of the casket in front of me with a little digital P&S. But I would never share that picture with anyone and deffinitely no one saw me do it.

/Ira
Click to expand...

This seems like an overly broad statement.

The recent funerals of both Gerald Ford and James Brown were heavily recorded. While stranded in the DFW airport I even got to see James Brown's putative widow kneel over his open casket on CNN!

Obviously the wishes of the next of kin are paramount - but some people may actually want such a record.
 
I wouldn't feel comfortable photographing funerals but I can understand many people would like photos as memories of mourners.
 
None taken Frank....

None taken Frank....

FrankS said:
Amateur armchair psychologist here: Sometimes strong feelings (grief) over one thing (family member's death) are transferred into a different feeling (anger) about another thing. (photographing at funeral) I'm not sure why a family member photographing at a funeral would cause anger (unless it was done disrespectfully.)

No disrespect intended here, Steve.
Click to expand...

The truth is it was done disrespectfully. I has requested that no photos be taken and it was done against my wishes. Also, people need to differentiate between a private citizen and a public figure. It's two different ballgames.
 
and another thing....

and another thing....

FrankS said:
Amateur armchair psychologist here: Sometimes strong feelings (grief) over one thing (family member's death) are transferred into a different feeling (anger) about another thing. (photographing at funeral) I'm not sure why a family member photographing at a funeral would cause anger (unless it was done disrespectfully.)

No disrespect intended here, Steve.
Click to expand...

I remember when Dad was alive, he once said to me that he thought this particular relative was really being disrespectful when he took photo at other funerals. That's probably why I asked him not to take the photos in the 1st place.
 
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