Funeral fotos
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Hooky
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Hi mmcp42, I was asked to take photographs at the funeral and wake of my first grandchild, who was unfortunately stillborn at full term in August 2007. The main protocol / standard for such an emotional event (in my experience) is to speak with the nearest relatives of the deceased. Although this may be a stressful thing to do, I think it is essential to gain their views regarding what they want recorded.
In my situation I used a 18-200 lens so that I was able to gain some shots without intruding too much on individuals grief. I used no flash at any time.
You may also wish to be prepared for both positive and negative feedback. Unfortunately some of the responses I received were vitriolic to say the least
The people that matter most in these situations are the closest loved ones. IMO their views and wishes are paramount.
I send my condolences to you and your loved ones, if the funeral is for someone you were close to.
HTH, regards,
Alan
In my situation I used a 18-200 lens so that I was able to gain some shots without intruding too much on individuals grief. I used no flash at any time.
You may also wish to be prepared for both positive and negative feedback. Unfortunately some of the responses I received were vitriolic to say the least
The people that matter most in these situations are the closest loved ones. IMO their views and wishes are paramount.
I send my condolences to you and your loved ones, if the funeral is for someone you were close to.
HTH, regards,
Alan
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susie
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A friend of mine did some pictures at a funeral, he was asked by the family so that they could send them to relatives who lived in Australia and were not able to travel.
I've just rung him and he suggested you find out what sort of pictures they want so that you can think it out a bit in advance. No flash, he took pics of the cars arriving, the coffin being carried in, and people gathered outside before the service. Then afterwards he did the flowers, more of the people looking at the flowers and later some back at the house.
Not sure if this helps, its not an easy thing to be covering.
I've just rung him and he suggested you find out what sort of pictures they want so that you can think it out a bit in advance. No flash, he took pics of the cars arriving, the coffin being carried in, and people gathered outside before the service. Then afterwards he did the flowers, more of the people looking at the flowers and later some back at the house.
Not sure if this helps, its not an easy thing to be covering.
OP
mmcp42
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not a relative but a close friend
the family have asked me to do the pics
feedback most helpful, thanks everyone
I had planned to take a few shots in and around the church beforehand, but there are some useful pointers here
as you all said - the wishes of the family are paramount
thanks
the family have asked me to do the pics
feedback most helpful, thanks everyone
I had planned to take a few shots in and around the church beforehand, but there are some useful pointers here
as you all said - the wishes of the family are paramount
thanks
stevewestern
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Blimey Mike - not sure I would want to unless everyone knew why. Is that possible to arrange ? At leasy your camera woulf be expected, and anyone with a problem with it could let you know..
I would agree with both Hooky and Susie, and no flash, but maybe also no faces at times when crying or obvious grief was being shown - bowed backs might show just as much..
Again, hope it is not somebody too close.
Steve
I would agree with both Hooky and Susie, and no flash, but maybe also no faces at times when crying or obvious grief was being shown - bowed backs might show just as much..
Again, hope it is not somebody too close.
Steve
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mmcp42
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thanks Steve, I hope to get some more info from the family before the day
I do know them all very well, so that side shouldn't be a problem
I had already wondered about avoiding faces
I guess capturing the atmosphere rather than the detail
I do know them all very well, so that side shouldn't be a problem
I had already wondered about avoiding faces
I guess capturing the atmosphere rather than the detail
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Never done anything like this Mike very emotive I would guess
But I think you have summed up what would / should be required
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I've done this once and I felt like a ghoul. In fact I declined the widow's request, but I was asked by a mate who was close to the family to do it as a personal favour to him. :shrug:
As said, try to be as discreet as you can - use a mid range tele or zoom lens. Avoid moving in too close at the graveside if it's a burial - keep a respectful distance. As it is you're quite likely to get some strange, even hostile looks from mourners who don't know you've been asked to do it.
I still find it weird although it's getting more common it seems.
As said, try to be as discreet as you can - use a mid range tele or zoom lens. Avoid moving in too close at the graveside if it's a burial - keep a respectful distance. As it is you're quite likely to get some strange, even hostile looks from mourners who don't know you've been asked to do it.
I still find it weird although it's getting more common it seems.
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I don't think you have to worry about avoiding faces. I asked the widow why she wanted them taken, and she said she wanted a record of the day - who attended etc, a bit like wedding shots, as usually funerals are quickly forgotten, which I would have thought was the whole idea?
lee
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I was asked to video record a funeral once, some of the guests thought I was a bit strange, and told me so, but I simply explained it was for other family members that were unable to make it, and it was "oh yeah, good idea".
I guess because I was recording it I didn't think to much about what specifically to capture just followed the day. But things that stick in my mind was the queue of people waiting to go into the service, the carrying of the coffin, people who got up to speak, flowers & messages in the cards.
Hope it goes as well as it can do.
I guess because I was recording it I didn't think to much about what specifically to capture just followed the day. But things that stick in my mind was the queue of people waiting to go into the service, the carrying of the coffin, people who got up to speak, flowers & messages in the cards.
Hope it goes as well as it can do.
Davyjones
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Such a sad time. I lost my father last May, and my sister couldn,t get in from Australia in time. Due to the fact I was also grieving no photographs were taken at the service itself, but beforehand I took some of him in his casket and the next day went up and took pictures of the floral tributes. All the immediate family had copies and my mother finds them helpful to look at.
I wish you well in your task
Richard
I wish you well in your task
Richard
rich_eason
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I don't think you have to worry about avoiding faces. I asked the widow why she wanted them taken, and she said she wanted a record of the day - who attended etc, a bit like wedding shots, as usually funerals are quickly forgotten, which I would have thought was the whole idea?
I think you have to remember that in times like these people emotions behave in very different ways...
NorthernNikon
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Given some of the above comments re negative feedback from others at the funeral, it might be an idea to ask the family to advise all guests that photogprahs will be taken and the reasons why. This might help avoid any issues on a day when emtions tend to run high.
Tooler
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It was my best freinds funeral day after boxing day 07. He was 42.
Another freind asked me if it would be appropriate to take his camera along to record the event for future memories for the family ashe had done this before. He assured me that he would keep his distance using a long zoom and no flash so I authorsied it.
Out of the 400 or so guests there was not one complaint. A few even wondered if he was a press photographer!
Within 4 days he had processd, printed and bound the pictures in an album for my freinds wife. She is delighted to have something to look back on with the kids in the years to come.
Its a lovely idea. Just keep your distance and hardly anyone will notice.
Remember you have been asked by the family so it has little to do with anyone else.
Scott
Another freind asked me if it would be appropriate to take his camera along to record the event for future memories for the family ashe had done this before. He assured me that he would keep his distance using a long zoom and no flash so I authorsied it.
Out of the 400 or so guests there was not one complaint. A few even wondered if he was a press photographer!
Within 4 days he had processd, printed and bound the pictures in an album for my freinds wife. She is delighted to have something to look back on with the kids in the years to come.
Its a lovely idea. Just keep your distance and hardly anyone will notice.
Remember you have been asked by the family so it has little to do with anyone else.
Scott