Whilst looking through some photography threads on Flickr, I stumbled across this post, which was a long discussion on the subject of Funeral Photography. I’d never actually though about it before, and it really got me thinking. What do you think about it?
By Dsb Nola, on Flickr
The thread contains a lot of thoughts from various people – some very much against it, and some for it. Myself, I can see both sides…
Why It Might Be A Good Idea
- Although an obviously very sensitive time, it is a large gathering of friends and relatives, some of whom may not have seen each other in years. Therefore having photos of everyone together – even if it is such a sad occasion – could be looked back on in later years very favourably.
- As mentioned in the thread, this could actually bring some comfort to the people left behind – viewing the photos, seeing who came to show their support and love…
- I’ve not been to many, thankfully, but the ones I have been to have passed in a blur of stress and emotion – so having photos of the day could help people remember actually who attended, who read the eulogies and so on…
- Another point mentioned in the thread is that many people just can’t attend funerals, as they may live in a different country – being able to send photographs to these people who couldn’t come could be a way of making them feel more connected to the event, almost as if they were there themselves.
But I Can Understand Why Folk May Not Agree
- Perhaps the most emotional and sensitive event you can attend, surely a funeral is not a place for taking photos?
- Not only could it seem distasteful, but the presence of a photographer could also make everyone else uneasy.
- Would you be happy, if you were a professional photographer, to make money from recording such an event?
What do you think about it? Leave a comment below if you’d like to share your thoughts.
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I’ve agonized over this for quite some time and can see both sides of the argument, some see it as morbid or macabre and others see it as just another milestone in someone’s life which should be recorded for posterity. In some parts of the world such as Holland and Finland it is commonplace and popular and of course in others it is taboo. My personal view is that if the nearest and dearest to the deceased person wants the funeral recorded in images then I see no reason why he or she should not be able to employ a photographer to do this. Provided it is done discreetly and sensitively and is seen as a ‘celebration’ of someone’s life, then why not?
Hi Kenny, thanks for your input. I agree with you, if someone wants the funeral professionally photographed, then I don’t see why they shouldn’t be able to. Although I’m sure some funeral attendess might find the presence of a photographer a little shocking, if the close family members want it done, then I definitely think why not. Perhaps it may seem morbid on first reflection, but to have some quality, respectful photos of the event to look back on actually seems quite beautiful to me.
I’ve shot several funerals, including the one in the picture that runs with the post above (follow the link to my photostream and you’ll see on the front page sets of several jazz funerals). But I’m in New Orleans, so funerals here sometimes include a brass bands and a second-line parade. Besides jazz funerals, I also took pictures at my wife’s grandmother’s funeral which didn’t feature a brass band or any dancing. Even so, family members really appreciated that I took pictures–I think it made it easier for folks to share the experience with other family who couldn’t attend. That said, I think a jazz funeral is a uniquely dignified and deeply moving experience which has made clear to me that any funeral should be: 1) a celebration of the life lost, and 2) a celebration of the lives that remain. Photography can play an important role in both of these celebrations.
Thanks a lot for your thoughts, and for the fantastic photo that accompanies this post. It’s interesting to hear how funerals can be so vastly different depending on where you are in the world, and the culture of the deceased. I’m sure family members did appreciate you taking such superb photos – memories of a sad event, yes, but memories of a very important occasion, that many people can’t attend but would love to be able to. The more I think about it, the more I do see that photography should have an important role to play at a funeral, especially if family and friends all want it to happen.