I've often thought about it too, especially here in Ireland where an Irish 'wake' can last up to 3 days. The wake itself begins with mourning obviously, then a lot of drinking and becomes a celebration of the person's life - with stories told about their ventures, the good the bad the ugly, the wailing turns to laughter for the most part. There was a documentary years ago on Irish tv about a photographer who did just that, he photographed Irish wakes and funerals. Can't for the life of me find it though :/ I think if it's tastefully done, a story acount of the funeral in image form, it would be a lovely keep-sake for the family and friends.
One thing in favour of photographing these occasions is that like weddings it's one of the rare occasions when the whole family is likely to be together.
One thing in favour of photographing these occasions is that like weddings it's one of the rare occasions when the whole family is likely to be together.
TBH it's not something I think many would want, and I could imagine some attendees becoming aggressive. Emotions run in a lot of unpredictable ways at these things, and I doubt many would want a camera pushed at them.
I have never seen anyone take photographs at a funeral (church or crematorium). However, when the family meets afterwards, the atmosphere is usually more relaxed and capturing family groups who do not get together often seems quite normal. However, I do not see that this would offer very much work for a professional photographer.
Dave
When my brother passed away, I did take some shots of the floral wreaths. But to this day I still can’t bring myself to look at them. As said above, it’s a very raw and emotional setting, so some may take offence. When I was sorting out my stepfather computer after he passed, I found photos that he had taken of his farther and my uncle in their coffins, I wasn’t happy at all.
not everyone has a funeral. Some people have "celebration of life" type event because they either were not religious or they want to celebrate someones life more than their death or both. I have been asked preciously to photograph one of these. It still felt odd and I politely declined it as I wouldn't be comfortable doing it. But that's just me
I am not against the idea and well we live in a democracy people are free to choose how they wish to remember certain events.
But doing it respectfully and "tastefully" is important as noted above. Some people are obviously better at it.
I also don't stuff my face at funerals either. I find it odd that some people go there and as soon as the food is out they rush to the buffet!
Don't think I have ever eaten anything at any funeral because I actually don't think its a situation that makes me hungry and it causes a loss in appetite.
Similarly its also a situation I don't think could be creative or mindfully tasteful in the way I'd photograph. So I wouldn't be comfortable with it.
I'm going to be all stereotypical Oirish here, but if you're not atin' and drinkin' at an Irish wake people think there's something wrong with ya
haha fair enough. Just don't feel like it I'm afraid.
You could take a photo before the funeral...