Funeral photography etiquette

[futurshox]

Hi,

I have been asked to photograph at a funeral on Monday afternoon. Specifically (as far as I know) the flypast of aircraft that will honor the deceased. I've been asked because photographing aircraft is what I do.

I have very little experience of photographing people, and none at all of photographing funerals. I've never been to an American funeral and I have a feeling this one may be quite large.

Besides the obvious (wear dark, smark clothes, don't get in the way or be insensitive etc), can anyone tell me anything I should know or do/not do, please?

Thank you!

[jonnydonut]

Tricky one there. I would talk to the client and find out exactly what they want other than the aircraft shots. Obviously they want to remember the day of his funeral, which means they honor his life and death.

You'll have to take the approach that these people are celebrating someone's life and service rather than morning a death. You didn't know the person, but you're there because of his/her greatness.

There will be smiles, telling stories, rememberance - capture that.
Lay off the balling cries, tears and smiles is ok.

Was he/she in the armed forces? If so they're will be plenty of rituals to photograph, guys with guns, flag folding, etc. You might even get a picture with everyone there in uniform or who's served in the past, maybe even saluting. That could be something special.

[CaptainTom]

Can't add much to Jonny's remarks except to say that people are sensitive about having their photo taken.
1- somehow make sure they know you are there as an official photographer ( a simple name badge or neck placard would help )
2- Be as invisible as possible.
3- photographers aren't generally at funerals, so you will probably get some strange looks. Your sensitivity will be important.

[futurshox]

Thanks for the hints. I don't know if he was in the armed forces but he was heavily involved in the CAF, hence the flypast. I have been approached by a third party who is also involved, rather than by the family directly. I guess I will get there early and try to ask what they require.

[MattMoore]

Set you phone to "SILENT" or off

[PIC]

Use a quiet PS type camera like canon G10 or less.
No flash - high ISO - stay in background and invisible as much as possible.
This is 180 degrees from the tabloid photographer.

[RightAngle]

I would just be very choosy with which shots you do an don't take. At a wedding I feel like grabbing everything possible for memories is really important. Kind of shoot now ask questions later approach. There is so much happening there that you never know if something important will or wont be in your frame.

At a funeral though I would go complete opposite. Pick only moments you know without a doubt will be special and important. I think the fewer clicks the better. Maybe make a list of shots you know you want and deviate as little as possible.

Not sure that is the best way but it is how I would handle it.

[photojournalist]

I've shot quiet a few funerals, sometimes as an invited guest and sometimes not. As with every situation, I think you will get more of a sense of what you can and cannot shoot once you are at the scene. Different people react differently to cameras. If it's possible or appropriate, you should talk to a family member before the funeral.

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by photojournalist

I've shot quiet a few funerals, sometimes as an invited guest and sometimes not. As with every situation, I think you will get more of a sense of what you can and cannot shoot once you are at the scene. Different people react differently to cameras. If it's possible or appropriate, you should talk to a family member before the funeral.

Yup, same here...bring long & fast lens, flash doesn't seem very appropriate here. Always, always talk to the person(s) in charge first, same with weddings or any other important events. Some have very strange rules that you must observe.

[futurshox]

Thanks again, folks. Turns out I am now travelling down with my contact who (I hope) will be able to introduce me to the family. I am taking a long lens anyway for the flypast so I'll remain well in the background.

[janetg]

i have just taken some of these myself recently - my sister in law passed away as soom may have read on this forum. just remember to be tasteful - no full on face shots of the deceased.... use angles and such to get the message across.

[futurshox]

Well as it turned out, the funeral was a very relaxed occasion, with no ceremonial goings on, simply some family members and friends reading stories about the deceased's life to a packed church. The man had one heck of a life! The family didn't want pictures inside, but I photographed the flypast outside after the service which is what I was really there for.

So thank you to all who gave me advice, it is well appreciated.

[Bobby C 01TA]

I have shot a couple. One for my mother-in-laws passing and another for a HUGE African funeral. The African (Ethiopian) funerals seem to be "celebrated". Yes there are tears but there is also a lot of joy in celebrating the persons life. Main thing is already stated above, be sensitive, be hidden and no flash whatsoever.

I never had anyone object to shooting the funeral but I was also hired by the daughter and they are my regular customers at my retail business.

Good luck!