Are photos of funerals intrusive?

[Craig D.]

Here's an interesting story on the STLtoday.com blog:
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/the-editors-desk/the-editors-desk/2008/07/why-take-photos-of-the-grieving/

I found the public comments on the post to be very enlightening. This
is something we have to deal with in photographing events for our
departments.

What are your thoughts on photographing department (or any) funerals?
Have you had any positive or negative experiences while covering such
an event?


http://www.stltoday.com

[Andy Thomas]

Well Craig you saw the pictures I posted of the firefighters funeral
we had here in Wichita/Sedgwick County KS. Yes the whole thing is very
uncomfortable just due to the situation at hand, but the family knew
me and specifically requested that I be present. I stayed so far out
of the way the family didn't even realize I was there. They
specifically requested that I not get any photos of anyone in the
family. I had numerous people comment on my photos, and they were very
appreciative. I offered the photos of the event free to anyone who
wanted them being as it is a moment that everyone involved in the Dept
will remember for the rest of their lives. I have attached a link to
the online gallery:

http://www.andythomasphotos.com/gallery/3573834_UGfhd#202846050_LRKnn

Below are some comments I received:

"This is Bryon's Aunt in West Virginia. These photos are wonderful.
Thank you so much. We love our "Little Man Bryon" and we will NEVER
forget him. He truly was "One of a Kind" and had a heart of gold. I
have such a high respect for the job the firefighters do.
Thanks again Andy"

"These are VERY honorable. This day will remain in my mind forever.
These pictures truly capture the botherhood of firefighting and give
respect to someone that EVERYONE will miss greatly."

"Andy, these are great pictures of a very somber occasion, you through
your photography have captured it with all the Honor and Dignity that
is deserving of such a great man. Thank you for all you do for the
Sedgwick County Fire Department."

"This had to be tough to do...what a sad occasion and you've captured
it with dignity..."

"Great Pictures!! These pictures have allowed those of us who were
unable to attend the services to feel as if we were still a part them.
Great pictures for a GREAT PERSON."

"Nice pictures of such a solem occasion, Andy. Very professional."

[Skyview]

Have shot two dept funerals, and in both case the family wanted the
photography done... Same as Andy, I do not in any way charge for the
images to anyone desiring the images, images are private and for
family and dept use only (not for press).

Have been requested by neighboring dept to shoot a funeral tomorrow,
for a firefighter killed off duty. I will be as unobtrusive as
possible, and quicky generate a disk of the images and give to the
firefighters dept, at the proper time they will give to family.
Again, the images will not be released to press.

IF, and only IF, the family desires images, I feel its an important
part of the role I play, I have the equipment and skill set to be able
to shoot the funeral in a professional and quality manner... (as I
type this I hope all goes well tomorrow, always worry a little!!!)...
my role as photographers is most decidedly NOT just shooting fires but
providing professional support in all areas.

In the case of tomorrows funeral, I was planning to attend, but absent
the official request to shoot images, I would NOT have shot anything,
rather just paid my respects.

[pixchick]

I have also been asked to shoot department-related funerals, and at
first felt quite unsure about doing so. However, a firefighter's son
personally asked if I would, so I relented and did my best to
'document' the services without being obtrusive. I shot the church
service with available light, and shot the burial from atop one of the
engines with a telephoto. I heard a few remarks throughout the day to
the effect that I shouldn't be taking pictures on such an occasion,
but kept thinking of the family's request and continued on.

After the service, I had the day's photos turned into a nicely bound
photo book which also included many shots I had taken of him during
his career with the department, and sent it to the family. They were
so thrilled with the book of memories that several family members
called and/or wrote to thank me. They considered it as a lasting
momento of his fire service and wanted the funeral services to be a
part of that also. I would encourage anyone who has doubts, when
asked to do this for the family, to capture the day in the best way
possible to honor their loved one - they will be thankful for your
contribution to their memories.

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