Photographing the Patriot Guard.

[elkidogz]

So, a buddy of mine at my primary job who also used to be a US Marine is doing something really good, and really cool. He rides a Harley with a bunch of other former military people for at funerals.

You see he's part of the Patriot Guard. This is a group of former military bikers who protect military families during a burial of their loved ones from protesters of the war on terror. A few years ago, a church group started harassing a burial ceremony of a fallen soldier. A few guys got a bike ride together to drown out the church group and basically block off the cemetery so that the family could have this private moment without some sick people trying to ruin it by taking advantage of a vulnerability of a family at a grave. This is an article about that church group

I think this is a very admirable thing to do for a family of a fallen solider; I was asked to take pictures for my buddy. My question is about if the family whom he doesn't know personally would think I was being rude by taking pictures during their private moment. I have never photographed at a funeral... and I certainly do not at all want to cause any trouble... I want to respect the family; but at the same time I would very much like to capture some of these guys on their bikes while they defend a family in an extremely difficult and emotional time.

[gturner]

That Phelps character is pure poison, although not that far away from some "mainstream/ respected" voices from the pulpit who spew all kinds of crap around the same issue and get away with it.

Your man sounds like he does good work. I am sure you could photographer them with out a problem, it would take a simple word from them should any family member question your motives.
It would be at a public cemetery or road anyway

[SoxAddict]

Such an admirable thing to do, and an awesome idea. Rather than have you feel awkward at the time of a funeral, why not ask your friend if he can check in advance with family members prior to the service - that way he can check which parts of the service they don't mind a camera being present etc.

[elkidogz]

Originally Posted by SoxAddict

Such an admirable thing to do, and an awesome idea. Rather than have you feel awkward at the time of a funeral, why not ask your friend if he can check in advance with family members prior to the service - that way he can check which parts of the service they don't mind a camera being present etc.

I really like this idea, the patriot guard has a mission leader or ride leader, and I think I'll have him ask that guy. My understanding is that he knows the family. Thanks!

[CRider]

Your friend is a great person. I went to a military funeral a few years ago that the Patriot Guard attended; I didn't know the deceased, but that "church" was going to be there to protest so the word was put out to get as many people there as possible to create a human wall to keep that worthless trash out of the family's view. It ended up working quite well and the family was never exposed to that crap I was very impressed by how polite and professional the P.G. was during the entire thing. My thanks to your friend for doing a very honorable service!

[gdinalamo]

I have ridden as a member of the Patriot Guard on different occasions and I can say that we were photographed quite frequently. When a large group of motorcycles get together, the cameras always come out lol. We would always get together early, so if there is any concern about the family you might be able to photgraph the group prior to the ceremony or after. I know that we all usually went for a ride after we were finished.

[Jim Poor]

Typically, the Patriot Guard doesn't set up right at the grave site anyway, so the distance should be enough.

That said, if you can do it, check with the family for sure.

[Rolling Stone]

I agree with SoxAddict. I'm sure they are already communicating with the family members. The question could be brought up at that time.