Etiquette Question - Graveyard Photography

[Marek Varro]

Hello DPS forums!

I have a question for you.

What is the proper etiquette for photographing a graveyard?

From my understanding, one must always display respect for the deceased and those that are visiting their beloved relatives no longer with us on this world, but what else is necessary? Probably the most concerning issue in my mind is, wondering if I need certain permissions?

Thank you!

[jdepould]

Uh ... I mean, most are technically private property, so normal rules apply there (obey posted signs/instructions from owner), but beyond that I really don't think it's a big deal.

[Izzy]

+1 on what jdepould said. I shoot in grave yards all the time. Pretty much just have some respect for the property and follow posted signs.

[UlpilotSC]

Originally Posted by Izzy

+1 on what jdepould said. I shoot in grave yards all the time. Pretty much just have some respect for the property and follow posted signs.

I don't think you'll have a problem as long as you are respectful. If someone is visiting a grave I would wait far away until they leave.
Ive done a few in my area. No big deal.

My state has a law that says you can only be in a cemetery observing the peaceful, solemn decorum for a service or visiting a grave. Photography to me is visiting a grave, as long as you are respectful.
Thankfully our law shuts out those westboro church Nazi protesters.

[SarasotaTim]

Yeah I think just being as discreet and respectful as possible; we have a couple of historic graveyards here and I've shot one of them before, and plan on another soon. Me and my daughter (who has been bitten by the photography bug as well) went into the Rosemary Cemetery downtown here and snapped a few shots, just standing/walking on the center pathway through the middle. I didn't necessarily want to walk around too much. I noticed on our way out that a sheriff was parked in his car across the street, kinda keeping an eye out.


Rosemary Cemetary by Sarasota Tim, on Flickr

[Marek Varro]

Thank you all for your replies, they've helped me!

[mad editor]

Originally Posted by SarasotaTim

Yeah I think just being as discreet and respectful as possible; we have a couple of historic graveyards here and I've shot one of them before, and plan on another soon. Me and my daughter (who has been bitten by the photography bug as well) went into the Rosemary Cemetery downtown here and snapped a few shots, just standing/walking on the center pathway through the middle. I didn't necessarily want to walk around too much. I noticed on our way out that a sheriff was parked in his car across the street, kinda keeping an eye out.


Rosemary Cemetary by Sarasota Tim, on Flickr

Hey Tim.
Welcome to DPS! Funny, I've been living here a quite some time and have yet to shoot in that cemetery. I've walked through. Never mind the sheriff - he can't stop you from shooting.

[TNH]

Originally Posted by Marek Varro

Hello DPS forums!

I have a question for you.

What is the proper etiquette for photographing a graveyard?

From my understanding, one must always display respect for the deceased and those that are visiting their beloved relatives no longer with us on this world, but what else is necessary? Probably the most concerning issue in my mind is, wondering if I need certain permissions?

Thank you!

I would say, just follow the same basic rules shown here, for photographing churches. 6 Tips for Photographing the Churches of Europe

[mosgood]

I've never had a problem taking pictures in a cemetary either. But then, my rule is to leave nothing behind, take nothing away (other than my photographs), & be respectful of the property in general. I'm also quiet when scouting for potential shots. :-)

[TNH]

I take pictures in the cemetery near my house a lot, but if someone comes to visit a grave, I leave, then go back when they're gone.