Im stuck -- a friend asked me to photograph her dads funeral

[fastcuteone]

So a friend of mine asked me if I could photograph her fathers funeral services this weekend. My mind is beyond stuck, I'm still new at using my Nikon D40 DSLR and I'm not comfortable shooting out of auto just quite yet, even though I'm trying to learn. Any ideas on what type of pictures I should look for to try and take. I want nice respectful pictures not ones of everyone crying. Oh please help me out with some ideas.. thank everyone

[bethard728]

At my brother in law's funeral I took pics of as many of the flower arrangements as I could. There were so many beautiful arrangements. We donated and gave a lot of them away so it was nice to have the pictures to see what people had sent. I would probably ask the friend what type of pictures she would like. I'd probably take some of the details on the casket and maybe a pic of the whole casket when it is closed. I'd do the casket pictures prior to guests arriving or after they've gone outside and before the casket is moved to the hearse. Wouldn't do that in front of the guests. Photos of the person giving a eulogy (sp?), the preacher (or whatever religious person they might have), etc. At all of my family funerals it seems we decide to take some family portraits afterward when emotions aren't running quite so high. Unfortunately funerals are the only time the whole family is together. You could take photos of the guests from behind but I'd ask your friend first. Good luck. That is tough.

[Sonya Natasha]

Flickr: Discussing Funeral Photography in Digital Photography School

I know nothing on the subject - but I noticed this discussion on the DPS-flickr group a while back. I hope it helps

[stewblack]

On a purely practical level, is the ceremony in a church? Can you get in before at any time and practise taking shots in there to see how the camera behaves how the light is where to stand to cover the congregation etc etc. These places can present problems especially as you say you're new to the camera. Have a trial run is my advice.

[wulf]

I took pictures at my uncle's funeral last year. Or, more accurately, I took some pictures at the reception afterwards. By then people were past the most acute feelings of grief (for the time being anyway) and drawing strength from renewing bonds of kinship and friendship.

However, if you're not that confident with using your camera then don't be afraid to turn down the request. At very least, make sure your friend understands that you won't be getting amazing shots - if she wants a professional job, she needs to hire a professional.

Also, take a lot more shots than you think you need and from different angles too. The ones you want to present will be the pictures where everyone featured is happy with how they look. One of the secrets of professional looking results is to give yourself a lot to pick from - even top photographers can't avoid getting a few shots where Aunt Maisy has her eyes shut and Cousin Joe appears to be sticking his finger up his nose but they generally weed those out before presenting the results.

Wulf

[PS*]

Call me crazy, but I know this is a newer trend, but i find it tacky. I was at my grandfathers funeral recently and someone whipped out a camera---I nearly died. As did the funeral director, she said its something she sees more and more. They haven't decided how they feel about it but that we all choose to grieve in our own way. Because of that I wouldn't feel comfortable photographing a funeral, I would not want to impose on such a private event. A poster above suggested taking the photographs before and after but not of the guests, I think that sounds like a better solution.

[winterstar]

In my family it's been done for quite a while too. Some people are turned off by it. I'm extremely grateful for photo's my mom took of my sister in her casket from when she was 5. So, even if you think it's tacky, try to remember, these photo's may/will bring comfort for years to come.

tip: Don't be bashful. I was armed with a new camera at my grandma's sister's funeral, I took shots of her sister in casket, the flowers, the memory displays, and people. (All during the viewing.) At the wake/dinner after I took some too. I later made those photo's available to the family, and I've gotten emails thanking me. None of them had thought of photo's, and they appreciated that I did.

I didn't take one's where people seemed deep in dispair. What I tried to capture was the love and support of family, and honoring the deceased.
I also did not take anything during the service.

[fastcuteone]

Thanks everyone you guys are awesome. The service is going to be held inside a building at the cemetery. Last night my mom whipped out an old photo album that showed her family in the 50's & 60's with pictures from funerals. It was kind of neat to look back and see the pictures as morbid as it may sound. So for now I'm going to remember your guy's tips and advice, google images and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone

[bethard728]

Originally Posted by fastcuteone

Thanks everyone you guys are awesome. The service is going to be held inside a building at the cemetery. Last night my mom whipped out an old photo album that showed her family in the 50's & 60's with pictures from funerals. It was kind of neat to look back and see the pictures as morbid as it may sound. So for now I'm going to remember your guy's tips and advice, google images and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone

Good luck and let us know how it goes!