Its never easy..

[OptimizedDucati]

..losing a brother.

http://www.saintsplace.com/temp/garnik/garnik1.jpg

http://www.saintsplace.com/temp/garnik/garnik3.jpg

http://www.saintsplace.com/temp/garnik/garnik6.jpg

http://www.saintsplace.com/temp/garnik/garnik9.jpg

[csm328]

Hmm, I have to ask if you were a paid photographer at this event or just happened to take a camera? I'm aware that photogs are there to record the 'happy' times; the ones we never want to forget but I wouldnt expect there would be much of a market for funeral photogs?

What camera and lens did you use? Pictures seem ok. Some technical issues. Poor poses, subjects looking away, WB, shadows, use of light etc.

The big dude in the second picture is looking at you out of the corner of his eyes as if he wants to rip your head off. :)

[OptimizedDucati]

I really didn't want to take these pics - but the son of the passed on asked me to. It was really awkward to say no.

I'm about as close to a professonal as britney spears is to sanity.

[Pete W]

I'm about as close to a professonal as britney spears is to sanity.


Very good quote ;)


My wife and I went to a family funeral the other day and the son of the deceased did wonder about photo's to capture pics of the tributes and who attended. I agree a very hard subject to approach with the correct attitude towards those attending..... Not an easy task...

[Greg_C]

Love the quote.

What a coincidence that this should come up just now. I have to attend my grandfathers funeral later this morning. As the "family photographer" I always have my camera with me, but had to think long and hard about it for this, I did decide to take it anyway. My mother then rang last night and said that my grandmother had asked me to take the camera so I guess I made the correct decision anyway. Being family may make it a little easier but its a emotional moment and I'm still not 100% sure how I'll cover this.

[csm328]

I'd be interested to hear from any other photogs that have 'done' funerals. It's almost on the fringe of what we do. It's relevent to everyone but something we don't capture and display in our lives. Kudos for your pictures at a difficult time. I think you did a great job.

[WilliamL]

I lost my cousin last week... he was into Civil War re-enacting ... i wish i had taken my camera.. some of the guys in the Unit showed up in Confederate uniforms at the grave site. I just felt funny about taking my camera and making pictures now i'm sorry i didn't take it.

[morlia]

I work as a funeral director full time and everyday I see raw emotion. If only i could take out my camera once. *sigh* Great captures.

[OptimizedDucati]

There's about 300+ photo's I just wasn't sure of everyone's reaction so I posted a few of the more 'discrete' ones. If i get around to editing the rest, I'll post those up as well.

[Yeoer]

I'm not commenting on the images but the whole taking pictures at a funeral thing. They would be great shots if they were advertising a play or a film but you know the emotion is not acting or stagged so its upsetting to see.

Second picture... big guy stood looking at the camera out of the corner of his eye says it all... the expression on his face is telling me 'what the hell you doing taking pictures...'

I lost my young son just before christmas. IMO a funeral of a young person is not a time for celibrating or taking pictures, i know how upset i was and i'm try to forget everyday and just remember the best times i had with him.

I mean when are you ever going to want to look back at them to remind you of the funeral...!!!

[Pilchard]

I'm not commenting on the images but the whole taking pictures at a funeral thing. They would be great shots if they were advertising a play or a film but you know the emotion is not acting or stagged so its upsetting to see.

Second picture... big guy stood looking at the camera out of the corner of his eye says it all... the expression on his face is telling me 'what the hell you doing taking pictures...'

I lost my young son just before christmas. IMO a funeral of a young person is not a time for celibrating or taking pictures, i know how upset i was and i'm try to forget everyday and just remember the best times i had with him.

I mean when are you ever going to want to look back at them to remind you of the funeral...!!!

Really sorry to hear that, my thoughts with your family.

[Jonathan]

I'm not commenting on the images but the whole taking pictures at a funeral thing. They would be great shots if they were advertising a play or a film but you know the emotion is not acting or stagged so its upsetting to see.

Second picture... big guy stood looking at the camera out of the corner of his eye says it all... the expression on his face is telling me 'what the hell you doing taking pictures...'

I lost my young son just before christmas. IMO a funeral of a young person is not a time for celibrating or taking pictures, i know how upset i was and i'm try to forget everyday and just remember the best times i had with him.

I mean when are you ever going to want to look back at them to remind you of the funeral...!!!

Firstly - sorry to hear of your loss. You make some very valid points here and I have to say that I am in agreement with how you feel about pictures from a funeral. However, in this diverse world, what I may think is in poor taste may indeed be something others would view as something "treasured". It takes all sorts....

[queenbee288]

My first thoughts and honest response was...You took pictures at a funeral?

[SingingSabre]

My very close friend lost his grandma recently. His family truly celebrates a life at a funeral (to the point where she was buried with a can of her favorite beer in her hand). It was literally a party dedicated to her.

I wish I had been into photography at the time. I'm certain it would be something his family would have appreciated.

I'm just saying not all funerals or families are the same...but we knew that already!

[OptimizedDucati]

I found out today why they wanted so many pictures and video taken - apparently he has a sister in Iran who would like to see the funeral and she was unable to make it out here.

[Skip Souza]

It is not always easy to know what the right thing to do is, but you did the right thing here. It appears that you did it well.

[deeeez]

Forrest Lawn Hollywood? Hayeen?

[OptimizedDucati]

Yeah, you nailed it.

[Costa Del Canon]

My first thoughts and honest response was...You took pictures at a funeral?

ditto! But I love the Britney quote