Funeral Photography

I've been debating on whether to offer this type of photography or not. I've been reading/seeing more about photogs offering this service and being quite successful with it. There just aren't a lot of people offering it and the families usually like being able to get photos of their family (not the deceased!) since it's one of the only times the whole family gets together.

I've not done it up until now for various reasons but I'm seriously considering doing it. Just wanted to pick the brains of anyone out there already offering the service. I haven't begun to investigate pricing, etc. yet and would like to begin to formulate my plan in case I start offering the service.

Thanks.

The problem with funerals is that everyone looks sad and depressed. You're not going to get the big happy smiles from people unless they're the ones who believe that the deceased has moved on to a better place. Even then, tears are flowing, mascara is running. In general, people don't go to funerals to have a good time so hiring a photographer is not the main subject on their minds.

This isn't something I would get into. I don't like going to funerals. This is why I am being cremated and want nothing more than a memorial service.

Interesting....I've seen this topic come a few times in different parts of the forums (taking photos at funerals) but I've never heard of anyone offering it as a service. I guess if there is a demand, then go for it. I just wonder if it might be a good idea to market it separately from your other services as some potential customers may be turned off by the idea.

To get around the depression sadness issue ...
you could dress the recent deceased in a party hat
and surround em with others in party hats, cakes, and baloons.
Kinda like celerbrating the After Life.
Then there is always Deceased Fashion Glamor ...

I understand all the reasons not to do it...that's why I haven't done it so far. However, there is a large demand for it from what I've been hearing and, well, times are tough so you've got to do business where there's business to be done.

The reason people hire a photog at a funeral is to get photos with the family/friends since they just don't get together all that often. The whole, "they're not happy," thing is an obvious hurdle in getting happy shots. That doesn't mean people don't want shots with their family though.

From what I can tell, funeral photography is a very viable business although everyone may not have the stomach for it. I don't care for funerals myself but, apparently, people want it. Not like I'd be pushing something people don't really want.

i'm with you rick.

i am completely fascinated with the faces at wakes and funerals
both the emotional side and reuniony side

i've yet to be brave enough to try and ask anyone

I'm a little surprised by the responses.
seemly based on one's own feelings, which of course makes sense

I on the other hand cannot go to a funeral or wake without taking a picture in my head of every single thing I see.
Also...rarely can one have a thought that someone else does not also have.

but in general to have an opinion against based on one's own beliefs is kinda short sided

It sounds like you have a great idea.

Maybe go to one of the local funeral parlors and talk with the owner. Leave some business cards and see if they'd be interested in pairing up

Sort of the way Wedding Photographers partner up with bridal shops and florists

Looking at the whole scene from a photographers viewpoint, I could see some really powerful images coming from a funeral if you shot it photo-journalistic style where you sat back with a zoom lens and really captured the emotion of it all

EveryMilesAMemory wrote in post #13457388
It sounds like you have a great idea.

Maybe go to one of the local funeral parlors and talk with the owner. Leave some business cards and see if they'd be interested in pairing up

Sort of the way Wedding Photographers partner up with bridal shops and florists

Looking at the whole scene from a photographers viewpoint, I could see some really powerful images coming from a funeral if you shot it photo-journalistic style where you sat back with a zoom lens and really captured the emotion of it all

exactly

EveryMilesAMemory wrote in post #13457388
It sounds like you have a great idea.

Maybe go to one of the local funeral parlors and talk with the owner. Leave some business cards and see if they'd be interested in pairing up

Sort of the way Wedding Photographers partner up with bridal shops and florists

Looking at the whole scene from a photographers viewpoint, I could see some really powerful images coming from a funeral if you shot it photo-journalistic style where you sat back with a zoom lens and really captured the emotion of it all

As long as that is what the client wants. Do they want candid emotional photos, or do they simply want a family group shot. You need to temper what would be interesting to shoot versus what the client is looking for.

My family history is recorded on photos and funeral photos play a big part of that history...but only group shots were taken. Personally, I really don't see any need for the emotional image of a grief stricken loved one to hang on the wall or put into an album for future generations to view.

EL_PIC wrote in post #13457210
Then there is always Deceased Fashion Glamor ...

I believe they call that GOTH!

Hogloff wrote in post #13457638
Personally, I really don't see any need for the emotional image of a grief stricken loved one to hang on the wall or put into an album for future generations to view.

I agree with the client not really wanting these images, I was more or less saying if you were there and had a camera and they knew you were a hired photographer, the images could be pretty powerful.

Not that the family would want them, but more or less just for your own portfolio

I just checked with a guy I work with, his family owns a lot of funeral homes in Indiana and Ohio. He said they've never had a request for photography.

If you're considering a business, you have to look at it from the perspective of a potentional customer...and that opinion will be based on your own experiences..I don't think that is being short sighted at all.

Unless you want to get some artistic types of photos at a funeral you could probably either ask someone close who recently had someone pass if you could take some photos. I wouldn't try and make a business out of it.

But adding it to a more artistic portfolio (not so much a funeral portfolio) may work. I have wanted and tried to stage a funeral but the funeral home wanted to rent me a casket at full price ($2,500 for the cheapest one they had) even if I brought my own stuff to put in the casket.

EveryMilesAMemory wrote in post #13457681
I agree with the client not really wanting these images, I was more or less saying if you were there and had a camera and they knew you were a hired photographer, the images could be pretty powerful.

Not that the family would want them, but more or less just for your own portfolio

I'd never take advantage of this type of situation and take cadid photos of grieving family members just for my own personal needs. This to me does not sound right.