Of funerals

I attended a funeral today, for a close friend that recently & tragically passed away. I was shocked to see several attendees walking around shooting pics like it was a joyous event like a reunion or something.. Even during the portion where the casket was being carried to its final resting place, some of these snappers were snapping pics - again like it was a festive occasion.

Am I being oversensitive? Is this the norm for today ? Or are they just being insensitive ? I remember when a funeral was a solemn event and don't ever remember people running around with their cameras trying to capture the occasion...

it depends... I was at a funeral last week (sister of a very good friend passed away) and there was a lady who video'd the entire service. She did very well I thought in being as respectful as possible.
Very often, funerals are the only times when entire families are together so it's likely the only time possible to get shots of some of them.

I agree with you though, it needs to be done with dignaty & respect.

I look at in the same way we document someone life with photography, death is the final step in life. No reason not to photograph the ceremony that surrounds it.