Funeral advice

Hey all,

I've been asked by a college friend to take pictures at her father's funeral. This will be at Arlington National Cemetery and the deceased will be receiving full military honors. I'm arriving 30 minutes early and will be instructed on the schedule of events such as gun salutes and the handing of the flag to the widow.

I've been cleared to use a flash if I think it's necessary. I'll only use it if there's harsh sunlight (service is at 11AM, sun will be high in the sky). I have the equipment listed in my signature and feel I'll be fine with the Sigma 30 1.4 and Canon 85 1.8. I may also bring my Nikon D40 with the 55-200VR so that I can really stand far away and try not to impede on the ceremonies too much.

I've never shot a funeral before and am highly confident I'll do a good job, but I'm wondering if there's any advice any of you could give me. Gracias!

Bring a long lens and give the family their space. This should be then #1 item on your agenda.

I would tend to agree with Peacefield. Perhaps a rental 70-200mm f/2.8L IS would be a wise choice.

Use the Nikon with the long lens, I wouldn't worry about renting the 2.8 IS L. During the day image quality will be fine with pretty much any camera and any lens. If you do get a Canon zoom a 70-200 F4 would be fine.

tim wrote in post #8861536
Use the Nikon with the long lens, I wouldn't worry about renting the 2.8 IS L. During the day image quality will be fine with pretty much any camera and any lens. If you do get a Canon zoom a 70-200 F4 would be fine.

My bad...

I didn't see the 55-200 on the Nikon list. That should suffice.

Good Luck with this project. I'm sure you'll do the family proud.

I just got the 55-200 today and I'm more than happy with the quality. I'll probably use it a lot. I will definitely pay attention to everyone and if I see any stink-eyes, I'll back off. Thanks for your suggestions.

Everything else aside, be mindful and respectful of what is happening. In my experience, these images will be used to document a tragic moment, but rather for the purpose of those who did not have the ability to attend. Sadly, funerals are the one time we get to see our loved ones, so it is good to capture all who attended.

Dave

Turn off the beep on your camera

AlexMoPhotography wrote in post #8866696
Turn off the beep on your camera

I do that the second I get any camera

I took funeral pictures for a fellow officer who was killed while on military deployment. I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible. I used long lenses and stealth to capture images. Here is a link if you're interested.

Jared Shoemaker Tulsa Ok

Richard

I shot a funeral at Arlington. The family followed a horse drawn caisson to the burial site. Plenty of opportunities along the way from all angles. The gun salute is far enough away from the family so that you can shoot the angle you want. (remind the family to ask for the spent brass)
Good shots are: removing the flag from the casket, folding the flag, and giving the flag to the family member (be sure to get in a good position for this).

The family will love the photos, it's their last memory. Good luck.

You will feel a special reverence in that place.

Thanks to all for the tips. I feel I'm ready for action now! I'll be sure to post some pics after I'm done (service is on Monday).

AlexMoPhotography wrote in post #8866696
Turn off the beep on your camera

THAT is good advice. Seriously!!

Which chapel will you be shooting at? Is it the Old Post Chapel?
Ive shot there before and I didnt need to use my flash. I stayed near the back of the church. It was my best friends fathers funeral so I was considered family but out of respect I did not go up near the front.

When we went down to the graveside I stayed about 20-30 feet back and to the side. I used my 70-200L lens and it worked out beautifully. I was able to get the bugler and the soldiers doing the gun salute. My "2nd" dad got full military honors as well. Depending on who will be handing the flag to the widow, they may either stand and bow to her or they may choose to be more personal and kneel to her ( they did this with my friends dad)

I think that this funeral for me was the hardest shoot I ever had to do, I cried nearly the entire time

The funeral director will let you know the best area to stand as they take the coffin out of the hearse and so on, they have a beautiful ceremonial military procession before they even open the hearse up to bring the coffin in so make sure you get that, its almost breathtaking.

the only funeral i've ever covered was for a family i (sort of) knew. If you don't know them very well, you are best to stick to using a telephoto.

I used a standard zoom (28-70 2.8) to capture the emotion of the group at large. It wasn't a huge funeral, probably 25 people, but they were aware of who i was and why i was there and were cooperative.