Military Honor Funeral - Question

I'm not new to photography, I'm looking for ideas and information. Lens, view, you name it. I've been asked by the family to photograph their father's military funeral at Jefferson Barracks.

Anything you have to offer - I'm all ears

The son is my best friend

I would think you probably want to have a longer lens, like a 70-200 on perhaps. You certainly want to be able to get the shot without being intrusive. If you call the facility they can probably tell you the order of events, obviously you want to try to get the salute and the bugler playing taps.

I was planning on using my 70-200 2.8, plus having my 1.4 EXII in my pocket. Interesting fact about Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery was they required written authorization from the family. I thought that was great. The family has already emailed it to the VA Director.

TheMissouriShooter wrote in post #11573468
I'm not new to photography, I'm looking for ideas and information. Lens, view, you name it. I've been asked by the family to photograph their father's military funeral at Jefferson Barracks.

Anything you have to offer - I'm all ears

The son is my best friend

Longer lens for sure, not only for discreetness but also for its visual separation effect. There should be a 21-gun salute as well as a bugler playing taps. However, the most touching moments will be the lifting of the flag from the casket, the flag folding, and especially the presentation of the flag to the widow. If you miss that one, you're the goat.

I've shot at Arlington where the casket was taken to the gravesite on a horse drawn wagon with the family walking behind. This scene provided excellent shots. Ask if they do the same.
Ditto on the other suggestions, especially handing the flag to the widow.
It's quite a moving ceremony.

I collected the shell casings for the family without thinking about security at Reagan National shortly after 9/11. Luckily I didn't get sniffed for explosives.

Get there early, identify yourself to everyone who might think they are in charge, let them know the family has asked you to provide photographs, and ask for suggestions.

I've done quite a few funerals. The telephoto will be great. Also have a wide to get the shots at the cemetery, i.e, crowd, in military salutes. Ask someone in the family beforehand do they want is shots of the casket. I imagine it will be draped. I've even photographed the body (not as rare as you would think). Practice being able to slow move to different positions without being noticed. Usually during the time of the eulogy, im set up in one spot in the back with my telephoto. Get a program if there is one, so you'll know what's going on and at what point in the service. Actually, its not too much more different that doing a wedding, other than its sad, and you really try to not be seen.

Military funerals, as usual with military ceremonies, run according to strict protocol. You can watch a good movie like "Gardens of Stone" to see how it will progress.

RDKirk wrote in post #11592787
Military funerals, as usual with military ceremonies, run according to strict protocol. You can watch a good movie like "Gardens of Stone" to see how it will progress.

Oh ok. Never did a military funeral before.

kjonnnn wrote in post #11592809
Oh ok. Never did a military funeral before.

I haven't shot one, but I've been in a few, including my father's. I expect to be the guest of honor at one someday, if my family follows my wishes.

It went great. Thanks everyone.............

be selective with your shooting.
A military funeral is not the time for 8fps burst.

Just a sample - crop is not an issue. Again thanks for everything

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Dang, a sailor instead of a Marine or soldier. Oh, well. But "you done good," and the emphasis effect is good.