Event photographers - advice sought

[jaapv]

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I've been asked to photograph at a funeral - and I cannot refuse. Even if I am a family member, I will need to be as unobtrusive as possible.

I've decided to take the Monochrome with Summiluxes 24 and 50 and Elmarit-M 90 - no flash, the M8 with CV 25, Summicron C 40 and CV 75 as backup in the car.

 

The deceased will be cremated, so not too much outside work.

 

Any advice by members with experience at this kind of thing will be very welcome.

[Jeff S]

I was asked once years ago, in my film days, to do this. I asked my friend if she wanted color or black and white, and what specifically she wanted me to capture. I followed her wishes, including her request for color, and I gave her all the negs after having prints made myself. I'm definitely not an event photographer, but I couldn't refuse my girlfriend whose mom had died.

 

Jeff

[giordano]

When I take a camera to a funeral I don't use it before and during the ceremony, just in the socialising afterwards. If specifically asked I'd shoot key moments of the ceremony - but would probably pretend I was using a Rolleiflex (12 exposures max) or MPP (3 double dark slides) rather than prance around snapping away.

 

Once the ceremony is over - and especially once people are back at the house or hotel with food and drink available - they are more amenable to being arranged in groups for the photographic record, and candid shots are much less intrusive.

 

But as Jeff says, find out just what the family want documented and how.

[NikonJeff]

As much as you try you will be noticed. I photographed my wife's grandfather's funeral with my M8 and Zeiss ZM35/ZM50 last year because my brother in law was overseas and could not get back for it. My children are also young enough that it would be nice to have a photographic record for them to reflect on when they are old enough.

 

I suppose the best thing that I did was make sure that the family members and guests understand that you are there to document this moment in time for the family to minimize the shock factor that you're actually taking pictures.

 

I did a lot of refocusing and used hyperfocal distance technique when I could. Grandpa''s was a military funeral so there were aspects like the cemetery that I could move about at will and get angles and such that I needed.

 

The most important thing in my mind was to try and disengage myself emotionally from the shoot and focus on the important points of the funeral that I though would convey the story with the fewest actuations.

 

Best of luck - it's a daunting task but most people will thank you for your courage and skill when things settle down later on...

[rick_dykstra]

Hi Jaap. I may be too late with this reply.

 

I was the 'official' photographer at my mother's funeral a couple of years ago. I took some carefully composed indoor photos of the beautiful flowers sent from overseas. For these I used a DMR, tripod, multiple flashes and included some close ups of the cards with the messages, to send to the relatives in Holland. After the service and when all of the guests were back at our house I took lots of group photos, this being a unique gathering of family and old friends. I wasn't trying to be inconspicuous. In fact I'd say taking the photos helped everyone celebrate all being together again.

 

So my suggestion is to be open and up front about taking groups photos, rather than trying to be inconspicuous. Start with some group pics of the children, with the grown ups watching on. Rarely are kids so well dressed! This will loosen people up and they will see the opportunity for some great family/group photos at a time they are also dressed up.

 

Regards, Rick.

[Paul J]

Good luck with the event Jaap. It's a real honour to be asked and not an easy one to cover.

[Jager]

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If you've been asked, you're way ahead than if you chose to shoot it just on your own volition. In that case, as others have mentioned, the biggest challenge will be surmounting the surprise, and probable disapproval, by some of the attendees who aren't aware you've been asked.

 

I've only shot one funeral and it was probably the most challenging photography I've ever done. Particularly since I had not been asked. Trying to capture the essence of such an event, while remaining sensitive and tasteful, was like walking a tightrope. I got more than a few wondering (and, at least in my imagination, disapproving) looks. But I'm glad I persevered. The family thanked me profusely afterwards, when I quietly presented them with the images.

 

My one recommendation would be to keep the gear simple. I'd choose one body and one lens rather than an assortment. You're going to want to move slowly so as not to draw any more attention to yourself than you are already. Shoot in discreet mode.

 

I have no doubt that a gentleman like yourself will be just fine, Jaap.

 

 

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[jaapv]

Thanks for all the advice - it went well. No, I will not put any result on the Internet...