I was hired to photographically document a burial ceremony. I have a few ideas, but this is a new one for me. Any tips? Recommended shots? Thanks in advance.
2011-03-02T16:55:42Z
Burial ceremony portion of a funeral. To clarify.
2011-03-02T16:55:43Z
Burial ceremony portion of a funeral. To clarify.
2011-03-02T20:35:31Z
Yes, I was hired by the family. Thanks everyone for the tips. I am documenting the event because the son of the deceased in unable to attend the ceremony. The other members of the family have asked me to attend, but I want to keep things low key and respectful as I know it's a small ceremony. I don't want to have more gear then there are attendees. Just what I need out of respect for the family.
tc_an_american2011-03-02T18:09:47Z
Favorite Answer
I commend the family for having you preform this. I have done it for members of my family. It is uncomfortable dealing with those who have lost. However It helps remember the gathering of friends and family, the emotions and love of the soul of the deceased. I use a mono pod, no flash, long lens, no burst shooting. I walk the sight take photos of the sight as it is prepared for the ceremony. The day of I use 2 cameras and a assistant. The assistant shoots the procession arriving thru the main entrance of the cemetery or coming up the road to the final resting place. I possession myself to capture the doors opening and persons exiting, the pallbearers preparing and carrying the casket. The rest of the event is basic shooting. I would stay and shoot the area after everyone has left. I have waited to shoot the sunset at the grave sight. I go back the next day after everything is gone, the earth closed and the head stone in place. I have been to one grave sight 3 time a year for the past 4 years Photographing the season and day of the persons Birth, Anniversary, and Death.
After writing this I see you didn't really say the family hired you. If you were hired by other then the family, seek the family's approval. Tho in the US you have the right to photograph it you should respect the livings final moments with the dead.
This is something I could not do. But if I had to I think I would approach it like a photojournalist. Be respectful to any and all those present, of course. Dress accordingly. I think I'd get a quiet rangefinder-like camera, too.
Stills from broadcast quality HD cameras also look very good. You could film it and pick stills from the footage. The best thing about this option is you could rent several cameras for the same price that you could buy a good, quiet digital still camera.
Anyway if you had two video cameras on tripods and one hand handheld I wouldn't think you'd miss many shots at all.
Obviously the advice to ask the family what they do and don't want is paramount.
Take pictures of the plot before the people arrive and all the action and then after they all are gone Take pictures of the next of kin holding a picture of the deceased.And other portraits like ones of the family and the reverend