Picture taking at funerals, not ok?
 

I will be attending a funeral for a fallen police officer killed in the line of duty. It will be conducted with full police honors and will be a beautiful ceremony. I would like to document the event with pictures but am hesitant because it seems intrusive. I would not be taking pictures of the aggrieved but of the procession and other moments during the ceremony.
The brother of the fallen officer is my brother in law and I count him as one of my few close friends and would never do anything to disrespect or cause discomfort. I do think that as years go by pictures may help the healing.
What do ya'll think?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/725495-rip-officer-norman.html

I would definitely get permission first from the deceased's relatives.

IMO... I wouldn't even attempt it. Just go and pay your respects.

Even if you got permission from his relatives there would be other mourners there that wold not understand.
It's a bad day for everyone.

People used to take photos at funerals. Sometimes thats the only time extended family was together. I dont know why the custom stopped (or waned) other than for the reasons you cited.

I believe that if you take pictures of the event, even in a tasteful manner with permission, etc, you will dilute your contribution to the ceremony. That contribution may just be a mental image of you being there in the memories of a bereaved person(s). If so, what image do you want them to remember?

Bob, thats perfect. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.

My wife's uncle was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with all kinds of pomp and circumstance. Horses, armed soldiers in full dress, the works. Photos of the proceedings were relevant in that they documented a very special honor that makes his family proud.

A similar situation may be the case for a fallen officer, so pics might even be appreciated. I'm talking pics of the proceedings, not of people saying 'cheese'.

I am hopeful that a pro photographer will be there to document.

I have now twice regretted not taking pictures at a funeral or filming a eulogy/homily. But YMMV.

I think it can be done,

If (as you mentioned) you DON'T take pictures of the family, etc.

Pictures of the ceremony, especially for a police officer, may be greatly appreciated later.

Boy tough one for sure. I think they would be OK with permission and a pro. Some of the officers may not want their faces taken though.
I was a pallbearer for the president of the Iron Horsemen motorcycle club in Portland Me. Me in a three piece suit and five hard core bikers in their colors. I wish I had a picture of us carrying Moose.

Hire a professional photographer. The photos can be taken from a distance so not to be intrusive or disruptive to the ceremony.

My wife is a picture taker. We've been to funerals where I was uncomfortable about it, but after the fact those pictures have been much appreciated by all.

Talk to a few others that will be present see what their thoughts are on you or a pro documenting the event. I have not been to a traditional funeral for decades though attended many celebrations of life for friends family including my Mom & my lady of 14 years where photography was not an uncomfortable issue. A friend lost her husband in the line of duty it is a difficult thing. Good luck with what ever course of action you choose.

I am in this camp. Let a pro do it. If they are good, they will not be intrusive and the pictures will be beautiful and eventually, healing. You just attend the funeral.

angela

A long lens is your friend.

I would always ask first...

I experienced something very interesting and refreshing earlier this year...


My high school band director had died and the family welcomed all friends and family, as well as his past students to attend the funeral.

We were asked to bring our musical instruments if we wanted to take part in jam session in his behalf.


There was video and still pictures taken.
Great memory. Those that could not attend were appreciative.

We have since had a memorial alumni jazz concert at the high school where he taught us in his honor.
25 year student and older alumni were there and it looks like it will now become an annual concert.


Each circumstance has it's own etiquette.


KT

a friend of mine died recently and his wife had the procession leaving the funeral home filmed and posted on youtube for everyone to see. he was in a hearse pulled by a harley folliwed by corvettes, harleys, rat rods, classic cars... even a line of 18 wheelers. all his friends and favorite things. the line of traffic was miles long.

when i look through my grandma's old photo books, i notice she always took photos of the dead in their casket...her mother, her grandmother etc...i think this might have been normal or common back then? and its probably not what your planning to do anyway but i always found it interesting that she had these photos

when i have been to funerals for friends and family, it never bothered me that people were taking photos

however, i was once told in response to me taking some photos at a funeral, that it is very bad luck to be photographed in a cemetery and that person got upset about it. i dont believe in such things but some do.....i would be discreet about it