Marc Kollar's Photo Blog

Yesterday, there was a post made in the General Discussion forum of the NikonCafe.com by one of the moderators. Her screen name is Clix Pix. In her original post, she asked for input from members about taking pictures during the wake, funeral Mass, gravesite services, and reception. Complicating this is the fact that the deceased is a long-time close friend of hers. The request came from the husband and daughter of the deceased.

This is an interesting issue, and one that could be disturbing to a lot of people at first blush. After all, in today’s society, death has many negative connotations. The teachings of the Roman Catholic Church that life is changed and that our souls are reunited with God or separated forever based upon our actions here on Earth are ignored or pushed aside. Likewise, the idea of recording images of people gathering to grieve over the death of a loved one or friend is jarring. Even more so is the thought of taking pictures of the deceased in the casket prior to the wake.

As Connie, the original poster, wrote, “The family is going to mention that I will be taking photos so that hopefully no one will be scowling at me and wondering who the rude woman with the camera is, shooting pictures during such a time. … I know this is going to be kind of difficult for me, as I also want to honor my friend and be able to emotionally participate in the events without allowing myself to become all detached by focusing on the photography.”

Several other posters commented about the type of camera and lenses to use. But one also mentioned the need to detach ones self from the event from time to time to focus on the act of taking the pictures and framing the shots that are sought. Indeed, that is very good advice as it addresses one of the overlooked elements of photography: emotional interaction with the subject.

As I considered this issue, some thoughts formulated in my mind. First, emotional detachment does become an important factor, especially given that the person is a long-time friend. I suggested “hopefully by doing this for the family, some of the emotion you may feel can be channeled into the work.”

But shifting to the more pragmatic elements of the shot, I commented thusly,

“For the viewing, I would suggest you may want to get
to the funeral home in advance of the time just to get
some in-state shots of the viewing area, especially if
there is a profusion of floral arrangements. You may
also want to check with the family if there are going to
be any special services at the home. Example: religious
organizations to which your friend may have belonged
may have prayer services.

“For the actual funeral mass, usually if the family
specifically requests the presence of a photographer, the
priest is willing to accommodate that as long as the
photographer is not intrusive. It may be a good idea to use
the D3 because of the lighting. Keep in mind, the priest’s
vestments are usually white or purple but sometimes may
be black. The D3 may be a bit loud, but the shutter noise
can be masked if shots are taken from positions away from
the mourners and during musical interludes. The few times
I’ve photographed Masses, I usually find myself all the way
up close to the altar or up in the choir loft.”

Connie provided more information and confirmed that the funeral Mass would indeed be in the Roman Catholic rite. Thus, I suggested reviewing the Funeral Liturgy at a website I know of. The address for anyone interested is: http://www.carr.org/~meripper/faith/funeral.htm.

Interestingly, another poster provided some possible shot designs that focused on “details,” including close ups of hands on the casket, the floral arrangements, and a tear-filled eye. Another of the moderators, Rich Gibson, noted that he did not believe pictures of the deceased are appropriate. In considering that comment, I agreed in principal. It is not the domain of a photographer at such an event to take pictures of the deceased. If the family wishes to have such pictures, then it should be up to the family. Another poster asked if there is a Catholic taboo about photographing the deceased.

I responded, “For Catholics there is no taboo or Pontifical decree against it. “

He also mentioned that photography of the dead was one of the historical uses of the camera. Indeed, early photographers would take pictures of deceased people as a matter of record. Incidentally, there are several members of the Cafe that shoot accident scenes for FDs and first responders and some of those images do include the dead. But I view that as part of a responsibility.

Yet, if and when I’ve been asked to shoot wakes and funerals, I do not believe it is my “place” to take a picture of the deceased unless they are directly related to me by blood. If the family wants that shot, then they should be the people to take that picture. That said, I’ve had family members ask me to take pictures of grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. I have no problem doing that because I’m related by blood. But I’ve also had friends who have asked the same thing. Literally, I will hand them my p&s and say, “You know them better than I do.”

However, I will say my personal thoughts should not deter people from pursuing being part of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This is an organization of photographers who volunteer to take probably the most difficult picture possible. That picture is of parents who have lost a newborn either during childbirth or just afterward. Literally the pictures are of the mother and father cradling the deceased baby in their arms. While I am not a member of the organization, I certainly let people know about the work they do because many times it is the photograph that will be the happiest lasting memory of an otherwise pain-filled experience.

A few other suggestions that I have made about photos include:

• the Mass Card tree or basket, especially toward the end of the viewing,
• a hand holding the memorial card along with the funeral candle,
• callers signing the guest book from the back,
• if there is an honor guard, pictures of their marshaling area, and
• pictures of callers being greeted by the funeral home staff from the back of the caller.

Photos During a Funeral Mass

This is another very difficult assignment to undertake. First and foremost, there is the issue of having the family speak with the priest about allowing for this to take place without weirding out the priest. Next, presuming the priest has approved taking pictures during the Mass, it becomes apparent that knowing the sequence of the Mass is going to prove to be essential. To that end, I’d look to get the following images:

1) sprinkling of Holy Water on the casket at the entrance,
2)procession in with close-ups of:

• the crucifix,
• principal celebrant,
• deacons,
• altar servers (especially if they are family members), and
• immediate family (husband, daughter and son-in-law, and anyone the family identifies).

3) readers,
4) homilist, and
5) blessing of the coffin.

Unless the priest specifically approves the taking of pictures by you during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, I do not take any photos of the Sanctuary between the Preparation of Gifts and the Second Elevation. I will, however, take photos of people in the worship space and during Communion as they return to their seats. Close ups of people in deep prayer (hands over face, bowed down, tightly clasped hands, especially of the elderly) are usually powerful.

A Bit of Research

But this whole thread got me to thinking about what the history has been of taking pictures at funerals. Certainly it is a topic worth pursuing. Within the next several days, I’ll be posting more on the subject and give you a sense of how Connie made out as well.