In general photography is considerate as a positive, fun and joyful activity. It’s a place to explore our creativity and share with others our journey. Around the world professional photographers are requested to take part on our most important moments, immortalizing these moments: birthdays, important events, accomplishments... That’s why having someone ask you to photograph a funeral is obviously very different, on many different levels.
Being a funeral Photographer is about seeking out moments of kindness and compassion as everyone gather to say goodbye.
Shaun Foulds, funeral photographer and videographer.
Funerals normally aren’t the kind of events people like to remember, but some seek to recollect memories of these events. Society will often call it a “celebration of a life”, an important ritual, where people gather and unite in their mourning.
In my experience, many people find it important to have their loved one’s funeral documented, even though it’s a photography service that isn’t advertised or discussed as much or in the same way as most others.
Hannele Luhtasela-el Showk, funeral photographer.
Take notice that preparing to photograph a funeral requires a completely different approach from any other photography job.
Funerals are full of very real, particularly raw emotions, meaning the photographer needs to be respectful of those emotions and act accordingly. It’s essential that the photographer does its high-quality job without taking advantage of people vulnerability.
These images, which represent my interpretation of the day, sensitively document a celebration of life, respects paid and emotional goodbyes. Moments photographed are delicate — the bond between family and friends as they help each other through the day, the smiles on faces as stories are told, the respect and reverence from the funeral directors, and of course the love reflected all around. It’s truly humbling.
Allister Freeman, funeral photographer.
Like Allister Freeman says, a funeral photographer, has the power to immortalize bonds — what connects people together and what’s so evident in moments like these. There’s aren’t any barriers, moments of tenderness emerge and thrive.
Everyone is human for a day.
In a way, it’s a peculiar but beautiful job.
I think funerals serve to connect the self with the rest of humanity. They engender in mourners caritas, or “loving kindness,” a quality that relies on empathy. So, for me, funerals engender humility and compassion and are therefore worthy of being photographed. I hope you think so, too.
John Slaytor, funeral photographer.
This type of photography job shouldn’t be your first or second job, since it requires high quality photos on the moment, as that moment wouldn’t repeat itself. It also requires a photographer that has stomach for it, as well as a calm and respectful persona.
