AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Hi all,
Maybe not the best title, but I hope it makes for an interesting thread. I was at my aunt's funeral today, (very nice) but I caught myself thinking what would make a nice photograph. The way the light reflected from the casket, the way the garment (probably a better name for it) covering the casket flapped in the breeze. The faces of those mourning as they cried and smiled at different times. I guess part of me wishes I could of taken some of those shots. (not that I'm qualified to do so, still new) But I thought about it... :-D
As always, appreciate all replies.
Andy

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I think about making photographs most of the time. I don't think I would at a funeral or while I on the toilet.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You pose an interesting question and it will be fun to read responses.

I think similarly. But in the past year, after someone said, "Don't always look at the world through a lens," I've tried to change. So I have stopped wishing I have my camera with me when I see something I like; and if I do have my camera, I try to not be frustrated if I missed a shot.

Instead I'm concentrating on living in the moment and being thankful I have an "eye" that sees and appreciates so much beauty and so many interesting sights that non-photographers might miss in their rush to get from point A to B.

AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

David,
Oh I agree. I would never consider it at a funeral. But I did think about it. (maybe I feel guilty)
As for the toilet...well I did take a picture of my daughter's 1st poop on the potty. I think it was more for me, to let me know there is a light at the end of that long tunnel..(from moving away from diapers) I never want her to grow up! :P
Andy

jaygreen55 Loc: Westport CT

I always tend to look for potential photograph in what I see. I can't help myself and funerals are an integral part of the human drama. Who can forget the picture of little JFK Jr saluting his father as his casket goes by. It's one of the all time iconic images

http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/11/25/The-picture-of-the-funeral-JFK-Jr-salutes-his-fathers-casket/5681385394814/

As for while I'm on the toilet I don't think of taking images of the subject matter at hand but I do have a stack of photo magazines in the john so I'm still thinking about photography

Basil Loc: New Mexico

When I walk to/from my work to various lunch locations, I find myself looking at all kinds of things and thinking things like, "the way the other buildings and trees reflect off those mirrored windows would make an interesting picture".

AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Instead I'm concentrating on living in the moment and being thankful I have an "eye" that sees and appreciates so much beauty and so many interesting sights that non-photographers might miss in their rush to get from point A to B.[/quote]

Great advice indeed Linda! I think I'm doing it a little different than you. I think I've always had a great appreciation for nature and the world around us. Now, I want to capture that and share it with friends and family.
Thanks!
Andy

AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

[quote=jaygreen55]I always tend to look for potential photograph in what I see. I can't help myself and funerals are an integral part of the human drama. Who can forget the picture of little JFK Jr saluting his father as his casket goes by. It's one of the all time iconic images

Great point! A very powerful picture! I've read some posts here, where members were ask to photograph a funeral. At first, I thought it was appalling, but I now believe it coud be done (by a pro) and I think it would be something the family would cherish. (obviously assuming the family requested the pictures)
Andy

AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I do the same, I just found it odd (at least for me) I was doing it at a funeral. I especially think of pics when I'm eating. Be it at a fast food place or a fancy restaurant. The food should look as good as it should taste.
Andy

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Not usually when I'm sleeping, although I have had a few flashbacks and some vivid nightmares.

amehta Loc: Boston

I think it's great that you do. I seem to compartmentalize my photography, so when I'm not holding a camera I am not thinking about taking a picture.

Labdog123

Yes. I see people that I think would look great in a still shot. I see places where the light is playing for a moment. I see wonderful skies and clouds and seashores and looks on faces. I wish I could capture them all. I am not sure to what end, but I would love to capture them.

Maybe because my mother lost her older brother as a child, but funerals were always a kind of special occasion in my family. As a photographer, I see these events and details in more detail than I ever saw where a member of my family was being remembered.

I have taken photos at memorial services and funerals and provided the family with memories and details that they didn't get at the event. The family is generally very burdened and busy and misses much of the background. I suggest a video of the service and then fill in with stills. It helps to remember sequence, people in attendance, even the ages of the younger family members - and the very old ones in attendance.

Several people have said that, when they were finally able to view the photos, they helped to 'lift the fog' of the day. They can see how much their loved one was loved by others. I particularly think that a book of such photos would be a great memory for a young child to see the respect given by so many people for their lost parent or other relative.

When a family asks for photos to be taken, it doesn't have to be weird. If it is announced that photos are being taken at the request of the family, all in attendance will understand. In cases of services at our church, most people know me and it's also no problem.

but as to toilet time - that's weird. I have never been 'photographically inspired' from that view.

Urban Woods Loc: northeast USA

Honestly, I do not think in photos all of the time, however, I always enjoy the play of light that creates colors and texture in a setting. Photos that tell a story about people and/ or places and photos of critters are my favorites.

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

To me photography is a hobby. As such I would hope it would never dominate my every waking thought. It is fun but so are many other things in life. Moderation in all things is a far better way to live imho.

dennisallard Loc: Southern Maine

I definitely can't carry my Nikon with me all the time. But I have a little Olympus P & S that's always in my car or shirt pocket. You never know when a good shot will happen and I can't stand the thought of missing one.