mlkddk Loc: Colorado

Again, thanks to all who provided support on a tough task. Now here is the next chapter of this story and I would really appreciate your comments,advice, and opinions.
First, I have been asked to do another “celebration of life” for another branch of my extended family. Then I made the acquaintance of another photographer who said his request for funeral pictures has exploded surpassing his wedding business and portraits. He is not interested in taking on a partner or employee, not so sure he thrilled about some competition, either. That said, he said the physical piece of funerals is easier but the emotional part can be rough.
Then family has spread the word that I might be available to do funeral pics so I have had several asks for when that time comes for them or theirs.
In talking with the current funeral photographer, he said the toughest part is dealing with the emotional aspect. He has an extensive support system in place which he would not elaborate on. Since this “first experience” Not only has the response from this community made it clear I could handle the emotions, but one of my doctors says he has some therapists he thinks would also provide a sounding board if needed because they think there is a need for this type of service.
I have been looking for something to take me into retirement. I am wondering if this might provide a service to families but also a good financial support.
Your thoughts?

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

I think it’s good. 👍

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

Having dealt with and managed funeral homes for over 40 years. I have encountered situations like this before. It is entirely up to the family if they want to have pictures take, however, you must be very, very careful about liabilities. If a picture of yours ends up on the internet, you maybe liable, as well as the funeral home. I always had a family sign a release form agreeing to absolve and/or not to hold the establishment, company or personnel to any type of liability for whatever purpose the images were used for. My personal opinion is leave it alone and/or talk with an attorney.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

IF you need the money, and the opportunity is there, why do you ask us? This decision is YOURS and YOURS alone. Good luck.
When I did that type of work I only did the wake part, or the dinner after the service event, I did only family grouping because it seems that weddings and funerals are when distant relatives gather, and it is a appropriate time for family shots.
I separated myself from the departed and only did family groups after the services and after the graveyard,, that way my emotions were taken out and concentrated on getting the shots, the same way I did any group shot.
I NEVER did relative funerals, same way I did not do any family weddings or events.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

I think it is a sound idea. I would get it in writing though, as Dan said in his post above. This type of photography was popular in the Victorian era.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Possibly you could negotiate to work for funeral homes. I took care of making arrangements for a couple of funerals a couple of years back and the funeral home advised me that they have a large screen TV in the gathering room and for a fee they will take a lot of old photos and make a screen show and have it run while visitation in underway. It would be easy for them to also offer photography work and they would be accountable for any problems. They would take a cut of the fee but they would be doing all the sales work also. I would go for it.

ronf78155 Loc: Seguin Texas

I just had my Moms funeral.
During the visitation the funeral home got 50 photo's of my <om and they ran with fitting music on a large screen tv.
There were pics of Mom bringing me home from the hospital at 4 days old up to her last days holding my hand.
These were a very tasteful celebration of her life.
My family (sisters) wanted me to take some pictures of my Mom in her casket.......I respectfully refused and told them that was not how I wanted to remember her.

JohnH3 Loc: Auburn, AL

I have done this type of photography before at the request of families when a family member could not be present due to age/illness, etc. or a family member could not be present due to distance. I would not agree to take pictures during the actual service. I always request that one family member be present and one representative from the funeral home and no one else. I try to focus on photographs that include flowers, etc. I do take but also limit the number focused directly on the deceased. I don’t depend on this work for my living; therefore, I do not accept pay. I will only do this kind of photography for people I know personally as a favor to them or their family. I generally take my laptop or iPad with me. I will download the images and do any post processing necessary and then deliver the photos directly to the family member either on a jump drive, airdrop, etc. Once they have them and a backup, I delete everything I took in an attempt to avoid some of the scenarios mentioned above in previous posts. I try to be extremely tasteful in how I shoot the situation. I have never felt any disturbing emotions. Death is a part of life.

MCHUGH Loc: Jacksonville, Texas

I did quite a few funerals when I was in business years ago. It rarely bothered me and most of the time it was just a job. I only did two that were really tough. One was a 5 year old and it tore me up badly, just sat in my car and bawled like a baby when it was done and did the same when the photos came back from processing. Most of the time it was older people that I did not know. I had one lady tell me that the photos helped with closer and really gave her piece of mind. I know it helps many people so I think it is a real service to your customers and helpful.

Crad1998

I recently was asked to take photos of my uncles funeral. I took the opportunity to gather a lot of family photos. The only time most families get together is for a funeral. I would have family gather on the steps in front of the church. They loved the photos.
Of course i did get some photos inside the church

fetzler Loc: North West PA

Memorial photography was rather common in the latter part of the 19th century. There is a book published some years ago entitled - Sleeping Beauty. (This NOT the fairy tale) . The book is powerful and a bit creepy in my opinion. Each to is own on this one.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have covered a number of funerals both as a press photograher and as the hired personal photograher of the family. It is not something I actively promote. The assignments of this kind that do come in are usually from clients and families I have served in the past- usually on other occasions and who trust me to the the work in a responsible, respectful, low key, sensitive, and ethical manner.

I have done corporate work for a few local funeral homes and will occasionally receive requests from one of those on behalf of a family they are serving.

I have never had a legal or privacy issue, in that is goes without saying, although we do put it in writing, that no images of theses evens will be publicly displayed, shown to anyone outside of the family, published or put online in an manner or sold to anyone else.

I always find out waht the religious aspects of the ceremony involve- there are certain religions the prohibit the display of the dead. The family is consulted as to theses issues and if open casket images will be made.

Obviously,I find this work saddening but I can understad why some families require this service.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I have photographed a few family funerals. I don't photograph the deceased in the coffin unless specifically requested to do so by the family. I do take photos of all the flower arrangements, the general view inside the church or funeral home, family groups (afterwards), and photos of the various participants while speaking or singing. Distribution of the photos is very limited. I do this is a service to the family and am not remunerated.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

I remember when I was just starting my career in Texas farming communities people would share family photos -- including Aunt Josie or Uncle Ned laid out in their caskets. Gave one pause.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I think it is more of a Southern tradition. My relatives from the south would take and share photos of deceased relatives in the casket.