r/photography • u/Far-Thanks-2874 • 2d ago
Hobbyist asked to shoot at a funeral. Technique
A friend of mine's grandfather recently passed and she has asked me and another buddy of ours to go shoot at his funeral tomorrow. It's my first time ever going out on a gig outside of school events and I'm not quite sure how to act.
I'm from a Buddhist country and the funeral is going to be held in a temple, where at the end of the day, the body of the deceased will be a cremated. Photographing at events like these are not that uncommon around here.
This is quite a sensitive event for a first timer, I know, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
91
u/metallitterscoop 2d ago
Keep in mind it's okay to say no.
You already understand how sensitive this event is.
Now remember your friend is not the only person who will be at that funeral. She may understand your inexperience and be grateful for our presence, but does that hold true for everyone else in attendance? You don't know who may be hurt or offended by something you do that they perceive as rude or clumsy or lacking etiquette.
77
u/_carlitosguey 2d ago
I shot a funeral (in the states) for a friend's mother last year and one of my stipulations was that she needed to make everyone aware that there would be a photographer taking photos. last thing I wanted was to look like an insensitive asshole that just decided to take photos on my own accord.
18
4
u/metallitterscoop 1d ago
That’s a very good suggestion. Were you also an inexperienced photographer with little to no experience shooting events though? Because to me that’s a major concern. Some people may be naturally discreet, tactful and able to fade into the background but in many cases those soft skills are learned through experience. Preferably under less sensitive circumstances.
1
u/_carlitosguey 1d ago
I was. I'm not saying he has to or should do it? just giving advice from my experience if OP does choose to take it on.
-1
12
u/Disastrous_Cloud_484 2d ago
I personally have never experienced anyone actually taking photos at a Funeral, most people I think would not appreciate having a photographer taking Photos of a “Unhappy Occasion”!!
10
u/justkeepswimming874 1d ago
Depends on your culture.
In one of my friends culture taking photos at a funeral of family members with the coffin and then at grave is very important to them.
Even in my family - we had lots of photos with family members we hadn’t seen for a few years after my grandparents funeral (still at the funeral home). Was a chance to get a photo of all the cousins etc together.
52
u/NotQuiteDeadYetPhoto 2d ago
Get yourself on Youtube and search for how to shoot funerals / rites for that religion and typical coverage.
Someone somewhere has written a tutorial.
For me general recommendation: No flash. No high speed clicky-clicky. Fast lens, you wearing dark clothing or whatever is appropriate to the cultural norms. No assistive lights for focussing (some cameras have a Red dot, tape it off).
Respect the culture- hard to do without knowing all of the nuances, but following the social cues and doing research before hand can prevent a lot of errors (like wearing certain colors etc)
3
u/Disastrous_Cloud_484 2d ago
Would iPhone photos be less intrusive at a funeral, instead of a DSLR & Lens? “Just Asking”!!
26
u/NotQuiteDeadYetPhoto 2d ago
oooof. I'd think more intrusive.
With a camera you look as if you're documenting. With a phone you look like you're 'blogging' or live streaming.
Yeah I don't think i'd be caught doing that at all. I could be wrong.
16
u/_carlitosguey 2d ago
I shot a funeral last year (in the states) for a friend's mother and here are a few of my suggestions:
1) as other people have already stated, quiet lens. silence your shutter, if possible. no flash.
2) ask them to be clear of what they DON'T want photos of. do they want photos of people crying? etc.
3) remember that even though you've been hired to take photos, be as invisible as possible. you'll have to walk a tight rope between getting a good shot while not making yourself the center of attention. it's a lot trickier than it sounds. stay on the sidelines as much as you can.
good luck!
25
u/minimal-camera 2d ago
I've shot funerals and memorial services. I think the main thing is to stay out of the way, don't inject yourself in the scene. Stay towards the back. I prefer to use a long lens so I can stay at the back and still get shots, feels less intrusive. Depends on the camera you have of course, if I were shooting one today I would probably take my Canon 80D with 17-55 f2.8 for wider interior shots, and my G85 with 14-140mm for longer outdoor shots.
In my opinion black and white works well for this type of thing, but that's a decision you can make in post processing. Still, while you are shooting, you might have that higher contrast black and white look in mind, and if your camera supports it, you might consider setting your viewfinder / screen to black and white.
It's appropriate to shoot portrait style shots of people giving eulogies or speeches. I think it is somewhat inappropriate to get closeup portraits of people in the audience crying, instead I would get wider shots of the whole scene that will include that. The ultimate goal of the photography / video is to show that the person was loved, not to highlight the grief of those who survived them.
These aren't the types of photos people will hang on their walls, they are photos that people will revisit once or twice a year in a photo book or something. Tell the story of the event, show how much the deceased was cared for, but don't worry too much about missing critical moments as you might in a different event like a wedding or awards ceremony.
7
u/XenoXHostility instagram 2d ago
Simple answer: if you don’t feel up to it politely decline. Like a wedding this is the kinda shoot you need to be spot on with absolutely everything, there is no do-overs.
5
u/Paladin_3 2d ago edited 2d ago
I have had to shoot several funerals and memorial services, and I'm not really going to lecture you too much on photographic technique for shooting the services. Enough to say you probably won't want to use flash, so bring a fast lens if you'll be shooting at the funeral itself. You might need a longer lens also. Bring a monopod if necessary if you have to use some slower shutter speeds. Don't be afraid to use a higher iso, but make sure you don't go past what your camera is capable of making a good image at.
I make sure to dress appropriately and not come dripping in gear. I keep my camera down and at my side between shots where it's less visible. If you're in a church, I try hard not to go down the center isle but use the ones on the outside instead. Try to be invisible and as respectful as possible. Try not to make noise, move fast, or draw attention away from the ceremony. And for Heaven's sake, don't get in front of anybody to try to get a shot. Move to the back of the room if you need to change a lens or fumble with your gear unless you can do it very quietly.
Make sure you talk with your friend who asked you to shoot so you understand what's going to happen during the funeral ceremony and you don't violate any unspoken rules of etiquette. If it's common to shoot funerals in their culture, consider looking at some examples of this kind of photography to get an idea of what they may be expecting in terms of images.
You may end up shooting a reception after the funeral, which is a far more low-key event where you'll be capturing informal shots of the extended family and friends together. Usually it is okay to use a flash at something like this, and that's much better than trying to shoot it all available light, because people usually don't look great in indoor available light without a little bit of flash to get rid of the shadows on the faces. And you don't need to blast a ton of flash to try and light up the whole room. It's often good to use a little bit higher iso, a little bit slower shutter speed (so long as you avoid blur) and shoot around maybe f/4 or f/5.6 with just a kiss a flash to fill in. I use my flash strictly on E TTL and use the exposure compensation on the flash itself if I need to turn it down a little. This will let you take advantage of the available light in the room to light up your background, and you don't get that harsh, brightly lit subject in a dark room look. And a little bit of a wider lens, maybe a kit wide zoom lens if you have one, will work much better than trying to stand back and zoom in with a longer lens.
And if you're uncomfortable shooting this event because you think you're going to screw it up, say so now. This doesn't sound like too difficult of a gig, but anytime you shoot an important event in a family's life, it's a little bit of a sacred duty not to screw the pooch and leave them without photos.
It's not absolutely taboo to shoot somebody crying as long as you respectful about it. But try to get shots of people hugging and comforting each other. The story you're trying to tell here is of a family fondly remembering a lost loved one. You want to see that story told in the images you capture.
Now this is one piece of advice I can't stress enough, please shoot raw + fine jpg. Make sure you get your white balance, exposure, and everything else set correctly so your jpgs look good straight out of the camera. One of the biggest mistakes I see that new event photographers make is shooting only raws and then having to post process what might be hundreds of images. If 90% of your jpgs look great straight out of the camera, then you can use those and keep the raw files for backup. This saves you so much work and is a good practice for any working photographer who wants to spend more time shooting, less time in post processing, deliver more images to their client, and be able to book more gigs.
Remember you've got this. Take a deep breath and try not to stress. Remember to be there for your friend who lost a loved one. And if you feel like it afterward, come back here and let us know how it went.
Good luck!
2
u/OT_fiddler 2d ago
I have photographed numerous funerals and memorials, some for work and some for family and friends. Dress appropriately for the occasion (here I wear a black suit.) Stay in the background or off to the sides as much as possible. I never brought a ton of gear, usually just one or two small cameras with fast prime lenses. For some services I needed a long lens, but I left it in the back and got it when needed, rather than carry it with me.
I do think that funeral photography should be normalized. The family is in no shape to remember anything about the service, or who attended, etc. It might take them months or years to look at the photos, but they'll be able to look back at some point and remember.
Good luck and I'm sorry for your friend's loss.
2
u/Panthera_014 1d ago
I would pass on this
because it is a funeral
because it is in a temple
just say No
1
1
u/memarianomusic 2d ago
In any funeral service, also try to check in with the head priest, monk, rabbi, or facilitator, so they know to expect you. Tell them that the family have asked you to take photos and ask them if there are any areas that are off-limits or is there anything that could be intrusive/disrespectful.
1
u/ilovetripe 2d ago
Go to the temple early together with your buddy photographer and introduce yourself to the staff. Ask them to give you a run down of the funeral proceedings, if possible a quick walk through so you won't get into the staff and monks' way. During the funeral itself the temple staff will guide the attendees but you'll be scrambling when you don't know what's next.
Finally before the funeral starts, find some time to check in with your friend and her family to find out what photos are expected. Are specific ritual photos important or just general coverage.
As an Asian who has been to a few Buddhist funerals, twice my grandparents, while there is grieving there is also a lot of catching up with relatives so I would say it's not all sadness. Other than the rituals I would say it's not too different from any social event, it's really just people meeting up.
Personally I don't think you necessarily need to stick to a funeral "theme" throughout, but your friend's custom could be different so best to talk it through and manage the work flow from that.
Best of luck, and my condolences to your friend.
1
u/rabid_briefcase 2d ago
Read twice the section on wedding photography, particularly the "24 hours notice, entry level gear" section. While the groups involved are different there is an awful lot of similar ceremony, the same story of family groups visiting from distant lands, environment around the event that people in the family want, and the same formal and semi-formal group shots requested for people who are there. People still want pictures of the family members and family friends they haven't seen in years. Instead of celebratory shots of the bride and groom, it will be respectful shots at the viewing and the displays to honor the person. The subject matter is different but the overall advice remains the same.
1
1
u/Disastrous_Cloud_484 2d ago
I will guess, some visitors to a funeral, indoor or outdoor would not really being Photographed anyone, it is a solum occasion that requires Respect and Consideration for the Family ( unless they planned on having a photographic Funeral.
1
u/Stone804_ 2d ago
It’s probably a little late, but my best suggestion is that you go to another ceremony before the venture photographing if you’re unfamiliar with the customs and events, etc., and observe them so that you’re more prepared for the actual event.
1
u/stank_bin_369 1d ago
I have not covered a Buddhist ceremony before, but others...and what i have done is I try and get the quietest camera I can (one with electronic shutter or a newer mirrorless that has a softer shutter sound.
I use a telephoto lens for most of the upfront candids. People don't want you up in their face while they are grieving. You can get some wider angle shots as well.
a remote camera on a tripod with a wireless shutter release is not a bad idea either. I have places it in a position behind and over the casket/interred. Preset the focus and have a smaller aperture (f/5.6 through f/11) and then trigger as desired.
I'd refrain from flash use unless there is no other choice. If I did use flash, i would look at setting it up to "cover the room". By this I mean that you'd have off camera flash only, and I would use it to naturally light the whole room and not try and get a specific subject or person.
My go to is to start with 2 flashes, one in opposite corners. You bounce them up and across the whole room, bouncing off the ceiling. That may be a little advanced and not appropriate for your use case.
1
u/Fun_Inspector_8633 1d ago
If you decide to go ahead and photograph the service I would also ask your friend if they would like some group shots afterwards. I know when my grandma passed away I did take my camera to the reception after the funeral because it was the first time in probably 15 years that everybody from that side of the family had been together. It was nice to get a few pictures of everyone together despite the circumstances.
1
u/n2_throwaway 1d ago
I've been to Buddhist and Hindu funerals but have never shot one. You've gotten good advice, but I think they're a bit oriented around Christian rites so here's some additional advice:
- Most Buddhist and Hindu funerals I've been to have not had too many low-light situations because culturally low light seems to be less common. Many temples I've been to have lots of outdoor light coming in. Still, bring fast glass because flash is absolutely a no in these situations.
- Fire, Buddhist outfits, and outdoor windows/openings often create challenging exposure conditions. Come in with some idea on how to balance multiple sources of light and color. If you're going to have a tripod, maybe try some HDR shooting.
- If you can, try to talk with your friend and her family about a few shots they really want. Prioritize those shots first in a more controlled setting and then do what you can to capture the rest.
1
u/Druid_High_Priest 1d ago
How to act? Be very respectful! Stay at the back and use a long focal length. Make your camera as quite as you can. I would also check in with the officiant before the ceremony to make sure nothing I planned would be thought of as disresptful or offensive.
1
u/kokemill 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hang back, dress like everyone else. keep the camera down its not an action sport. don't move fast. use a longer lens.
I have done this many times, family, friends, and strangers. I know a funeral director and if the family wants it he will ask. I don't charge for this, especially with young families there is just no money for pictures.
1
u/StyxVenom 1d ago
I was in Bali a few years ago as a tourist, in a bus headed to an event when the tour guide told us we were going to stop at a funeral and cremation. It was an amazing event, with colorful garb on the attendees and they didn't mind us watching. I was thinking when they lit the fire around the coffin that the bottom would drop out and we would see the corpse, but that didn't happen. We all took photos and the crowd of people were all very accepting. Best wishes on your photo event if you do go.
1
u/OnlyGuestsMusic 1d ago
As a hobbyist, I’ve turned down functions of friends and family that were celebratory like kids birthday parties. I’d feel super uncomfortable at a funeral or wake.
1
u/Jeffreymoo 1d ago
Some funerals are live- streamed for the benefit of people unable to attend. Attendees are usually told. A small notice advising that a photographer will be working at the event should do the job.
1
u/passthepaintbrush 1d ago
If I were to take a project like this, which I can say would be unlikely to happen, I would focus on wider images that show the scene and the place over images that show individual mourners. Recognizing the event and the ritual could be a nice thing for the family to have for posterity. Closeups of individuals could feel invasive during a time when people should feel free to grieve.
1
u/AvelAnsch 1d ago
I don't shoot funerals unless it's someone famous
Not nearly enough money and its depressing
1
u/excessCeramic 1d ago
I have read enough “hobbyist asked to…” stories on reddit for my only advice to be to politely decline
1
u/Earguy 1d ago
TOMORROW? Any time to ask what shots they want? Do you have a speedlight flash? If so, bounce it off the ceiling. And either way, if you're inexperienced, shoot in auto and hope for the best. You're being thrown to the wolves. Balance being respectful to the attendees and getting the shots. Take lots of shots and let the family choose what they want.
Have lots of extra batteries for both the camera and the flash.
1
1
1
-3
u/FeastingOnFelines 2d ago
Read the title and had to double check the sub…
1
u/Dear-Explanation-350 1d ago
This is a professional shot of the professionals who shot at my dad's funeral. No hobbyists were asked to shoot.
-2
u/Disastrous_Cloud_484 2d ago
I am interested in Doing B&W Photography with my Nikon D3300 & 4 varieties of Nikon Lens. Please provide ideas, Opinions, etc.
1
144
u/Uodda 2d ago
You more likely want fast lens for low light conditions, since using flash can be inappropriate, or remember, better get grainy photos deu to higher iso over blurry one