Death and Photos
To take a photo at a funeral or not?
I say go for it. We document all of life’s significant (mostly happy) moments… Christenings, Communions, Bar Mitzvahs, Graduations and Weddings. There’s no question that everyone will be pulling their phones out at those big milestones. And, there’s no question that those photos will end up in frames or in a book.
A funeral, on the other hand, is sad. And, some would say that it’s in poor taste to take pictures during this solemn time. Plus, those pictures likely will NOT end up framed. Maybe in a book, but I’m not sure. Well, at least I wasn’t.
February 9, 2016: We buried my dad.
I don’t necessarily like to think back to those early days after he had passed. I was raw. My kids were little and had tons of questions. It was exhausting explaining cancer and death to a curious 5 and 7 year old. In a way, making sense of it at the kid level was a way for me to process it.
However, I am thankful of the photos I do have from my father’s services. I wouldn’t have thought to have someone there taking pictures, but my cousin brought it up and tactfully captured those final goodbyes.
We are usually trigger happy… taking photos of every significant, and insignificant moment, screenshots, selfies, and the food we’re eating. And so, when we have the opportunity to take photos at these solemn yet symbolic services, it should not be ignored.
Me giving my Eulogy at my father’s wake.
I was thankful my little helper came up to give me a much -needed hug.
How have you handled death and photos in your life? Send me an email at lida@znimkacreations.com.
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