Reflective memories

Some people may think that taking photo's at a Funeral a bit macabre, but for a lot of people, it means a great deal to be able to look back on what is a very emotional day when we say goodbye to a loved one for the last time. We gather at the crematorium or cemetery not to just mourn the passing of a family member or friend, but to also celebrate the life that person had, and the memories and history they have made.

It's a day where people will share their personal memories of the deceased, often saying many wonderful things about them, some of which you had forgotten, or even never knew. These new memories will become very special,  you may be overcome with emotion on the day and unable to take it all in at the time, which is where using a professional to discreetly record the day can be a very positive choice. Having photographs, will enable you to reflect the event at a later date and in your own time.

It is also very useful if there are relatives living abroad and unable to attend the funeral or cremation service, it means you would be able to send them copies of the day and they too, would feel that they were almost there with you.

Professionally captured

Michael has spent more than two decades working alongside people who have recently become bereaved, and can assure you that his photography will not come between your grief and fairwells to your loved one. Michael's photography spans back many years capturing family gatherings.

Photographing a funeral may sound unusual but deaths, like births, are key moments in any family's history. If done properly, photos of a funeral and the wake can serve as a fitting memorial, bringing together happy and sad memories.

Other than weddings there is not many other times you get so many of one family in one place. Unlike a wedding where everyone dresses up and tells you how great their life is and how great each other look, people seem real at funerals. Sincere, attentive, keener to listen. Suddenly humbled by loss and brought back to earth with the realisation that our time here is limited. Perhaps we need to be reminded of these things. Funerals are not just sad when families and friends get together to remember loved ones, memories are usually the order of the day, and laughter not uncommon. Funerals, in a strange way, are more often celebrations of life than mourning of death.

So, let's say you have decided that the normal taboos around death and dying won't get in the way of a moment of history being documented; obviously not being a member of the family it can have its own problems from the more sensitive of people. I make sure people at the funeral know what I'm doing, why I'm there before pulling out a camera.

Most of my photos would be in black & white, however if you prefer colour this can be arranged as more funeral mourners are asked to wear specific colours and/or not to wear black. I shoot with sensitivity and discretion from a distance ensuring not to be obtrusive to the mourners.

 I thought that as people's perceptions of death and dying changed so too does our approach to documenting this often overlooked and ultimate moment in our life. Why are the only funeral photographs we see taken by the press covering the passing of royalty and the rich? What about documenting the average everyday member of the general public? Are we all not the same in death?

It is best to contact me at the earliest opportunity whilst you make the funeral arrangements.

I offer this service from £100.00

Tel: 07881944519