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Is It Appropriate for Funeral Attendees to Take Photos?
While taking photos at a funeral is not necessarily inappropriate, it may not be acceptable to the family and loved ones of the person who died. Before taking any photos, […]
While taking photos at a funeral is not necessarily inappropriate, it may not be acceptable to the family and loved ones of the person who died. Before taking any photos, it is crucial to get permission from those who are conducting the service. If they don’t want anyone to take photos, then it is best to respect their wishes. If there is any possibility that the photos may be posted online or shared via social media, it is important to mention it when requesting permission, since this may also influence the decision of the surviving loved ones.
Some families hire a professional photographer to capture images of specific aspects or memories from a funeral. Although this can indicate that they are comfortable with photography, do not assume that personal photos are automatically permitted. After permission is granted, it is crucial to approach the photography with a certain level of discretion. Photography should be conducted in a manner that doesn’t disrupt the service and the use of flash should typically be avoided. Additionally, the following should not be photographed:
- The person who died
- The casket
- The grave
- Individuals who are not aware they are being photographed
After photos have been taken, sharing them with others should be handled with discretion as well. Since people are potentially being photographed during a very emotional and sensitive moment, it is not necessarily appropriate to share those images in a readily accessible space. Once an image is posted on social media or the Internet, it can be difficult to manage the extent to which it may spread or be reposted. Ideally, you should only share an image privately and with the permission of the surviving family members. An even better idea would be to simply share a photo from a cherished experience with the person who died, rather than sharing images from their funeral.
Sources
“Should you take photos at funerals?” Palmer Mortuary. https://www.palmermortuary.com/should-you-take-photos-at-funerals
“5 reasons you should ask someone to take photos at a funeral”. Huff Post.
