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  4. Would you photograph dead people for funerals?

Would you photograph dead people for funerals?


2 years 3 months ago #730077 by Dana Beasley
I've been asked to photograph, deceased people for funerals.  Half of me is grossed out of the thought of this, other half of me is curious on how I could make some money with this.  Do any of you shoot funerals?

Do you get over the awkwardness?  
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2 years 3 months ago #730091 by Nikon Shooter
Deceased people are so well prepared that nothing differentiates
them from sleeping persons except the worn clothes.

The real question is the required point of view. For a face view, you
will have to position the camera over the subject — which is some-
what heavier in preparation setup.

Otherwise, be sure to use a great DoF so you can soften evenly the
skin makeup that is not always perfect.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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2 years 3 months ago #730214 by Kenya See
Yeah, I would say no to this gig.  I would be very uncomfortable.  
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2 years 3 months ago #730335 by Happy Hour
Not a chance, I wouldn't feel comfortable at all
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2 years 3 months ago #730432 by Mason Latka
Yeah, I would have to pass on this gig as well.  Just not something I would feel comfortable with.  
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2 years 3 months ago #730476 by CharleyL
My mom was a florist, so I frequently got the delivery work. When taking flowers to a funeral home in morning hours, they frequently wanted them placed around the casket on the floor and stands, then also on the casket. Sometimes they would have the touch-up makeup kit lying on the casket and I would need to wait to place the flowers until they were finished. It bothered me at first, but it became easier with repeated experience. I've never attempted to photograph a dead person in a casket, but probably could, if the one in the casket didn't sit up for his/her photo session.

If you take this job, watch the depth of field to get the best photo. As has been said, not every subject has the best makeup. You will need a tripod with an extension to get the camera out over the casket and pointed nearly straight down. It's going to need to be remote controlled too. A laptop and tether cable with the camera remote control and download software will help. My Canon camera and software would work good for this. I don't use Lightroom, so can't offer suggestions for it. Off camera lighting is going to be required, since very little light is usually provided there. They may not allow flash either, so ask before hand. Higher ISO and some of my LED light panels (battery operated) on light stands would be my first choice. At least you don't need to worry about catchlights in their eyes.

Charley
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2 years 3 months ago #730575 by Finn

Nikon Shooter wrote: Deceased people are so well prepared that nothing differentiates
them from sleeping persons except the worn clothes.

The real question is the required point of view. For a face view, you
will have to position the camera over the subject — which is some-
what heavier in preparation setup.

Otherwise, be sure to use a great DoF so you can soften evenly the
skin makeup that is not always perfect.


So true, but for me, I would know and that's the part that would be the continued awkwardness.  It's funny, back in college my roommates father was a photographer who photographed not only for the city police and fire department, he also regularly photographed for funeral homes.  
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2 years 3 months ago #730795 by H Rocky
If the money was good enough, sign me up.  I can look past their state.   
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2 years 3 months ago #730855 by Pete Franko
Eh, not for me either.  Plenty of other gigs I would rather do.  
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2 years 3 months ago #731043 by JaneK
Nope, I'll stick with the live people 
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2 years 3 months ago #731116 by Ivy Winchell
OMG

No, just live people only
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2 years 2 months ago #731136 by Shadowfixer1
I have a few times. If no one is around it's just methodical making an image of an object. 
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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