Photographing a funeral is about preserving memories with compassion and respect. My role is to quietly document the moments of remembrance, support, and celebration of life without disrupting the service. These photographs become lasting keepsakes for families who wish to remember the people who came together to honor their loved one.
I thought the same thing before my own mother died. There was a photographer there and my family and I cherished those photos.
As a funeral service photographer my roll is to tactfully and respectfully capture the painful yet loving moments of the service and wake (if desired). There’s so many special moments that occur that can end up meaning so much to those who are there to pay their respects to the departed. All of this is up to you of course but I typically photograph the entire service including readings, people sharing memories, any singers or musical performances, prayers or sermons, people who attended, and all those who gathered afterwards.
I tend to stand as far back as I can as to not draw attention to myself or distract from the real reason everyone is there. These types of photos are best being done candidly and unknowingly as much as possible. If there’s one thing that I easily pick up on is who wants to be photographed and who doesn’t. And if I am uncertain I’ll ask. If someone happens to pass on being photographed I’ll make a mental note and do my best to keep them out of any photos unless later on they make it known otherwise.
I know there are so many unexpected costs that arise when it comes to moments like this and I try and keep my pricing as low so that I can be of service to as many as I can. Typically I do an hourly charge and that all depends on the day and how many hours I am requested to be there. Usually, around 200-500 per hour.
I am always very happy to have you provide me a list of moments or things you’d prefer me not photograph. And on the contrary please provide me a list of very special things or moments or people you for certain want captured.
Typically I provide an online gallery where anyone you want can see the photos. I’ll also provide a digital download link so you can save all the photos.
As you can see I do not have many photos to share and that’s because I don’t believe these should be shared for all to see.