Sometimes in our pursuit of capturing the world around us we go too far I think , do we really need to push ourselves upon a family's grief at a funeral . I witnessed today at Arlington cemetery this very scene , there was a marching band which I add I took a picture of but that's it. At no point did I take a picture of the casket which came several minutes later on a horse drawn carriage with the American flag draped over it. I took my hat off and bowed my head in respect , some people rushed to take a picture which I thought was disrespectful.
When your capturing the world there's a time and a place , there really is.
I think that the Americans have a different view on this. I have seen lots of images taken at American funerals. I hope you are having a fab time. I am green with envy
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about it being a cultural issue x
DeleteI wouldn't feel comfortable taking a photo of a funeral. You are right, there are limits to what needs to be captured on camera.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't feel comfortable about taking photos either, but I guess it can be different in other countries. I do wonder sometimes though if we do get carried away with getting a picture, you do see some pretty uncomfortable ones popping up, particularly ones where I'm thinking...why are you taking a photo and not helping!
ReplyDeleteI went to my uncle's funeral earlier this year and we enjoyed taking photos and video of all the mods on mopeds (my uncle was a mod). It was part of the celebration of his life. But I wouldn't feel comfortable taking photos of a funeral of someone I didn't know.
ReplyDeleteI think that as a celebration of someone you know it is a fitting tribute x
DeleteAt my cousin's funeral 8 months ago I briefly considered taking a photo of the casket because there was such a beautiful floral arrangement around it and the family had really done him proud. But it was a split second thought, and I chose not to. I would rather remember my cousin smiling from ear to ear like he did when he was alive, rather than in a box.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your cousin x
DeleteIt does seem to be commonplace in America to take photos at funerals, I think we brits are a bit too reserved about things like this x
ReplyDeleteI hope you are enjoying Washington, sounds like a calming and beautiful place. As for taking pictures at a funeral, I would agree, it is most likely a cultural thing more than anything.xx
ReplyDeleteI think Military funerals are a huge deal in the states in terms of photography. My inlaws were close friends with a General, and his funeral was unbelievable, reminding me of some of our royal funerals. I would love to go to Washington, it sounds so interesting, glad you are having fun.
ReplyDeleteThere really is and I agree, it was disrespectful to photograph someone else's sad day.
ReplyDeleteI would be uncomfortable with this too, I love my camera but I wouldn't feel right in this situation.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure the Americans would feel the same about a military funeral. It was obviously a big send off. I can understand your feelings though - I think that's very British.
ReplyDeletewas recently sent a box of photos that belonged to and were taken by a family friend and family member who were very close to me. Inside I found pictures of the funeral of my family member and it made me feel sick. I was really offended that the images had been taken when we were all so distraught.
ReplyDeleteI would never take a picture at a strangers funeral. My husband took some at his grandparents but only of the flowers
ReplyDeleteI hope you've been having the best time Claire, sounds wonderful. I'd never take a photograph of a funeral either, not even sure I would of someone I knew actually. You're totally right there's a time and a place x
ReplyDeleteWould love to visit Washington. I am happy you are switching off and taking in some air!
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