Early this week, a business associate asked if I knew of any photographer who provide funeral photography service. After searching my phone book thoroughly, I couldn’t find a single person who I believe would do it. Actually, I thought, why not? Why is photography limited to the happier (which is itself subjective) events like wedding. Shouldn’t the passing of someone at the right time and age be celebrated too? I wondered if it has anything to do with superstitions? I photographed funerals of my grandparents without much difficulties. I guess the difference might be that they both died at the ripe old age of 95. The difference is also that they are all closely related to me and since I am the better photographer in the family, if I didn’t do it, who will? Would photographers be more ready to accept such commission if they know that the family is relieved despite their loss? Would they be more prepared to shoot the final moments if they know that those images will mean a great deal in helping to remember and celebrate?
Archive for September, 2007
Photographing Funeral
Collective
I just suddenly came to the realization that writers never have any agency/collective. Only photographers and some artists do. Am I correct? If so, anyone know why? I still don’t really know what are the real advantages of being in a collective, other than if you belong to one of the big names, you can say so and so is in same company as you. Ideally, collective can hire managers to do things we photographers don’t like, but then, if you don’t have enough business, how do you sustain the payroll. Comments anyone?
Version 3.0
Most people begin their blogs with a mission statement of sort. Why am I here; why am I wasting my time; what am I going to write about; what are some of the things I won’t touch on, how often I intend to update, etc etc.
These questions, let me assure you, are some of the things I continuously ask myself.
In the end, it boiled down to one thing: I am a big mouth with a lot of opinions, it is sometimes difficult to only talk to myself;)
To start a blog is a big responsibility. It means I have the obligation to keep it current and interesting. Some would even say: don’t forget responsible and factual.
I hope to share in this blog, my honest opinions about people, images, actions, technologies, trends, opinions. I also hope to continue good conversations with passionate people.
Now, wish me luck.
