Played for a funeral this morning. I have a friend who, having grown tired of being a wedding photographer, was considering taking up funeral photography. I know she's done a few funerals, quietly taking pictures and then presenting the family with a book, but it's not a much considered element of funerals locally. I wish she'd photographed this funeral. There were so many precious memories there. Three priests presided. The Knights of Columbus escorted the casket. The many grandchildren brought special gifts in memory of their grandpa, lovingly chosen or made. There was, of course, the incense, flowers, music, but, most importantly, the family that came from afar to say goodbye. I heard they had a bagpipe player at the cemetery, but I can't bring myself to attend graveside services. Yes. I think the family would have treasured the work of a funeral photographer. It was a beautiful farewell.
It's funny, because I remember wishing someone was capturing my mum's funeral on camera, because I couldn't. I remember watching my dad, being so strong, marching, in his kilt behind her coffin, with the lone piper playing and marching beside him from the church to the graveyard. I was so proud of him on that day. He was so stoic. But I have my mental images, I guess. I can see the need for a funeral photographer, but oh my what a difficult job it would be, I think. Lovely image April. Sorry for going off on a tangent!
