in thinking its odd to take photo's of a coffin

[DuffyMoon]

Just caught a bit of Robin Gibbs funeral and it struck me that when there is a celebrity funeral, everyone is there with their camera's and mobile phones, taking pictures of a coffin. What do people do with the photo's - show them to friends and families "ere I got a lovely picture of the hearse" - it all seems a bit disrespectful and not "done"...is it me?

Katiepoes you've just caused me to have a traumatic flash back to a dream I had last night! I dreamt I was at Hugh Grant's house on the Isle of Man (?!) and he was trying to seduce me!

its a bit of a family joke that my mum always has her camera in her bag at funerals. She recons.
A. Not everyone can attend so they may want to see the flowers etc
b. She like to get snaps of the flowers cos they always look so lovely
c. Its the only time everyone gets together so its nic to get a few family snaps.

She is a bit mad, although in ahappy way :)

Ellie lots of love

When I used to work in a photo lab we'd occasionally get photos from open casket funerals. It was always a bit of a shock, I wouldn't do it myself, but I guess whatever helps. I just wish we'd been given a little bit of warning, especially the ones for children. :(

slacklucy - I like the sound of your mum :) the only thing is...are people not a bit sad looking in the photo's

empusa, you would think so wouldn't you, I know i would have given people a heads up myself

I have photos of my lo's coffin, and the graveside. I never look at them, they're in the bottom of the shoebox, along with pictures of lo in hospital etc. I keep them incase I want to look, and incase my dd wants to see them when she's grown up.
At my Los funeral, a randomer took a picture of the coffin in the hearse coming into the graveyard. They said it was because they hadn't seen a little coffin before. I felt so angry, and upset. It was like they were making a horrible time into a show? I was a bit over the top so don't know.

stripy I thunk I would have been angry and upset too

My friend videod her DHs funeral. Their children were very tiny, she wanted them to know how loved he was.

stripy I'ld have found that terribly invasive too

you see stripy, what that stranger did- I would never, ever dream of doing that...because it just isnt done...its horrible and intrusive...so sorry for your loss

Years after my mum's funeral my dad said that he really wished that there were photos or a video. It all passed in such a blur and he couldn't remember properly who was there.

duffy, the people arent too sad looking but we have alot of photos of people in black

slacklucy...I suppose whoever gets to see the pictures must think you are a very smartly dressed family

People took pics of Elvis's coffin...some people think it's respectful...like a last snapshot...a rememberance. Sorry for all those who've lost dear ones....

Two of my relatives took photos of my Grandmas coffin in the ground!

A friend of my mum died. She had an open coffin in the church and people took pics. I've seen them. Their tradition considers it acceptable evidently.

I wish I had videod DD funeral.
I dont know if I would watch it but I would like to have it.

I dont know why people take photos of stranger's coffins or of those they dont know very well (well i do, they do it because they feel touched by fame-ick)

I can understand why people do it when its a loved family member or friend.

I have got a short video of my DFs funeral, wish I had all of it now. I think , for me, its about now being of clear mind at the time enough to remember it. and if I was able to watch all of it it could be of comofort iyswim? maybe its just me. Agree that its odd for strangers to do though.

not being and comfort

I wish we had done this for MIL.

There was just DH, BiL and myself sorting it out, and everything is really hazy (wasn't that long ago either). I feel bad that people spent money on flowers for MIL and we have no idea what they were.

I don't find it odd for family members but think if it's other people then yes, that crosses a line.

It's one thing taking pictures of flowers of coffins for memories, or other people, but taking a picture in a voyeuristic sort of way is terrible. There is no entitlement to invade other's grief with your curiosity.
At dps brother's funeral, the press were there to get a picture of us mourning. That was pretty horrible too.
Although a guy I used to nurse had a picture of his brother in the coffin. Said it was only when he was in the coffin that he realised he had no pictures of him, so took it. It's beside his bed.

Stripy I'd have been livid.

One of the reasons I took photos of DS4's funeral was to show DS1, DS2 and DS3 when they are older as DS1 wasn't there and DS2 and DS3 were too young to remember. I've also got photos of DS1 and DS2 "helping" me arrange the flowers.

I went to the funeral of an aqaintance and the funeral director was standing by the door writing down the names of everyone who came so he could give a list to the family which I thought was a nice idea.

DN 7 months old died last month, coffin was beautiful. I was shocked to see one of sis-in-laws friends taking a photo of coffin on mob as we went into church.

I asked db later if they had any photos took and he said no, so don't think they knew, I didn't say anything though.

Oh Stripy I can't imagine how horrible that would have been. What an insensitive thing to say.

It really is down to each family and what their feelings/traditions allow and want. Strangers joining in is just about the most disrespectful thing I can imagine.