Pixalo Photography Community - View Single Post - Photographing death (WARNING SENSITIVE CONTENT)

Hooky · 04-12-2007, 19:58

Hi,

I have debated making this post for a while now, due to the sensitive and emotional content.

Mods please feel free to remove the post if it is deemed offensive or insensitive.

On August 3rd this year my first grandchild was stillborn at full term. Skye was a beautiful baby girl who unfortunately never drew a breath. This was obviously a massively devastating event for Skye's mother and father and all of the families.

I was wandering if anyone else has been asked to take photographs in similar circumstances. I only had my Sony point and shoot and took over 60 images.The response from people has been varied to say the least, ranging from deep gratitude to deep offence. I was honoured to be asked to use one of the images on the order of service for the funeral (by my stepson, Skyes father) however I have since heard various family members from both sides have commented that this was a "sick" thing to do.

I feel that I acted with respect and sensitivity at the time of taking the photos and hope that having this record of their first child may be of some small comfort to Skyes mother and father in the future. I hope that I have not caused too much pain for the people on Pixalo and would welcome a discussion on these issues.

Regards,

Alan

04-12-2007, 19:58	#1 (permalink)
Hooky Getting Comfy Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mid Cornwall Posts: 129	Photographing death (WARNING SENSITIVE CONTENT) Hi, I have debated making this post for a while now, due to the sensitive and emotional content. Mods please feel free to remove the post if it is deemed offensive or insensitive. On August 3rd this year my first grandchild was stillborn at full term. Skye was a beautiful baby girl who unfortunately never drew a breath. This was obviously a massively devastating event for Skye's mother and father and all of the families. I was wandering if anyone else has been asked to take photographs in similar circumstances. I only had my Sony point and shoot and took over 60 images.The response from people has been varied to say the least, ranging from deep gratitude to deep offence. I was honoured to be asked to use one of the images on the order of service for the funeral (by my stepson, Skyes father) however I have since heard various family members from both sides have commented that this was a "sick" thing to do. I feel that I acted with respect and sensitivity at the time of taking the photos and hope that having this record of their first child may be of some small comfort to Skyes mother and father in the future. I hope that I have not caused too much pain for the people on Pixalo and would welcome a discussion on these issues. Regards, Alan