The Art of Capturing Eternity: A Photographer’s Guide to Ethical Cemetery Photography
As the sun sets, casting an ethereal glow over the moss-covered tombstones, you raise your camera ready to capture the moment in time. It's a scene of both beauty and sadness—a scene within the peaceful confines of a cemetery. In the age of social media and instant digital albums, the practice of photography in cemeteries has become a topic of debate as the beauty of the world, including cemeteries, is more accessible on the web. For every individual who sees it as an act of remembrance and artistic capture, there is another person who is troubled by the notion of snapping pictures in “hallowed” grounds. In this blog post, I'll explore the multifaceted discussion surrounding this genre of photography, the use of cemeteries as a background for your photoshoot, and to provide insight for shutterbugs to click with not just their cameras, but with their hearts and minds.
Understanding the Ethics and Legalities
Cemeteries are often considered as public spaces. However these very same sites can also be very personal and private areas where people come to pay respects to their loved ones. There is a complex web of laws and societal norms that differ place to place and also govern the activity within these boundaries. I will discuss the general things you can do and the things you can’t do as a photographer in a cemetery. International laws often defer to the local traditions and regulations.
Before you go to hold a photoshoot in the cemetery there are a couple things to think about first. Have you researched the cemetery at all? Some cemeteries will clearly state on their website if they allow photography and some even charge a fee. Do you know when they open and close, in case they have a gate? You will also want to think about what equipment would be reasonable to take. You do not want to take too much. Similarly you don’t want to have too many people, assistants or models. The more people you have, the more of an obtursion you and your team will be to the mourners at the graves.
Another thing to consider is, what is you photoshoot? Could the theme itself be disrespectful? Things like scantily clad individuals, guns, knives, drugs or alcohol use, and so much more.
You CAN take photos in a cemetery. If you want to take photos in a cemetery, here are some general rules to keep in mind:
Always be respectful.
Don’t EVER take photos of other people at the cemetery. These people are often mourning their loved ones. Try to leave them alone and if you can’t avoid them, at least keep the noise to a minimum. Similarly, do not take photos of funerals or burial ceremonies.
Don’t pose on someone’s grave. Even if you think it’s not a disrespectful pose, others may think differently. Also while you are at it, don’t damage anything in the cemetery either.
Don’t take photos where you can see the specifics of people’s headstones, especially if the deceased have been there for less then 100 or so years.
Your ethical compass is a critical tool for you, as it is for all other photographer, travel bloggers, cosplayers, and history buffs. When in cemeteries, it's important to consider the feelings of the friends and relatives of the deceased and to remember that not everyone views photography, no matter what kind of photography it is, as a respectful act. Consent, or lack thereof, should be at the forefront of all potential cemetery photoshoot discussions. Beyond these, it is vital to approach the space with reverence and humility for the lives of those who have passed.
The Photographer's Perspective
Every photographer is different on how they view cemeteries. I personally know some who would never even venture to think about offering a photoshoot in a cemetery. I have heard of other photographers who seem to view cemeteries as outdoor museums that brimming with architectural beauty and historical weight. Some of those photographers may even argue that capturing photos within cemeteries is a form of documentation. They view this as an act of keeping memories, as well as, an exploration of the way societies of the past commemorated their dead.
Art and Documentation
It is important to recognize that cemeteries are full of art. The burial grounds are often full of skillfully made sculptures, grave stones, and mausoleums that embody our history. Artistic value is inherent in the carefully carved tombs and epitaphs. Each photograph taken can tell a story that goes beyond the visual, encompassing historical, and cultural significance. Professionals suggest that the goal of cemetery photography is not to exploit, but to express and educate, often using proper channels to publish or display their works.
You can see a prime example of what I mean in Artsy’s article titled, “10 of the World’s Most Iconic Cemeteries, Mausoleums, and Crematoriums”.
Engaging the Community
Reviewing what we have discussed in this article, for photographers, the key to taking ethical cemetery photography lies in community engagement and understand. You must seek permissions, particularly in the case of private burial grounds, and share your intentions for the photoshoot in order to build bridges that allow for your photography to be ethical. It's also about listening to the communities’ specific concerns and adapting your practices to respect them, not only while you take your photography but also afterwards when you display the images.
The Cosplayer and Travel Blogger View
Beyond traditional professional photography, the rise of cosplayers, influencers, and travel bloggers has introduced a new perspective on taking photos, videos, or going live in cemeteries. For cosplayers, it could be taken as an opportunity to appreciate the architecture and also pay homage to fiction and history that relate to the character or stories they are cosplaying from. Similarly travel bloggers may showcase cemeteries as an essential part of a destination's charm and its cultural significance. However, cosplayers, influencers, and travel bloggers should still very much consider what is appropriate and respectful while entertaining the idea of using a cemetery as a background for their content.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation
In particular the issue of cultural appropriation can arise, especially when cosplayer and their costumed shoots intersect with where specific cultures had ancestorial worship sites and the sanctity their of burial sites. The big difference lies in the depth of understanding and respect displayed by the cosplayer. Similarly, bloggers are expected to research and highlight the historical context of the cemetery in which they're promoting. The worst thing that an influencer, cosplayer, or travel blogger can do is show and utter lack of respect and understanding of the historic significance of the cemetery they might be using as a background to their content.
Public Perception and Response
Frankly with the internet and how easily pictures and videos can be shared now a days, perception is reality when it comes to this form of photography. No matter who you are, honest and open communication with both the local communities and your online followers is key in shaping the narrative and your content as respectful. For example, choosing to feature a behind-the-lens look at your thought process, your research, and the resulting content can help your audiences understand what you had in mind.
The History Buff's Take
History buffs have long recognized the value of cemetery photography. For them, every weathered headstone and memorial serves as a rich source of historical information. The meticulous documenting of these burial grounds can continue to contribute to a broader picture of past societies and their legacies.
The Role in Heritage Preservation
Photography is a powerful tool for the preservation of these cemeteries and their cultural heritage. In our natural world there is a battle against time and decay with all handmade things, where as capturing high-quality images can help create long lasting records for future generations to study. By engaging with the historical and academic community, photographers can ensure their work contributes and fuels further research and understanding to our world’s past.
Significant Cemeteries as Cultural Treasures
Certain cemeteries around the world are recognized for their architectural, historical, or cultural significance. Shooting in these sites follows an unspoken contract—respecting them, celebrating them, and sharing their importance to a wider audience. The images captured within these irreplaceable historical sites not only tell tales of the famous and revered humans of the past but also encapsulate the emotions of the anonymous masses who are often forgotten by history. Which in turn paints a fuller picture of our collective history.
A great resource for finding these famous cemeteries around the world is by checking out Histicle’s article “Journey Through Eternity: 39 Of The Most Famous Cemeteries In The World”.
Balancing Respect and Creativity
In the pursuit of creativity, respect should be the fixed point of reference in regards to cemetery photography. There is a balance to be struck, and it is not always convenient or glamorous, as much as we wish it could be. For each individual, no matter if they are a photographer, influencer, cosplayer, or travel blogger, that equilibrium might shift, but certain principles must remain constant in order to make sure you are properly respecting and honoring these sites.
Engaging with the Past and Present
The digital age has amplified the reach of every image and video we now take. With that power comes a responsibility. Each photographer is a storyteller, and the narrative they weave can either enrich or disrespect. By respecting the past, we can can engage with the present by creating a rich tapestry of the past human experiences.
Conclusion
Cemetery photography is a solemn art, capable of both respect and resonance with history. By understanding the ethical and legal frameworks, and by engaging with the vibrant community it touches, photographers can elevate it as a means of education and empathy with our past. Everyone who wishes to share images and videos or these cemeteries must put proper thought and research in to make sure the treat these historical places with the respect they deserve. With this approach, the act of taking photos in cemeteries isn't just 'okay'—it can be an essential touchstone of our shared human experience.
