PAST

August 13, 2006

NEXT

When asked to be the designated photographer at a funeral, I was a bit despondent. I mean, after all, that's a time when a lot of people are very emotional and really don't feel comfortable in having their photo taken. However, this particular event was not your average funeral, and the person that had passed was admired and loved by so many people from all around the globe, including myself.
So, while taking pictures during this event, I felt a little awkward and somewhat audacious, confrontational, and invasive, as I could tell that many of the guests would rather not have had a photographer present. And, although I would have to agree with that myself, it somehow compels me to capture and share images with such passion and emotion. 
Like that sudden glance when a person seems to look right through that camera, and right into my soul. 
And the blind fool inside of me doesn't see it until I look at the pictures later. And then I feel it.

I have, on a few occasions, also been hired and requested to play music at a funeral, and had experienced similar feelings. Especially when a widow had told me that her late husband's favorite song was "You Can't Always Get What You Want", by "The Rolling Stones". I thought that it was a strange song to play at a funeral. But hey, if it was his favorite, then that's fine by me.
But after my performance I was informed by several members of his immediate family and friends that they never knew anything about that being his favorite song. After that, and other numerous uncomfortable looks from attendees, I really felt strange.

So, just FYI,
 I do prefer weddings.

Galixy.net