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09/13/2009 12:29:34 PM · #1 |
I'm not talking Arlington, but local cemetaries. Are you able to go in and take photos of gravestones? Along with my vintage photo, I am have to take a few more for shallow DoF and long DoF. I have a couple cemetaries around and no that a shallow DoF would be perfect in that setting.
Are there any laws against taking pictures in graveyards? |
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09/13/2009 12:31:19 PM · #2 |
| not where I live... I've used it for a challenge before too... i guess it just depends on where you live.. but, really I've never heard of such a thing. |
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09/13/2009 12:41:07 PM · #3 |
The last cemetery I was in the groundskeeper gave me a tour and told me to come back any time I wished.
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09/13/2009 12:44:20 PM · #4 |
| I take pictures in graveyards all the time. |
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09/13/2009 12:50:35 PM · #5 |
 VaWendy visits them all the time.
Message edited by author 2009-09-13 16:50:52. |
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09/13/2009 12:50:45 PM · #6 |
| Thanks all. I just wanted to be sure before I did anything that could get me into any type of trouble. |
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09/13/2009 12:51:13 PM · #7 |
| You probably need a release from all the models but other than that shoot away;-) I shoot at a couple of cemeteries around here and have never had a problem. There is even a flickr group dedicated to graveyards and headstones. You can find some great stories in those places and its a nice reminder that you are only on this planet for a short time, enjoy it. |
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09/13/2009 12:53:11 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by LoneGreyWolf20:
Thanks all. I just wanted to be sure before I did anything that could get me into any type of trouble. |
You may want to check in at the office and let them know what you're up to. Some places may have issues with you taking pictures of gravestones with information on them. |
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09/13/2009 12:53:17 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by LoneGreyWolf20:
Thanks all. I just wanted to be sure before I did anything that could get me into any type of trouble. |
Why not ask the groundsman or keeper first? It is a courtesy to ask and you will be surprised how co-operative people can be if you consult them first. I always try to get permission and know that if it is given I will not be harassed.
Give it a try:) |
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09/13/2009 01:22:41 PM · #10 |
I do pictures in the Graveyard alot!!! Hope it isn't against the law...
 taken at Natchez City Cemetery
 same Cemetery
wow I need to go dig in my PS...I know I have a bunch more...
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09/13/2009 01:35:46 PM · #11 |
I've made a few cemetery trips myself - no problems other than one curious neighbor who shared lots of history about this particular cemetery.
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09/13/2009 01:36:30 PM · #12 |
| Not only is it all right, but I've even taken photographs at 10:30 at night in a grave yard. I saw a car slowing down to check out and make sure that I wasn't a vandal, but then it drove off. As long as it isn't gated off, they're fair game. |
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09/13/2009 02:06:58 PM · #13 |
I'll be another advocate for the groundskeeper suggestion. Groundskeepers know all the secrets and can point you to things you never would have seen.
A bit ago I was out taking photos of baby geese that were at the cemetery. The groundskeeper came up to me, and I thought I was in trouble for something. He said "there's a mamma duck in that planter over there protecting her eggs". Sure enough! There was a duck in one of their huge planters that I never would have seen. I didn't want to bother her for long, so I just took a couple photos of the protective mother and was on my way.
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09/13/2009 02:30:48 PM · #14 |
Most cemeteries even allow gravestone rubbings, which I would think is far more invasive than photography.
Use common sense. If you're lingering or there during odd hours or taking candid shots of mourners, someone might raise an eyebrow. In general, private/family/church cemeteries might be more restrictive or off limits completely.
If you dress like the grim reaper, however, you're likely to be left alone.
Message edited by author 2009-09-13 18:31:16. |
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09/13/2009 02:39:46 PM · #15 |
If you see anyone who might have something to do with the cemetery, then ask about shooting. If not, and there are no locked gates, then it will probably be ok to shoot there.
One of the most interesting ones that I have ever seen was the one on the hill above Madrid NM, near Abq. Madrid was a coal town, then later an artist's commune, so the graveyard has some most unique markers. Some photos are at this link N Mexico 06 Album 1
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09/13/2009 02:42:44 PM · #16 |
almost forgot this one...
having done Genealogy for years...Gravestone rubbing's are very common and allowed...I will say although that at one of the graveyards I have been to lately they had a sign posted that no rubbing's were allowed don't remember where...I usually seek out cemeteries in any city that I visit...St. Louis has probably one of the most interesting ones that I have ever been to... |
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09/13/2009 02:48:12 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
almost forgot this one...
having done Genealogy for years...Gravestone rubbing's are very common and allowed...I will say although that at one of the graveyards I have been to lately they had a sign posted that no rubbing's were allowed don't remember where...I usually seek out cemeteries in any city that I visit...St. Louis has probably one of the most interesting ones that I have ever been to... |
i live in St Louis, which cemetery was it Calvary or Bellfountaine, both those are the coolest. |
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09/13/2009 02:53:35 PM · #18 |
I shot in a small, local cemetery for several evenings, one evening with another photographer, and nobody said anything. Didn't hop the fence or break any locks, and no office to check into. It was obvious that the people next door to the cemetery knew I was there. I try to act respectfully and not do things like hang my camera bag off of a headstone; seen stuff like that in the past.
If there were a burial taking place (unless I were there as an attendee)I would do my best to be as far as possible from them. Nor would I take candids of mourners at graveside. Perhaps standing around outside the funeral home, before or after, but even then I'd hesitate to exploit their pain.
Regarding info on headstones...well, if it's literally carved in stone, well somebody immediate to the decesaed likely had some say as to what when on it. Why should anyone have problems with what is generally just date of birth/death, immediate family, maybe a sentiment or two? And I would think taking rubbings could be a lot more potentially damaging to a headstone. |
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09/13/2009 03:20:46 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by trevytrev:
Originally posted by Ja-9:
almost forgot this one...
having done Genealogy for years...Gravestone rubbing's are very common and allowed...I will say although that at one of the graveyards I have been to lately they had a sign posted that no rubbing's were allowed don't remember where...I usually seek out cemeteries in any city that I visit...St. Louis has probably one of the most interesting ones that I have ever been to... |
i live in St Louis, which cemetery was it Calvary or Bellfountaine, both those are the coolest. |
I actually took the "tour" of the cemetery (self-guided)...it was very interesting...some really, really cool head stones and beautiful landscape...it is well maintained...unlike the one that I saw last wk in Key West...Lord...that was just plain awful...so very, very sad and neglected |
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09/13/2009 03:32:54 PM · #20 |
Taken in a family cemetery dating back to the Civil War. |
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09/13/2009 03:41:39 PM · #21 |
It can even be good at night with a flashlight. |
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09/13/2009 03:42:23 PM · #22 |
There is a town adjacent to San Francisco - Colma - that has far more cemeteries than people, it seems. Quite a few well-known and historically known people are buried there. There are tours, nighttime and daytime through these places. there are ponds, 'lakes' and fat birds (over-stuffed from the breadcrumbs contributed by locals).
I entered only one shot from this nearby place - the final resting place of Wyatt Earp. Never mind telling me which, but either he was not as well known as I thought he was, or my photograph didn't do him justice. It scored badly. :-((
With the Day of the Dead and Halloween coming up and all the great possibilities entailed in these celebrations, you are smart to ask.
I'll second those who said, "Go for it!"
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09/13/2009 07:06:12 PM · #23 |
Any picture that causes any emotion is worthy of a little forefinger pressure, Click the shutter!
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09/14/2009 03:33:16 AM · #24 |
I have shot in cemeteries before and have always done so with the greatest respect to the the people resting there.
It really ticks me off when I see shots taken with disregard for these sacred places.
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09/14/2009 03:59:15 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by Beagleboy:
I have shot in cemeteries before and have always done so with the greatest respect to the the people resting there.
It really ticks me off when I see shots taken with disregard for these sacred places. |
Like porno or kids smoking crack? I do not understand this statement. Can you please give examples?
P.S. If I was dead, I would not mind a porno over my grave....IMHO |
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