Can I Take Photos of Flowers at a Funeral?

I'll never forget the first time a grieving customer quietly asked me in our old shop, if it was okay to take a photo of the flowers we'd arranged for her father's funeral. She was worried it might be disrespectful. It's a question we've been asked hundreds of times since we started in 2007, and the answer is always, 'it depends.' After helping families navigate these delicate moments for nearly 20 years, I've learned a few things about how to do it with grace and respect. This guide shares that experience.

After helping families navigate these delicate moments for nearly 20 years, I've learned that the right choice really does depend on so many personal factors, like:

• Who is taking the photos and what is their relationship to the deceased?
• What type of funeral service is it (indoor or outdoor)?
• What are the family's cultural or religious beliefs?
• When are you planning to take the photos during the service?

This guide is built on that experience, and I hope to answer all of those questions and more below. My goal is to help you capture these beautiful memories with the grace and respect the occasion deserves.

Of course, if you cannot attend a funeral and need assistance ordering flowers, you can view our funeral flowers here or call our team for a compassionate discussion on 1800 466 534. We also have a dedicated funeral information page that covers many related topics.

Capturing Memories

Taking photos at a funeral with you iPhone or old school camera, of a friend or family member may seem inappropriate or disrespectful to some. However, capturing images of the flower arrangements and condolence cards can actually be helpful for grieving families. These photographs document the beautiful floral tributes and preserve the heartfelt messages of support. They allow families to remember exactly who sent which arrangements when the time comes to write thank you notes. Taking photos of flowers at the funeral is generally considered acceptable, however there are some things you should follow out of respect for the occasion and feelings of those in mourning. 

The key is to be discreet, unobtrusive, and sensitive to the wishes of the immediate family and friends, regardless if you are one of those members yourself. Cultural attitudes regarding funeral photography also vary widely and should be considered. With the right approach, photographs of flowers and condolences can provide comforting memories to surviving loved ones. This essay will explore the appropriate ways to capture these meaningful elements while still honouring the seriousness of the event.

Can I Take Photos at a Funeral?

Taking photos of the flower arrangements, bouquets, funeral sheaths or wreaths, and condolence cards with your iPhone or the like at a funeral is in most cases considered okay, the flower tributes  are an important part of the funeral ceremony and often hold special significance for the grieving family and friends of the deceased. Photographing them creates a lasting memento of the beautiful arrangements that friends and loved ones selected to honour the deceased. The photos also document the accompanying cards and messages, allowing families to remember exactly who sent which flowers and what each card said. A huge part of our job is helping people who can't be there in person. We've found that when we could back in the shop days, sending them a simple photo of their floral tribute at the service gives them a real sense of connection and peace, confirming their support was felt.

Respectful Funeral Photography

When you are photographing flower arrangements and condolence cards at a funeral ceremony, there are some key guidelines to follow in order to show respect for those in mourning.

Arrival Timing

It is best for you to arrive to the funeral early (if possible), before the funeral service begins, or stay late after the service concludes in order to take your photographs. This allows you to capture images of the flowers, cards, and overall venue decor discretely without disturbing mourners during the ceremony and viewing. Taking photographs during the actual service is never appropriate as it detracts focus from honouring the deceased and paying respects to the grieving family members. By photographing the details either before guests arrive or after they leave, you can document the arrangements while still upholding the solemnity that a funeral service deserves. I always suggest to my customers, back in the days of owning the shop, that arriving a little early gives you a quiet moment to reflect and take a photo without feeling rushed or intrusive.

Unobtrusive Approach

When you are photographing flower arrangements or condolence cards at a funeral, it is fairly important to do so in an unobtrusive manner out of respect for grieving families. This means avoiding use of flash photography that can disturb some moments in the ceremony. It also requires silencing any camera sounds like artificial shutter noises or beeps that draw unnecessary attention. Photographers should make adjustments to prevent these disruptions ahead of time if they wish to capture images of flowers and cards before or after funeral services. More on that in the FAQ below.

In addition, photographers should take care to frame shots that focus directly on the flower arrangements and condolence notes themselves rather than mourners or caskets, unless approved by the immediate family. Images should showcase the sentimental floral details without invading the privacy of those paying respects unless expressly granted permission in certain circumstances. With the proper precautions taken to minimize disturbances through unobtrusive equipment adjustments and composition choices, images can be gathered discreetly.

We once had a family who designated one person to quietly take a photo with their phone (no flash!) of every single floral tribute. They told us later that creating that small album was a huge comfort to them in the weeks that followed.

Additional Considerations

Cultural Sensitivity

It's important to be aware that attitudes and customs regarding funeral photography can vary greatly between cultures, families, and individuals. What may seem perfectly acceptable to capture images of flowers and condolence notes in one setting may actually be viewed as incredibly disrespectful or offensive in another. Some cultures and faiths take a very solemn and conservative approach to funerals, believing it an inappropriate time to be focusing attention on anything other than prayers, mourning, or celebration of life proceedings. Other groups are more open and welcoming of such practices. There are rarely universal rules across cultures. Therefore cultural sensitivity and consideration of the family's norms should guide one's photography decisions out of respect. If you are unsure what practices are appropriate, it is always wise to quietly ask permission from the immediate family or funeral home director before capturing any images at a service. This allows them to inform you of any prohibitions or concerns regarding photography based on culture or personal preferences. Respecting these wishes will prevent causing unintentional offense at an already delicate time.

Focus on Details

When you are photographing flower at a funeral and condolence cards at a funeral, aim to focus closely on capturing the details of these special tributes themselves rather than surrounding mourners or environments. Fill camera frames with vivid close-ups spotlighting the blossoms, ribbons, vases, message cards, and attached notes. Photograph the intricate details and symbolic meanings built into arrangement choices. Zoom in on the eloquent handwritten words memorializing the deceased with both poignancy and admiration. These nuances showcase the incredible care and thought put into commemorating profound loss. Keep compositions trained just on the flowers and cards without inclusion of caskets, family members' faces, or other sensitive background elements in order to respect privacy. Wider shots of a sanctuary full of floral offerings may be acceptable if no mourners are present, but close-up detail images maintain an appropriate focal point that prevents invasive photography. Through purposeful composition and conscientious framing, images become meaningful without distraction or breach of reverence.

Purpose

When respectfully and discretely photographing the floral tributes and condolence cards displayed at a funeral, remember that these images serve to preserve beloved memories and aid in the grieving process. Beautiful flowers and heartfelt written sentiments for the deceased hold tremendous meaning for those left behind. Photographs document the care and support shown by community members, helping confirm that lost loved ones truly touched lives. Images provide a way for family members to revisit and reflect on symbolic gestures of compassion years later, sparking nostalgia and healing. As mementos, they do not trivialize loss but instead demonstrate the resonance of a life honourably celebrated. Condolence messages and arrangements encapsulate the wonderful qualities and relationships tied to an unforgettable individual. In times of grief, these photographs replay cherished insights much like flipping through a memory book. Though inherently somber occasions, funerals also spotlight the humanity that bonds us. Photographs of flowers and notes ultimately commemorate irreplaceable people through tokens of remembrance.

Funeral Photo FAQ

Should I always ask permission before taking photos?

My golden rule, after helping families navigate these moments for nearly 20 years, is this: when in doubt, always ask. A quiet, respectful word with a close family member or the funeral director shows immense thoughtfulness. In my experience, they almost always appreciate that you were considerate enough to ask, and it ensures you are acting in complete alignment with the family's wishes during a very difficult time.

Is it ever okay to photograph the deceased in the casket?

This is a deeply sensitive question, and my firm advice is to never do this unless you are an immediate family member (like a spouse, child, or sibling) who has been given explicit permission by the other close family members. For everyone else, it’s essential to respect this as a private moment of remembrance. The best way to honour the deceased and their family is to focus your camera only on the beautiful floral tributes that celebrate their life.

What are the main dos and don'ts of funeral photography?

It can feel overwhelming, so I often break it down for people with a simple list:

• Do: Arrive early or stay late to take photos when fewer people are around.
• Do: Silence your phone or camera completely (no shutter sounds!).
• Do: Focus on the details – the flowers, the ribbons, the handwritten cards.
• Don't: Ever use a flash. The natural light in the room is always best.
• Don't: Take photos during prayers, eulogies, or other key parts of the service.
• Don't: Capture photos of other mourners, especially during moments of grief.

When is the best time to take photos during a service?

The most respectful times are always before the service officially begins or after most of the guests have departed. Arriving 15-20 minutes early usually provides a quiet window to capture the floral arrangements as they are displayed. Staying a little while after allows for the same. During the actual service, as people are speaking and paying their respects, it's best to put your phone or camera away entirely and be present in the moment.

How can I be discreet and not disturb anyone?

The key is to be quick, quiet, and almost invisible. Before you even enter, make sure your device is on silent, that means no shutter clicks, no beeps, no noises at all. Avoid standing in aisles or blocking anyone's view. A great tip I saw a family use once was designating one person to quietly take all the photos needed. This prevented multiple people from having their phones out and was incredibly efficient and respectful.

Should I only photograph flowers, or are pictures of people okay?

My advice is to keep your focus strictly on the floral tributes and condolence cards. Capturing someone in a moment of private grief can be a profound invasion of their privacy, even if it's unintentional. Posed family photos are a separate matter and should be organised by the immediate family if they wish, usually after the service. When in doubt, just photograph the flowers, it’s always the safest and most respectful choice.

How do cultural differences affect funeral photography?

This is so important. What is acceptable in one culture can be deeply disrespectful in another. Some faiths and families have very strict rules about photography at funerals. I'm not an expert on every custom, but I am an expert in funeral etiquette, and the number one rule is always to defer to the family's traditions. If you are at a service for someone from a different cultural background than your own and you are unsure, the wisest thing to do is to refrain from taking photos altogether or to ask the funeral director quietly for guidance.

Why do people want photos of funeral flowers anyway?

It's a beautiful question. From our experience, it's about two things: memory and connection. For the family, these photos become a lasting record of the love and support that surrounded them on a difficult day. It helps them when writing thank you notes, and years later, it serves as a comforting reminder of how much their loved one was cherished. For friends and family who couldn't attend but sent flowers, receiving a photo of their tribute at the service gives them a sense of peace and closure, letting them know their gesture of support was received and appreciated.