Can I Take Photos of Flowers at a Funeral?

A common question at Lily's Florist is; Can I take, or ask someone to take photos of the flowers and cards at a funeral. Our staff usually answer starting with the words "well, it depends...". There are a lot of factors to consider and it 'depends'. It depends on:

• Who will be taking the photos?
• Who was the deceased to you?
• What type of funeral it is?
• Is it indoor or outdoor?
• The religion, if any, of the deceased?
• When you take the photos in the context of the flow or the service

We hope to answer all that and more below. If you require any assistance and advice on this topic, or you want to order flowers for a funeral as you cannot attend, see some of our funeral flowers below or call us and we would be happy to discuss it with you on 1800 466 534. 

Further, we have covered a large amount of topics in relation to funerals and funeral and etiquette in other posts. You can read all about that on our funeral information page. We cover topics such as best flower for a funeral, the difference between funeral and sympathy flowers, and what to write on a card with flowers for a funeral.

We would urge you to read to the bottom of these post to our FAQ, there you will find a bunch, pun intended, of questions and answers that should cover most of what you are curious about.

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. People who cannot attend a funeral, but have send flowers, often like to receive photos of the flowers they have sent both to see what their money has bought them and it gives them a greater sense that they have contributed to the funeral in the best possible way, despite not being there.

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.

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 discretely.

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.