Photos in Cemetaries
 

... just a thought on what people would consider appropriate etiquette when in graveyards.

During my trip to France I will be visiting a number of cemetaries (the one in Paris where Beckett is buried, as well as some of the military graveyards).

Do you feel it is inappropriate to take photographs in such situations (I'm thinking of situations where there is no specific sign/instruction forbidding photography).

Once again, just a random query.

Hi Viola,

When we were last in Paris, we saw people taking photos of tombs and graves.

It's not appropriate to pose on the tomb.

You would do this anyway, I am sure, but stay far away from funeral groups, should you find a service in progress while you are there.

I have often seen people posing for pictures by famous people's tombs. I don't see any lack of respect in this. What better tribute to a person after death than people wanting to have their picture taken with a "remembrance" of that individual?

Hi Patrick,
I don't disagree. What I said was
>It's not appropriate to pose *on* the tomb.<

I take photo's in and of cemetaries all the time.

I agree, of course, with ensuring there are no funerals going on nearby.

Hi. When I visited Paris, I took photos in the Pere Lachaise and Montparnasse. Some of the tombs are beautiful - one was a giant porcelain cat (Miro? Saint Phalle?) and the other was a 6ft high bird made of broken mirrors. I think these were chosen with the dead person in mind - if they are that artistic in death, what were they like in life? I found the contrast of the colours against the general grey of the other tombs mesmerising.

The cemetaries in Paris are amazing places. Works of art in themselves!!

It's ok if you get the occupants' consent first. And if you decide to sell your photos, be sure to get a consent form.

I have spent a lifetime taking photos of the graves of persons who interest me. And there is a whole website devoted to just that purpose. Visit http://www.findagrave.com and see for yourself.

Lanny