Photography and the cemetery

jim kirk jr. · Aug 2, 2005

I've seen over the last year a number of images made in cemeteries and am looking for advice on how to best go about it.Is it as simple as going to the house and asking permission to set up a tripod and shoot for the day or do you need to go through some paperwork.I've been somewhat cautious as they're all owned by someone,even if the cemetery is only a small plot,a gate and a few old tombstones and people visiting family members may not look too kindly to someone setting up shop where a familiy plot happens to be.Has anyone gone in,got permission,only to be confronted by a visitor or a worker unaware of your permission-and how do you respond,leave politely or just let them know you have permission and apologize for disturbing them.How long are you usually permitted to stay-and is a tripod even an option.Lastly,although I may not do this right away,how in the world do you get a model(esp nude) in a cemetery without drawing attention,or permission?

Thanks,
Jim

wfe · Aug 2, 2005

I have shot in cemeteries without permission and never had a problem. Probably not an issue depending on what you intend to do with the images.

juan · Aug 2, 2005

If these cemeteries are on private property, as opposed to a public cemetery, you do need permission under the law. Without permission, it's trespassing. However, it would probably be up to the property owner to object.
I've only photographed in public (city owned) cemeteries, and no one has ever objected.
juan

david b · Aug 2, 2005

I've never gotten permission. Never needed to.

I live near a National Cemetary and was told I am allowed to photograph there with the stipulation that I cannot single out a grave marker.

No problem.

Travis Nunn · Aug 2, 2005

A rule I always adhere to, regardless if its a cemetery or other, is if I have to go onto private property, I get permission from the owner first, in writing if possible. If its a public cemetery, then I don't see why you would need permission.

Hollywood Cemetery is an historic cemetery near me and there are photographers and models around there all the time. I haven't, however, seen any nude models.

Ed Sukach · Aug 2, 2005

jim kirk jr. said:
....Lastly,although I may not do this right away,how in the world do you get a model(esp nude) in a cemetery without drawing attention,or permission?

It is somewhat more difficult than other remote outdoor areas, as cemeteries are usually not far from populated areas. I would study the traffic patterns and try to determine the times of least traffic... probably, early in the morning on a weekday. I would also suggest that wherever possible you bring along an assistant - lookout to position on the paths of access, with a cell phone/ radio to act as an early warning system.

And --- stay alert!

I really LIKE early morning light, anyway!

brent8927 · Aug 2, 2005

I've photographed the CA Mission cemetaries without any problems before. I know at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland (only one of the most beautiful buildings in the world!) they ask that your photographs not include any names on the urns.

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be able to photograph a nude in a mission cemetary... you're bound to run into a priest or sister.

While I've never done nude photography (or photography with a model, unless you consider a rock a model!), I'd definetely agree with the previous poster, to have a person to watch out. People visiting their departed love ones would probably be pretty upset if they saw someone photographing a naked person in the cemetary, especially if it was near their loved-ones' tomb!

You could also try building your own cemetary...

Sparky · Aug 3, 2005

Nobody tell Jorge about this thread...! He'll FREAK!!! (just kidding)

Anyway - when I was just a pup and starting out with 4x5 the cemetary was one of my first haunts (not intentional -weak one, too!). I would go pretty much every weekend - maybe a total of 12 times. NEVER had a problem. It's one of the nice things about a big camera - nobody ever questions your right to be somewhere. Though I suppose that all changed after 9/11, eh?

Dan Henderson · Aug 3, 2005

Ed Sukach said:
It is somewhat more difficult than other remote outdoor areas, as cemeteries are usually not far from populated areas. I would study the traffic patterns and try to determine the times of least traffic... probably, early in the morning on a weekday. I would also suggest that wherever possible you bring along an assistant - lookout to position on the paths of access, with a cell phone/ radio to act as an early warning system.

And --- stay alert!

I really LIKE early morning light, anyway!

"And --- stay alert!" No kidding! I did an early morning shoot at a poorly known and badly marked little waterfall with a trail (I thought) I could see others coming before they saw me. Was there for an hour with not a soul in sight. Talked my girlfriend into going back later to pose nude under the falls. Wouldn't you know we got caught twice in 1/2 hour and I only got 2 shots off before I decided to pack it in.

Ed Sukach · Aug 3, 2005

FirePhoto said:
"And --- stay alert!" No kidding! I did an early morning shoot at a poorly known and badly marked little waterfall with a trail (I thought) I could see others coming before they saw me. Was there for an hour with not a soul in sight. Talked my girlfriend into going back later to pose nude under the falls. Wouldn't you know we got caught twice in 1/2 hour and I only got 2 shots off before I decided to pack it in.

You too, huh!

Let me tell you about the time we were caught by a rather large Fox Hunt...

One requirement - really necessary ... a wonderful - overdeveloped is even better - sense of humor.

Ed Sukach · Aug 3, 2005

FirePhoto said:
"And --- stay alert!" No kidding! I did an early morning shoot at a poorly known and badly marked little waterfall with a trail (I thought) I could see others coming before they saw me. Was there for an hour with not a soul in sight. Talked my girlfriend into going back later to pose nude under the falls. Wouldn't you know we got caught twice in 1/2 hour and I only got 2 shots off before I decided to pack it in.

You too, huh!

Let me tell you about the time we were caught by a rather large Fox Hunt...

One requirement - really necessary ... a wonderful - overdeveloped is even better - sense of humor.

... Under a waterfall. SAY!!! That sounds like a very good idea. Mosquitos would not be much of a problem....

jim kirk jr. · Aug 3, 2005

Thanks to all who replied-If anyone else has anything further to add about any particular experience or pointers I'd appreciate it as well.Weather permitting,this weekend,I plan on giving it a whirl(no models the first time out at least)as I've seen a few interesting places
and was always a bit weary of the whole thing.Looks as though there should not be too much besides common sense/courtesy to worry about.I'll be sure to post any images I get that are worth sharing.thanks!

Jim

Photography and the cemetery

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