Wouldn’t you love to contribute by working as a Funeral Photographer?
I met with acclaimed wedding photographer Sven Soetens from Belgium. For years, he photographed many weddings, covering about 200 weddings a year with a team of assistant photographers, making a good sum of money.
Recently, he shifted his focus to Farewell Photography. Despite the challenges of entering this field, particularly in conservative Belgium where the concept is not well-known, Sven feels a deep sense of purpose in this work.
I had the honor of photographing a funeral on his behalf, as he had a wedding reportage to complete. He was thrilled to be asked by the funeral director, whom he had met only a week before, and to have already received this assignment. Additionally, he was grateful that I could take over and represent him.
A Unique Contribution
Sven can confirm, as a Farewell photographer you offer a service that extends beyond merely capturing images. In this field you contribute to the healing process of grieving families. This work involves a deep emotional connection and provides something of lasting value. The images taken often surpass the family’s expectations.
A picture of Sven (©Anette Schalbroeck), showing and talking about images he took at a funeral:
Exceeding Expectations & Being Rewarded
Families often do not know what to expect from farewell photography. Traditional funeral images might include the funeral director leading the procession, a hand on a coffin, flower arrangements, or post-mortem pictures. However, the most poignant images—the ones that capture genuine emotion and personal moments—are often not shared publicly. These photos hold deep emotional significance and help families remember and honor their loved ones in a very personal way.
Delivering these images and albums and receiving the heartfelt gratitude of the family is incredibly rewarding.
Despite the high expectations due to the cost of hiring a professional, you may find find that your work as a farewell photographer exceeds what the families anticipated, providing them with invaluable memories.
The Healing Process
The contribution of being a farewell photographer goes beyond the photographs themselves; it plays a crucial role in the healing process. Grief is a deeply personal and often isolating experience. By capturing moments of connection, support, and love, as a farewell photographer you provide families with a way to process their emotions and find solace in their memories. The photographs serve in many ways:
- as a tangible reminder of the support system around them,
- the beauty of the service,
- the love shared among family and friends,
- as an overview to others who couldn’t be present,
- allowing the bereaved to look back and release emotions,
- receiving empathy, understanding for their situation,
- starting conversations about the person who is missed,
- and many more.
Emotional Significance
The emotional attachment to these photographs is profound. Unlike wedding photos, which are often shared and celebrated publicly, funeral images are usually kept private, treasured by the family for their personal significance. The emotions captured in these moments—grief, love, support—are deeply intimate and offer a sense of closure and peace.
This work touches on fundamental human emotions and helps families navigate their grief, making your role incredibly important.
Immense Value
Despite the significant impact of farewell photography, it is often undervalued compared to wedding photography. Society tends to spend more on wedding photographers, yet the value of capturing farewell moments is arguably higher.
The lasting tribute to the deceased and the comfort for the bereaved makes it high in value.
Your work as a photographer has major significance. It is essential for you to understand the importance and emotional impact of farewell photography, before you start this work.
A Blessing and an Honor
Being a farewell photographer is not just a job; it is a blessing.
Understand you will get a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The opportunity to contribute to the healing process of grieving families and to capture memories that will be cherished forever is a major honor, if you ask me.
I feel more whole as an individual, knowing to provide such a meaningful service to society. My mission to create an emotionally healthier world will be accomplished when this profession becomes normal.
The heartfelt gratitude and appreciation from families make this work incredibly rewarding.
I like to emphasize the profound impact a farewell photographer has on the grieving process.
As Sven Soetens has found, shifting focus to Farewell Photography brings a deeper sense of meaning and fulfilment.
Next Level Workshop & Join
If by chance you can attend our workshop in the Netherlands on August 25 2024, where we will sail on a ship and experience an ash scattering. At this event. you get to take Farewell Photographs that you can use for your portfolio and will be absolutely respectful to any emotions that could otherwise be felt with true funeral pictures. In a safe environment on a unique location with other professionals you can experience what it is like to be a Farewell Photographer.
The page with information is in Dutch, so if you need information in English, just drop me a line by email: boukje@farewellfocus.com
