graveyard etiquette

[reaction]

well, I guess everyone eventually wants to try to take some photos in a graveyard.

what is the etiquette in doing such shoots? ie, is it OK to touch the stones, are there places we shouldn't walk, things the model shouldn't touch or do?

the model wants to do some vampire stuff, we haven't found a graveyard yet, but want somewhere with long rows of stones close together to get the immersive feel.

[Scotty72]

This depends on exactly what type of shots you were planning with the model.

Normally, my attitude is.

Don't desecrate: she'll be right. So, it you don't walk over; spit on; make fun of; or try to demean...

Applying the "would I like it if it were my mum's grave" test: I'm not sure I would like a bikini or nude model sprawled all over her head-stone (if it were my grave = bikini models = most welcome).

I think a vampire theme may also be a little disrespectful.

At the very least, I'd go to a very old (19th C) graveyard where there are unlikely to be grieving relos turning up.

Scotty

[jjphoto]

In additon to the above, don't show names on stones. It's almost always possible to shoot from behind the stone and get virtually the same look so do that if you can. It also improves the shot IMHO.

JJ

[William]

Quote Scotty : Applying the "would I like it if it were my mum's grave" test

This sounds very reasonable to me as well

[peterb666]

My mum doesn't have a gravestone, just a brass plaque. BTW, no problems with someone walking over her grave either as it is a lawn cemetery.

I wouldn't complain about a nude model on my grave, but when you are dead, it is hard to complain about anything including the stuff you wouldn't like. I think my dad would appreciate the nude model. He liked the girls, just wasn’t allowed to keep any of them.

BTW, vampires in grave yards - a bit clichéd isn’t it?

If the graves are really, really old, then most respectable stuff should be OK.

[arthurking83]

.....

BTW, vampires in grave yards - a bit clichéd isn’t it?

..... .

ditto!

I'm thinking something more current, appropriate and with the times!


.... Parliament House!


.. not that they're blood sucking, bottom feeding, lowlifes or nuth'n up there .. of course I would never imply anything like that.

Look for cemetery in some old sparsely populated country town. They generally remain untouched since the turn of the century, and have more room to move about freely with lower visitation rates.
Unless you want to shoot in the middle of the night, you don't want to have distracting elements in the scene, nor do you want to be impeding any current processions and suchlike.

[Roosta]

What is that gravyvard you always see in Sydney film production? looks like it disappears into the ocean, from on-high, my guess is on the way to the Southern Beaches.

Any body know?

That would offer some specie views, early morning light and gravestones, or the sun to the back adding depth and shadow.

[Scotty72]

What is that gravyvard you always see in Sydney film production? looks like it disappears into the ocean, from on-high, my guess is on the way to the Southern Beaches.

Any body know?

That would offer some specie views, early morning light and gravestones, or the sun to the back adding depth and shadow.

I think you mean the Waverly cemetery, at Bronte.

[Scotty72]

But I think that may be fenced off and have restricted hours.

[mudman]

Hey Roo, that is Waverly cemetary. i think henry lawson is buried there

[mudman]

i think that before you do anything ask yourself 'would i likec that done to my grave site' if answer is no, then don't do it.

[colinbm]

If you are photographing a model in a cemetery, I guess this could be seen as a commercial activity & you will need councils permission to enter & do the shoot. Even in a so called public recreational park you would need permission.
The council will probably have guidelines & make an appointment for you so as not to clash with other cemetery activities.
Col

[Longshots]

while what is commercial and what isnt a tricky line to understand, you might like to see what Arts Freedom Australia are currently highlighting on their website blog.

http://www.artsfreedomaustralia.com/blog/?page_id=14

FWIW last time I got involved in a discussion on AFA, I was not part of the organisation - I was recently invited to join the AFA board, and accepted.

[Bear Dale]

what is the etiquette in doing such shoots?.

Call out loudly "Going to take some photographs. Does anyone have a problem"? ................... Then listen for a reply.

[NikonNellie]

I organised an AP meet last year at Rookwood Cemetery with about 10 members turning up. We didn't use any models but just generally wandered around the grounds taking our photos of headstones, plaques, statues, etc. We were all very aware of being intruders in what is a very private and emotional place and we payed our utmost respect to the deceased members of the public residing there. Whilst we were there a couple of services were scheduled but we steered clear of them to be respectful of the grieving families.

I did seek permission for our group to have the meet there, which was granted on the provision that the images were not to be used for commercial use. The groundsmen were alerted that our attendance was happening on the date applied for and we were left alone - no questions asked.

Basically - just use commonsense and make sure both you and your models have some fun but with respect to the deceased. Make sure you leave the place just the way you found it......take your rubbish home with you.

[Roosta]

I think you mean the Waverly cemetery, at Bronte.

Thanks Scotty, would lobe to see it when next in Sydney.

[reaction]

BTW, vampires in grave yards - a bit clichéd isn’t it?

probably is, but it's my 1st grave shoot, and that's what the model wants. I can't really think of what else to do at a graveyard if you're not paying respects

Unless you want to shoot in the middle of the night

I can tell you now I'm not going near a graveyard at night!

[mechawombat]

Zombie shoot would be more appropiate for a graveyard would it not?

[Scotty72]

Thanks Scotty, would lobe to see it when next in Sydney.

Here

A quick fly-by this morning.

Taken from over the fence in the pouring rain.., I didn't hang around to get a good shot


_MG_5598 by CyclingScotty, on Flickr

[peterb666]

Do note that that cemetary is locked at night. It is also patrolled by a private security firm.