I love shooting in cemeteries. I love the light, the stones showing so much wear, the variety of attention and expense spent on grave markers, and all the symbolism. Cemeteries are public places, and as a professional photographer, I know that a gravestone is not entitled to privacy. But I am always aware that what to me might be a trite carving, or overly sentimental display, is probably important to the family. Yesterday, shooting in Hendersonville, NC, there was a very moving grave of a baby, which I couldn’t photograph and could barely even look at, there was such sadness hovering around it. There were other markers near by festooned with flowers, ornaments, Christmas decorations, little plaques and dolls, mardi gras beads. And then one where the family could afford nothing except a rosary to wrap around the nailed-together boards. These images are offered here with compassion, because the way that we treat our dead is woven into our culture; each show a different kind of respect for the dead, and I believe that as someone making art of these scenes, I should be respectful too.
The day was a little sunnier than I would have liked; this type of location asks for moody skies and somber light. Still, I was able to get some interesting captures, and I’m working them up into meaningful images for my upcoming book, which I’m headfirst into right now.
Shot with Lumix GX85, Leica 25mm and Lumix 12-32 kit lens.
