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I'm thinking of bringing someone to a cemetery and taking pictures there. Anyone out there who has done this before...can you tell me what's the best way to go about doing this? I'm not sure if I need a permit.

gummyb wrote:I'm thinking of bringing someone to a cemetery and taking pictures there. Anyone out there who has done this before...can you tell me what's the best way to go about doing this? I'm not sure if I need a permit.

Well--probably should ask for permission BUT it probably won't be granted.

I would go in when no one is there and shoot. In a case like this its easier to ask for forgiveness than get permission first. If someone asks you what you are doing, explain you just using the cemetary as an artistic background and smile a lot. They will probably leave you alone. If they ask you to leave, do it.

That's why I'm not sure if I want to ask.

I see people with cameras in cemetaries all the time. Go to Pere Lachaise in Paris - everybody has a camera.

I know that I can bring a camera, go shoot some scenics during the day time. But tagging a model plus some equipment late in the day...not so sure. Don't they lock the gates?

You might get some interesting shots if you are locked in over night

Ha! The fence is pretty low! Some of the cemeteries here don't even have fences...but they are not approriate for the type of gothic shots that I want. I happen to live near the city of Colma, which is the record holder where the dead out number the living!

Depends on the cemetary of course.

Might not want to do it when there's a burial going on.

Well, I just scouted the various cemeteries in my area and they all closes at 5PM. There was one that is so huge that I doubt anyone will notice even after dark. No gate!...but a car would be seen immediately. I guess we'll have to walk in before it gets dark...minimum equipment.

Make sure that none of the headstones is identifiable in your finished images, if they are for public viewing -- especially if you're not asking permission beforehand.

gummyb wrote:Well, I just scouted the various cemeteries in my area and they all closes at 5PM. There was one that is so huge that I doubt anyone will notice even after dark. No gate!...but a car would be seen immediately. I guess we'll have to walk in before it gets dark...minimum equipment.

Shame you don't live near old smaller cemetaries. Where I live it's not unusual to come across one in the woods. No one cares about them and the headstone are quite old. They have so much more personality than the large urban ones.

Good luck though...sounds fun.

Do you have gravestones in churchyards over there? They have much more atmosphere than municipal cemetreries.

Just be subtle and show respect when there and how you publish.

Ray

Good idea...Have to look at the church yard option. I think I only have an issue as the photos will involve a Gothic model. I'm sure there are other more isolated and deserted cemeteries outside of city, but I only have a few hours and can't drive too far.

sloopsailor wrote:

gummyb wrote:I'm thinking of bringing someone to a cemetery and taking pictures there. Anyone out there who has done this before...can you tell me what's the best way to go about doing this? I'm not sure if I need a permit.

Well--probably should ask for permission BUT it probably won't be granted.

I would go in when no one is there and shoot. In a case like this its easier to ask for forgiveness than get permission first. If someone asks you what you are doing, explain you just using the cemetary as an artistic background and smile a lot. They will probably leave you alone. If they ask you to leave, do it.

And though it may seem like a hassle, bring 3 or 4 cards, shoot 20 to 25 images at a time, constantly changing out cards. I was shooting on private property once and was asked to leave. The owner of the property also asked me to delete all of the images on my card which I did right in front of him. I had 3 more cards full of images in my pocket...

I did it a year or so ago, I did call the local police and let them know what I was doing and gave them my cell phone number so they could call me if anyone complained. Here is a link to what I was shooting: http://www.pbase.com/harrydavid/ghosts
It was a great way to learn some new things in photoshop.