Wabi- Sabi

(n.) Discover beauty in the imperfections of nature and life: accepting the cycle of life and death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLH4pzC39nw

Funeral photography is a deeply personal and emotional experience for me. While some may find it challenging, I have photographed four funerals so far, and I can honestly say that it's not the hardest thing for me to do. At first, I was shy and felt like I was intruding on people's private moments. I thought it was disrespectful to just take pictures, but then I remembered how much I wished someone had taken pictures at my grandpa's funeral.

Funerals are such significant events, and so much happens during them. People remember the deceased and share funny stories, laugh and cry at heartwarming songs. Often, we don't even realize how much we are emoting until a photograph is taken. That's the beauty of funeral photography - it captures the raw beauty of genuine emotions when we are at our most human.

However, the funeral of Bro. Pink was the hardest one for me to photograph. When I first heard of his passing, I was devastated. I cried, went into shock, and then denial. When Sis. Pink asked me to take pictures, I immediately said yes without any hesitation. But when the day came, there were so many emotions. All I could think about was taking good pictures for Sis. Pink, even if I had to cry later. A few tears rolled down my face as I captured the moments.

The hardest part was post-production. While editing the pictures, I relived the emotions that I had captured. I cried while making the video, and I still cry when I watch it. But despite the emotional toll, I would do it again. Why? Because when Sis. Pink received the final pictures, she said, "I'm so thankful that you took pictures because I don't even remember all that had happened because I was crying so much."

With that in mind, I know that this won't be the last funeral I photograph. I have learned that expressing all emotions is an essential part of the healing process with grief, and photography can play an equally important part in the process. I am grateful to be able to capture these precious moments for those who are grieving and provide them with something to remember their loved ones by.