Taking Photographs After Death
The photographs that were taken of our son after he was born and in the days that followed are some of the most important things I own. They can make me smile or cry in equal amounts. I treasure every photograph that I have of him. I do not notice that his skin is an unusual colour, or that his lips are black, or that his mouth droops at the side – things that you may notice when you see someone’s child after they have passed away. To me all I see is my son. I see his chubby cheeks, his peaceful eyes, his long body. He is beautiful.
In working with parents after they experience a loss, you are in a privaleged position. You get to see them when they are at their most vulnerable. They rely on you. You have the opportunity to take some very special photographs, which they will come to treasure.
The pages within this section explore some of the things you may wish to consider.
If you would like this information in a PDF file for you to print and use as material for other colleagues, please e mail mel@finleysfootprints.com to request this. There is a small charge.
General Tips: This section includes information about how to talk to parents about the possibility of taking photographs of their baby, the equipment needed, how to position the baby.
List of photographs to consider when a baby dies: This list is designed to give the carers ideas about different photographs that can be taken.
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