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Moments in Time Images doesn’t get called upon too often for the videotaping of a funeral. This week we got our second request.
One may wonder why someone would want the videotaping of a funeral. My opinion is this — do not discourage it. If someone feels that videotaping the funeral of a loved one would give them comfort, who is anyone else to dispute that. In mind, it can be a wonderful remembrance of the loved one and of the service held to celebrate that person.
Some months back Moments in Time Images noticed a posting on Facebook that someone was looking to have the funeral service of a little girl videotaped. We complied and Randy, MIT video editor, made a touching tribute to this child through this video. Not only was the service itself included in the DVD, Randy included a short video tribute which highlighted aspects of the service. The parents treasured it.
This week we got a request to videotape the funeral of an infant who died shortly after birth. The parents told me they wanted the service videotaped as a tribute to their child as well as a remembrance for their other children, who are still young. When those children get older, watching this service can have special meaning to them over the sibling they lost.
Here are some reasons why I feel videotaping a funeral can be beneficial.
1. Some family members may not be able to attend. Recording the service can be a way for them to share in the celebration of life.
2. Recording the service can help keep memories of the loved one alive. I know from personal experience, my father passed away more than 20 years ago. I would really enjoy having a recording of that service right now to relive. Not only would it help preserve memories but it could keep my father in my memory more completely. A recording can also help younger people gain a connection to that lost loved one as they get older.
3. It can help you heal. It may be difficult to watch a funeral service while memories are still fresh, but watching it months or years later can provide comfort and help heal. You will be able to see how much your lost friend or family member was loved.
The process of videotaping a funeral can be challenging. You want to get good footage to give them while being discreet enough so you don’t cause a distraction or make anyone feel uncomfortable. I find it best to place the camera in position then if possible walk away from it and let it do its job of recording. This is not the time to get into people’s faces with the camera. Stay back and be discreet. People will appreciate it.