do's and don'ts to cemetery photography

Take a strong flashlight... use it to shine across the stones, (not directly at stone) ... this will "raise" shadows to read those that are worn away by time.
Take a very soft broom/brush... helps sweep off dirt / debris / bird droppings.
Take a squirt bottle of water... sometimes darkening / wetting the stone makes it easier to read.
Take a digital camera with "many pixels"... this allows you to zoom in and adjust colors / brightness which sometimes helps.
Take Pelon (fabric interface from any fabric store) or large sheets of newsprint paper... to do rubbings if stone is in "safe" condition.. never try to do a rubbing on a stone that is disintegrating. You will also need special crayons / charcoal for the rubbings if you choose to do this.
Take small hand clippers... to trim away overgrown vegetation.
Take gloves to clear vines, dirt, sticks, pricky thorns.
Take bug spray and some bandaids when you do get a thorn in your thumb.
Make sure it is ok with the cemetery to take photos.. on a rare occasion, it will be a private property / need permission to enter.
Make sure you take all angles and sides of stone. Many times names are also on the back and sides of the stones... (4 sides, 4 names etc)
Be sure to photograph the memorials / markers for veterans (there are different ones for different wars.. a bit of history there)
Take a notepad to make notes ... if repairs need to be done, broken granite around "plate", leaning, missing vase, etc. Then report to cemetery "owner/office"
Take knee pads / towel to kneel on.
Take a ziplock / small bag to collect trash / paper/ broken glass... then dispose of.
Take container of baby wipes for your hands / face / and sometimes photos or images on stone that need a touch up of cleaning.
Take a map of the cemetery - showing plots / areas / landmarks.
Make sure you take "surrounding photos" of the graves... so you can share / show that Auntie Em is by the huge pine tree, near the water spigot, across the road from the Veterans memorial...
Always leave the cemetery in better shape than when you arrived. Never leave a mess.

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Below is an excerpt from Lance with Southern Necropolis Photography and a few of his pieces. Enjoy...

I started Southern Necropolis Photography as a way to spend some time with my wife Dawn and to spend time in our favorite places, cemeteries. Most of the ones we visit are rural cemeteries in the south, which many people would overlook as being interesting. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the cemeteries are near the thriving and bustling communities from the past that have now lost their luster and appeal to the masses. We have planned several trips to various places, large and small, to visit cemeteries and other historical sites and have yet to be disappointed. Visiting and photographing these locations is a way to relax and learn from the past but to enjoy nature as well. Sharing some of the results of these adventures is only fitting.



I have to say a special thank you to my wife Dawn and those whom have I have met on here to advise and assist me in my photography maturation, Chris and John. Also, an extra special thanks to Meg for making this possible and inspiring me further!



Lance

Welcome to Southern Necropolis Photography

Welcome and thank you for checking us out. We are just getting started so bear with us. All types of new things will be added in the next few days. Any input or comments will be appreciated.