While not common now, photographs of the dead, especially of children, were
part of the history of photography (at least in the USA). In many cases it
was the only means by which a family had a "remembrance" of the person. The
expense of early photographs and the long posing times--where the subject
had to remain motionless--contributed to the custom. As a result,
photographers were hired to photograph the dead. Death portraits of children
like these are also known as "Sleeping Beauty" portraits.
A show on the History Channel, I believe it was, recently discussed them.
---
Scott Gomez
-----Original Message-----
From: M. Lloyd [mailto:royer007@xxxxxxxxx]
Subject: Re: [OM] Weddings, Funerals, and other Life Events
I can't understand photographing the dead body itself,
but sometimes funerals are the only times families get
together to see each other and I can understand why
some people might want photgraphs of their rarely seen
relatives.
<snip>
Mark Lloyd
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