Sometimes it's hard to take pictures at times when families or individuals are experiencing loss or tragedy. Yet those are the moments when the most poignant, memorable and meaningful images can be had.

It might come as a surprise to many that photographers are becoming part of some funerals. In these days when the most precious commodity people have is time, funerals can be one of the few opportunities for widely separated families make the time to get together. As funerals are a time of grief compounded by logistical headaches, some families are opting to include a professional photographer to capture the moment for family history.

Funeral homes have adopted a very pragmatic attitude toward photos, suggesting that it's better to capture the images and throw them away later than to not take them and miss them in later years. If you're the photographer at a wake, memorial service or funeral, seek out the funeral director and get their advice for the most tactful and respectful way to proceed with your job as photographer.

People in the midst of grief, their eyes puffy and red, will not always want to have their picture taken. There are two options in these situations: One is to ask as quietly and reassuringly as possible, the other is to get your shots and endure the sting of reproach as protective friend or bystander chases you off. Taking photos during times of loss and grief will sometimes necessitate both strategies.

Another situation where photography during times of loss sometimes occurs are fire scenes, accidents and crime scenes. At every fire scene some individual or family is having one of the worst days of their lives. Loss is compounded by the presence of police and firefighters stomping through what's left of their worldly possessions. And then you show up.

While people may hesitate to vent their frustration on police or fire officials, they will not hesitate to vent on a photographer. Police can sometimes decide that makes you a problem.

In situations like that remaining calm and cooperative, speaking calmly and reasonably while keeping your voice modulated and tone even. It is quite possible to smooth over very tense situations just being calm and reasonable. Most of the time people are only venting frustration over the situation, not any particular gripe with you. The object then is to not make yourself a convenient target by being combative or belligerent.

As a photographer it will sometimes be your job to take pictures during a difficult time for the subjects. You may have to do your job, but doing it with as much compassion and sympathy that you can muster to the situation will go a long way to determine how much access you get and how well the photos are received later. It's not at all unusual for families that initially resent a photographer at the time only to be glad to have the images later.

If you are the target of frustration or anger try to understand that the emotion of the moment and it's not personal. Do your job and try not to let it ruin your day.

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