I’m conflicted on this. Pictures convey the tragedy and anguish better than words, however, I wouldn’t want a picture published for all to see of the worst moment of my life. I personally would check with the family first and respect their wishes.

Standing back at a distance to take the photograph, particularly in the case of Firefighter Ryan Hummert, is not intrusive. Eyewitless tv news “reporters” asking “how do you feel about the death of your son” is.

I think in the case of funerals it should be up to the family to decide on a photographers presence. I find it comforting to know that the family of the young man interacted with your photographer and set up guidelines.

A funeral is the aftermath of some tragic event. I find the event itself to be newsworthy but a funeral to be the logical and painful conclusion to that event. I’ve never really understood the newsworthy nature of a funeral, with the exception of funerals for very prominent and beloved figures where the magnitude of mourning is massive. And I’m not suggesting that the death of a firefighter or a solider isn’t a signifcant death that shouldn’t be mourned by every citizen. I’m pointing out that they are not public figures, but private and brave individuals whos families deserve privacy if they want it.

I think Americans are very sensitive these days regarding death, especially involving young people brave enough to try and protect the rest of us. I think there is also a perception that photojournalists are disrespectful voyeurs sticking a lens any where they can get a photo that might sell. This mix of emotion and perception will always bring criticism to journalistic bodies. It is good to know that there was permission and respect in the one situation.

My questions would be: What about the funeral of the young firefighter? Was permission given in that situation? What is the journalistic intent of covering funerals like this? What new items do we learn? We know the family and friends will grieve and that the person has died. What do we learn from the coverage?

RCJ -
My business is in Maplewood. The fire station here is small as is the police force. While we may not see everyone involved in both of these departments, we have undoubtedly seen them in action. Such a communal event being broadcast allows the larger community to participate.

Ryan Hummert was the son of the former Mayor. His family has been involved in Maplewood for years. There was no way this would not be broadcast.

My step-son, Matthew Wyatt, of Millstadt was killed in Iraq in December, 2004. The Post-Dispatch and other local media covered the funeral. It was all handled with respect and dignity. Plus, it gave us photos of the honor guard and pallbearers we would not otherwise have.

1)Is the death newsworthy?
2)Is the funeral open to the public? (that is, the family has not explicitly said services/internment are private.)
3) Is the photographer respectful, not intrusive, and the photos truthful, show the story and not malicious or libelous?

If the answer to all three questions is yes, I see no reason why respectful media coverage should not be allowed.

I think a close-up of someone in tears is intrusive. I was watching on-line coverage of the end of Ryan Hummert’s funeral. The camera zoomed in on a young girl who was crying and trying to be comforted by her mother. The camera stayed on them for several minutes. If I were that little girl and saw that footage later, I would have been very upset. I think that’s the very definition of intrusion. She had no idea that thousands of people could be seeing her at that vulnerable moment of raw emotion. While it was a touching image, she had the right to expect privacy within the circle of friends and family as she and her mother embraced — she probably did not expect to be taped for possible viewing at 10:00. I think the photographer violated this child’s privacy. Isn’t there a rule about not showing the faces of young people.