Chris Petty Photo Art
203/365: Somber Feeling
4-5-11
[Press L on your keypad]
Today was a somber day. I went to my good friend Jason Flowers fathers funeral visitation. Later in the evening I went to our city park to do this photo. Being the same age, Jason (#27 of 365 Project) & I grew up together here in our hometown- our friendship goes back to grade school. Oh how time slips by us so quickly. I attended for him and his family despite my disdain for the experience. I'm no stranger to death might I add. After graduating college for mortuary science in 2000 and working in the profession for four years, I now have mixed feelings on the industry. My personal opinion is that it's a depressing, outdated standard that takes advantage of people in their most vulnerable time. Why? The cost of the average funeral is $6500 and can easily reach $10,000 after you factor in burial plot, flowers and other costs. The markup funeral directors gain is astronomical. All of this can be avoided by choosing direct cremation- a loved one can be laid to rest with dignity for less than $800 and having a get together back at your residence. Also something I find disturbing is the gross misuse of resources and materials the casket industry wastes only to be placed into the earth!? Not to forget the chemical formaldehyde- a carcinogen, once in the ground is seeping into our planet poisoning our waterways. Yes, death is a part of life. I personally do not need to see a friend or family member lying in a casket to come to grips with reality. It's not how I want to remember them- I would rather remember them as they were without that final, traumatic image. Again, these are only my thoughts on why I feel this process is a huge waste of money, resources and land. There are more safe, sustainable alternatives. Regardless of my opinions, my heart goes out wholly to my buddy Jason and his family this week... If you read this and you need someone to talk to or hang out with call me and I'll be there.
50mm 1.4
sb900/diffused camera left @ 9 o'clock
Want to be a part of my 365 Project and get your photo taken? Got an idea/concept? Contact me, Don't be shy! Let's create art!
203/365: Somber Feeling
4-5-11
[Press L on your keypad]
Today was a somber day. I went to my good friend Jason Flowers fathers funeral visitation. Later in the evening I went to our city park to do this photo. Being the same age, Jason (#27 of 365 Project) & I grew up together here in our hometown- our friendship goes back to grade school. Oh how time slips by us so quickly. I attended for him and his family despite my disdain for the experience. I'm no stranger to death might I add. After graduating college for mortuary science in 2000 and working in the profession for four years, I now have mixed feelings on the industry. My personal opinion is that it's a depressing, outdated standard that takes advantage of people in their most vulnerable time. Why? The cost of the average funeral is $6500 and can easily reach $10,000 after you factor in burial plot, flowers and other costs. The markup funeral directors gain is astronomical. All of this can be avoided by choosing direct cremation- a loved one can be laid to rest with dignity for less than $800 and having a get together back at your residence. Also something I find disturbing is the gross misuse of resources and materials the casket industry wastes only to be placed into the earth!? Not to forget the chemical formaldehyde- a carcinogen, once in the ground is seeping into our planet poisoning our waterways. Yes, death is a part of life. I personally do not need to see a friend or family member lying in a casket to come to grips with reality. It's not how I want to remember them- I would rather remember them as they were without that final, traumatic image. Again, these are only my thoughts on why I feel this process is a huge waste of money, resources and land. There are more safe, sustainable alternatives. Regardless of my opinions, my heart goes out wholly to my buddy Jason and his family this week... If you read this and you need someone to talk to or hang out with call me and I'll be there.
50mm 1.4
sb900/diffused camera left @ 9 o'clock
Want to be a part of my 365 Project and get your photo taken? Got an idea/concept? Contact me, Don't be shy! Let's create art!