Why is photographing the end of one’s life considered taboo? I believe it is because we associate fear with death. In the past, many of the photographs of death that were taken for public viewing were of depicted as violent and/or horrifying scenes. Usually a journalistic type of photography that were created to be news worthy and as we all know – violence and horrifying seems to get the most views and in turn makes for better ratings. The unknown is also a factor that perpetuates this fear. We are constantly trying to predict what will happen next and prepare ourselves for the outcome. This uncertainty intensifies the fear. Anything surrounding death instills fear. It is no wonder why we associate fear with death.
In many cases, End of Life Photography isn’t possible due to the sudden and/or unpredictable death of a loved one. In many of these circumstances, loved ones wish they had the chance to (fill in the blank) “one more time”. The list of “one more time” is more extensive than one could imagine.
Although the circumstances of one’s prolonged death is no less of a loss, it does allow for the time to possibility to share “one more time” with our loved ones. End of Life Photography allows for some of the “one more time” moments to be frozen in time so that we may revisit those experiences. Feel the compassion and joy that was evident at those “one more time” moments.
It is the likelihood to photograph the milestones and grand experiences that create our lives. These moments are a record of what resembles what we consider living. Once one enters hospice, in most cases, there is nothing left to experience except death. Leaving us with the belief there is nothing to be recorded. With that thought and the fear associated with death we neglect to realize the immense experience ahead.
There is no grander experience than that of sharing in the end of one’s life. During this time there seems to be the greatest quality of life. Experiencing more love, compassion courage, selflessness than ever before. These emotions are predominate more-so at this time than any other time of their life and because of that there is more comfort and joy to fill the room. End of Life Photography captures these moments. It allows loved ones to feel that shared comfort and joy time and time again.
The only certainty in life we all have in common is Death. Grief of a loss is unavoidable and difficult, but End of Life Photography can make the grieving process a little easier. When it comes to grief, even a little counts for a lot.
Best Wishes
Dawn Marshall
DLMarshall Photography
