Goodbye Cowboy

[jeffreaux2]

...I attended a funeral today for the father of a close friend. He was a true cattleman and cowboy. When I glimpsed the casket that they had handbuilt for him I immediately thought that it should be photographed. I had not brought a camera, but when I made my way up front to greet my friend he said he was about to call me and tell me to bring a camera if I had not already left home. I told him I'd be right back.

It was a moving service, especially when the cattle calls began from the north, south, east, and west. It was unlike any other funeral I have ever attended. I am glad that I was able to take the time to go....and flattered that he trusted me to photograph his fathers funeral.

The casket is handbuilt from native cypress. The markings are burned -in with family branding irons. It was obvious to me that much love and consideration went into the entire funeral.

Goodbye Cowboy...

-1
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301292270_yNQHr-M.jpg

-2
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301295818_jr3KY-M.jpg

-3
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301297164_vsBaM-M.jpg

-4
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301298691_AMKWQ-M.jpg

-5
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301299570_YV5zG-M.jpg

-6
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301301093_LSoDN-M.jpg

-7
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301303344_jSLcv-M.jpg

-8
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301305474_N47q6-M.jpg

-9
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301307071_JPVH9-M.jpg

-10
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301289472_YQcAa-M.jpg

-11
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/301289121_qLTip-M.jpg

[ladytx]

You are right ... much love and thought went into that. They sure did a wonderful job of setting it all up. You covered the moment well. After looking at all the toned photos it was sort of a shock when the color photo came up. The toned images really seem to fit the moment better. Good job.

[jeffreaux2]

You are right ... much love and thought went into that. They sure did a wonderful job of setting it all up. You covered the moment well. After looking at all the toned photos it was sort of a shock when the color photo came up. The toned images really seem to fit the moment better. Good job.

Thanks, and you are right about the color image....I am taking it down.

Thank you.

[lisap]

Such a great series. You really captured it well. I also love the colouring you used.

Thanks for sharing.

-- Lisa P.

[jeffreaux2]

Such a great series. You really captured it well. I also love the colouring you used.

Thanks for sharing.

-- Lisa P.

Thanks Lisa,

It was a pleasure to do these for him.

[Seneca]

Exceptional images!

[Agnieszka]

WOW, Jeff. Well captured. I am sure the family will be very happy to have these photos!

[Azurite]

Really great stuff! I always feel awkward taking photos at a funeral ... is that a common feeling for most? It seems like most people don't want to re-live sorrow through photographs... but personally I'm the opposite.... I want to remember every moment. Is there some sort of courtesy you ask for before you shoot? How do you avoid scruntiny from hurting hearts?

[tamplum]

A touching tribute to an obviously amazing man. Good job.

[DaddyO]

Very moving images. Well done photography. :thumb:thumb:thumb Michael

[Cameron]

Wonderful tribute - the B&W toned images were perfect for the occasion. My favorite is #10 - it speaks volumes to me of the emotions that must have been present. I'm sure the family will appreciate your work.

[photogmomma]

Incredibly moving and beautiful photos. You did a stunning job!

[jeffreaux2]

Thanks for all of you who have commented. The family has not seen these images yet, but soon will. I must say that I got plenty of sideways glances when I snuck into the service late with a double armload of camera gear. A few folks even asked who I was and what I was up to. After seeing that I was not there to dig into their grief they seemed to be more welcoming. My close friend of course who asked this of me...as well as his family... just told me to take the time I needed to do what I thought best. Tenderness...and respect...I hope pour through the images more than the awkwardness that I felt. There are few faces in the images, as I didn't want to pry into their sorrow. Instead I tried to let the photos be more artistic in nature...rather than candids or portraits. Thanks again for the kind comments.

[binghott]

i really dig #1 and #4. #8 is my favorite, i love the angle

[ChatKat]

Jeff,

You captured a delicate moment perfectly - a wonderful tribute, not done easily. I like the way you allowed people to grieve without invading their personal space. The tone of the images are fitting too. Hats off to you.

[DavidS]

Well done. Very moving.

[jeffreaux2]

Thanks again for all of the positive comments. Today, I called my friends wife at work and told her what she needed to do to view the images. I asked her that if there was a single one that she thought might rub someone wrong to let me know and I would delete it from the gallery. My main concern was for her children. She called back, and gave me the finest string of compliments I have ever had. I am SOOOOO relieved!

During the call I explained to her about how beautiful and peaceful my grandmother's funeral was a few months ago and that I was just sick that I had not brought my camera. I wished now that I had it even more than I did on that day.

[joshhuntnm]

Jeff,

I just got asked to shoot a friends daughter's funeral. these are incredible. good work.

Josh

[ront]

Very nice and tasteful work here Jeff!! I think the family will be very happy with your photographs!

Ron

[VayCayMom]

Thank you for sharing this, what a tribute. It was a pleasure to witness the lifestyle and love in attendance.

[sweet caroline]

Beautiful, Jeff, just beautiful. These images convey a sense of love and respect those in attendance must have felt for the gentleman. Very dignified.

Caroline

[jeffreaux2]

Something special that I later learned...

The ropes...of course were use by pallbearers to carry the casket. Being cattlemen themselves, the brand above each rope is the brand that belongs to the man who attended that rope.

They really put a LOT of thought....and love...into this funeral.