Respect Question

Ashleyb

I dont know if this is really a business question but I didnt know where else to post it.

I had a good friend die in a motorcycle accident this past saturday up by Black River Falls, WI, and I am having a really hard time with it.

I am going to go out and some shooting for landscapes etc, because i really need some photography therapy.

Would you think its wrong or crass if I presented the family will a hard cover book of the images?

I am asking because I do not know what the respectful thing would be too do.

My artistic side says yes, my normal side says is that rude?

I am just would like some honest answers.

Thank you.

angevin1

Ashleyb wrote: »

I dont know if this is really a business question but I didnt know where else to post it.

I had a good friend die in a motorcycle accident this past saturday up by Black River Falls, WI, and I am having a really hard time with it.

I am going to go out and some shooting for landscapes etc, because i really need some photography therapy.

Would you think its wrong or crass if I presented the family will a hard cover book of the images?

I am asking because I do not know what the respectful thing would be too do.

My artistic side says yes, my normal side says is that rude?

I am just would like some honest answers.

Thank you.

What is it 'they say'? It's the thought that counts?

Your thoughtful gift is a kind gesture. Good therapy for all!

I cannot imagine a rude facet from this gem of an idea. So yes, go ahead and do it.

So very many of us get locked up worrying over what to/not to do in these sorts of situations, yet, if the impetus is love then really, how can something be wrong with that.

Truly sorry for your loss, and truly glad to hear you recognize your need.

ARKreations

Ashley,
My prayers and condolences are with you and your friend's family.

I don't think there would be anything wrong or improper about the gesture. However, I'm inclined to think that just a collection of landscape shots by themselves probably would not have much significance to the family. On the other hand, if you can compose the book in such a way to relate the images to your friend and/or your friendship - then you have something that will probably have some genuine meaning to the family.

Ashleyb

Thank you both so much for your replies.

Ross -- I am sorry I still need to reply to your email, and I will do that as soon as I get off of dgrin. This is the first time ive touched my computer all week.

I guess its not reallly landscapes I have in mind its more like enviromental shots? I dont know what to call it. I am thinking peace and tranquility type images. I have ideas running throuhg my mind, but I can do is start shooting to really protray it. Along with our friendship of course.

Thank you both for your reply. I just needed some sort of reassurance.

ian408

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's passing. My condolences to all.

I think a book would be very nice gesture. If you have some pictures of your friend, that might be something to consider including as well.

Angelo

I can't imagine any gesture of loving remembrances could be mistaken as rude.

vintagemxr

I think if the book is clearly dedicated to the memory of your friend as in "A collection photos inspired by my friend _______ and in remembrance of his passing." then his family could not help but be touched by your kind gesture.

If you happen to have a few candid photographs of your friend and could intersperse them with the new photos that might be even better.

Doug

NomadRip

I agree, it's not a bad thing at all. But don't be too attached to their reaction, either way. They may not be in a place where they can adequately convey a thanks or seem distant about it.

It's not unusual in times of grief like that to murmur what appears to be a half-hearted thanks and set it aside without really giving it a glance. In cases like that though, people tend to remember that it meant a lot to them at the time, even if they couldn't quite express it just then.

DsrtVW

I have some experience in this having lost a son. The pictures should mean much to you but also if they have a tie in like others have said to the friend you lost. So much the better.
Landscapes you may have visited together or that were favorites of his. Like was said before if you have shots of him they should be worked in also if they are fitting.
Believe in years to come the family will be looking for anything that takes them back to good times and memories.
I say go for it.

Ashleyb

Thank you each and everyone one of you for your awesome advice. I am up with my cup of coffee and I am going to start going through my big bin of photos, and through my harddrive (we went to school together, and he graduated 6 years ago, and 5 myself, plus obviously we were friends after high school). I am not quite sure were I am going to go with this but it will all come together in the end. I dont have a scanner, but anything from high school I think I am going to bring to "cough" Walgreens, or Kinkos "cough" and scan them in and by the cd.

Forgive me, if I offend anyone, but these are my personal beliefs.... the pastor had said at my friends funeral that he was now putting his hand out and touching the face of God. Last night I had a dream that he was doing just that. It gave me comfort in knowing that my friend is with God.

Again thank you all for the great advice.

-- Ashley

jogle

I agree that if you're doing it to show the beauty of an area he loved, then the family will see that and it may help their healing too.