Just had a question that maybe others might be able to answer. I am in the process of photographing the tombstones at Murrayville Pioneer Cemetery in Langley BC and was wanting to post them online for others. Do you think that family members might be upset with this idea? Do you think that I should limit the pictures to those who died before 1960?1950? and just put a note that I have photos for the others and will email the picture if anyone is interested?

Looking forward to hearing people's opinions.

Tara,
You raise a good question but one which the family members of those gravestones you photography must be aware of also. Since gravestones are mostly in "public cemeteries" i.e., those accessible to anyone wanting to enter, and the cemeteries do not set rules against taking photographs then you should feel free to take pictures of whatever you want. Limit only those in "private" cemeteries and getting permission to enter them you should also request permission to photograph all stones.
Getting "permission" may not be easy. Sometimes it's difficult to find the owner(s) so use "reasonable" efforts to find them by asking local land owners, libraries,genealogical organizations etc. as to the owners. All this should give you some legal coverage but personally, if there's no lock on the gate or no gate then then access is "open" and you should be able to take any and all you'd like.
I see it as I do my own searches, I wish someone back a couple hundred years ago could have photographed my ancestors graves ! I'd be very happy if they had ! If someone "Posted" my parents gravestones today I doubt I would feel upset about it. More than likely I would be proud they did ! How would you feel about your own relatives? that's the best tool to use taking your own photos!
Good Luck, clear shooting, and sunny days to you.
Rick Foulkes
rickster45mi@hotmail.com
P.S. I don't usually reply to "opion poles" but I take cemetery photos too! So, too add to my farewell...
Long life to your batteries !
Rick

I also take photos of tombstones. I guess I agree with the other person who posted and said it's a public cemetery, go ahead. If you do refrain from posting any, I would do those that are 10 years old or less. Catch my drift? I personally wouldn't mind if someone posted my grandparent's tombstones, and they died last year. I would be glad they'd be out there for other people to see. There's my 2 cents. :-)
-John

I tooTake headstone photos, Then enter the info fromthem into a spreadsheet and post the info online at my sites (http://cemetery-index.tripod.com/ or http://sean_denise.tripod.com/) and people can request photos from the spreadsheets. It would not bother me to have my stone or any other member of my family's stone listed onthe net. It is valuable information that should bve shared with others, and, thanks to the internet, makes it easier for people from far off places to find ancestors.

I think this is a great idea. My wife and I are both tracing our family tree, and it is a real job. If there was more information and pictures like you want to do , it would help alot of people find their families . Most everything is so expensive to research , you can only get so far. I hope more people see this and do the same. I am going to start also. Thanks so much. THIS IS A GREAT IDEA! . Hersh

I see no reason why anyone should be offended at a tombstone photo being taken and posted on the internet. After all it is a service to many family members throughout the country, and if you don't record these stones while they are in good shape (or otherwise), it might not get done!!
I have been doing research for 40 years, and I am thankful for folks who take tombstone photos and share them; more power to you!!

My father died about 7 years ago and I'd still feel proud to have his headstone posted.

My feeling is that it's nice to be able to stumble over a picture of something that means something to someone. The only way that we expand our family trees is with the sharing of infomation.

Often times the headstone is not in place during the burial service (assuming there is a graveside service), and people never go back to visit that gravesite.

In my case, most of my ancestors are spread across the country. Until I started doing genealogy the last thing I wanted to do was to travel across the country and visit as many cemetaries as I could find.

On that note, I'd be happy to take pictures in the cemetaries around S.W. part of Washington State.

I post my photographs online at Find A Grave. If a relative should see it and be upset, I would first explain why I put it online. Then I would offer to transfer ownership of the memorial to the relative so they could add a loving biography and photos (if desired) and be able to "tend" it themselves. If they just refuse, I would delete the listing and respect their wishes.

Also, when I am requested to take cemetery photos from a relative, I will list them at Find A Grave and direct the person who requested the information to the web pages to (1) make sure I have their approval and (2) to offer to have them transferred into their keeping.

I guess to sum this up.... list them no matter the date. As long as you control the listings you can remove them if you receive protests.

Lisa