This article is comprised of excerpts from Gravestone Photography and Documentation.

Taking Great Gravestone Pictures

Lighting from the sun is not always in an optimum position when photographing tombstones. Even if the light is perfect for some gravestones, other stones that face a different direction will look too dark. A camera's flash may help the photograph, yet many times it will create bright spots or otherwise not produce a great picture.

The problem is when the sun is behind the gravestone, the stone is not lit properly. Ffurther compromising the photo, a camera will see the bright light behind the stone (sunlight) and adjust the camera to capture even less light. How can we take gravestone pictures in less-than-perfect light?

Reflector: Bounce the Sunlight

A reflector can redirect sunlight to the area you need it. This is nothing new, professionals use reflectors extensively. When the sun is behind the gravestone you wish to photograph, simply use a piece of poster or foam board as a reflector. Found at most discount, office supply, and even dollar stores, a typical 20” by 30” poster board makes an excellent reflector. I like the stiffer ones, they are more controllable, but even thin flexible poster cards will work.

The above picture shows two shots: the left photo taken without bounced light, the right one with. You can see the poster board reflector in the right picture. Both photos were taken with the same camera settings, notice the background did not change; a bounced light will not project that far. (Click image for larger view)

Step-by-Step

I took the above two photos with my camera on a tripod, though you can take them with a handheld camera phone just as well. The sun was behind the gravestone and to the right. It was early in the morning and the light was perfect except for being in the wrong place.

Reflectors act like a mirror; they bounce the light from the sun onto the gravestone face.

• A simple method uses two people; one to hold the reflector and one to take the picture. or . . .
• Prop up the reflector to the right position.
• Place the reflector within a few feet of the gravestone, and aim the camera so you do not catch the reflector in the picture.
• Try reflecting the sun at different angles; you will be amazed at how the reflector will act as a flood light sometimes.

The next photo is another example of before and after with bounce. Notice the background didn't change (bounce will not reach that far), yet the gravestone face is brightened. (Click image for large view.)

Cloudy Days

A cloudy day may not produce enough light to create shadows. If you look at dynamic pictures of any subject, shadows are the key to many attractive visual effects. A flash may just brighten everything with little contrast. An alternative is a portable battery-powered flood light or wide-beam flashlight placed at an angle to the gravestone. This will help create those all-important shadows within engraved letters.

Posting Photos to Grave Websites

It is even more important to capture great pictures if the primary goal is to post them with services such as Find A Grave or BillionGraves. Photographs shown on web pages are low resolution, which lose a lot of detail; it is important to maximize the photo quality if possible.

As a avid user of both web sites listed above, I see a lot of pictures that are not good representations of the gravestone. Here are few tips to remember when capturing gravestone photos:

• Optimize the lighting if possible.
• Fill the camera frame with the stone; stand close.
• Shoot at the level of the stone for best readability.

Pinterest Gallery

I am such an enthusiast about the history and importance of cemeteries, including family plots, I've created a Pinterest board with some great pictures that may give you some ideas. Check it out here: Gravestones and Cemeteries.