Responses

1. Spurlock says:
   

   July 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 am (#)

   I believe there are never any good circumstances for the media to attend a funeral. No argument will convince me, even if the family invites the media, the media should decline. It’s tacky, intrusive and tasteless for members of the media to capitalize on the sorrow of a family.

   Shame on every media outlet who looks to profit from funerals.

2. Saddened says:
   

   July 22nd, 2009 at 11:21 am (#)

   I have to agree with Spurlock. If someone really wants to show compassion and caring, they should have attended the mass. To show pictures such as this is uncalled for. As for interviewing the husband/father of the victims, why would you do that during this time!! Please!! Give them their time to grieve and mourn for their loved ones. There will be plenty of time in the future to look back on this. Maybe in the future the time will be right for the families of the victims to share their thoughts and feelings for healing purposes. Not now.

3. triste says:
   

   July 22nd, 2009 at 12:44 pm (#)

   what was the responce my family heard “its our job” thanks, not only did we have to go through the agony and pain but the humiliation too! you had to show the world our most private moments. But who cares how my family felt, it was just your jobs!!!!

4. Jen says:
   

   July 22nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm (#)

   I can’t believe the Herald Journal—no, i take that back, i can believe it–would go and take pictures of such a private event full of such emotion. If the HJ showed up at the funeral of my loved one, I would demand they leave. It is so disrespectful of them to invade on the family this way. But what do you expect from Logan’s finest paper.

5. Laura N. says:
   

   July 22nd, 2009 at 6:00 pm (#)

   I loved the pictures and am sad for the family. I hope the family will get some good copies from the Harold Journal. Also I hope they can find love and support from their new community in this tragic time.

6. sherri says:
   

   July 23rd, 2009 at 9:50 am (#)

   What a shame that they media took photos of the family physically burying there loved ones how disturbing is that!

7. Landslide Funeral Comments | Utah Photojournalism says:
   

   July 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 am (#)

   [...] can see it all here: http://www.hjnews.com/photography/2009/07/21/funeral/ Comment [...]

8. trent says:
   

   July 23rd, 2009 at 9:50 pm (#)

   Let’s not forget that the real tragedy here is the death of three loved souls. May they rest in peace and may their loved ones be comforted in this horrible moment.

   As a news photographer myself I can tell you that none of us likes to photograph funerals. We do it with the permission of the family, and with the proper respect and decorum. Knowing Eli personally, I’m confident that he acted accordingly.

   A funeral is a memorial to those who have left us. The best photographs of funerals serve that purpose, and illustrate the love we who are still living feel for those who have gone.

9. Nathan says:
   

   July 24th, 2009 at 8:26 pm (#)

   Funerals should never be photographed without the consent of the family. Newspaper photographers and photojournalists generally do not like doing it. I think there is irrefutable, albeit often unrecognized value to this type of coverage; namely that it helps portray a complete community. Death is a part of life, and while not every funeral should be covered neither should they be hidden from public view. A balance is the healthiest solution.

10. karen says:
    

    July 25th, 2009 at 4:19 pm (#)

    triste-

    what was the humiliation of these photos? are you embarrassed about something? I don’t understand your comment.

11. chris jordan says:
    

    July 25th, 2009 at 6:03 pm (#)

    I am also a news photographer, and I would like to commend Eli on making respectful and intimate photographs of a difficult and important time in the history of the community. From the picture I can see the grief and strength of the community. Furthermore I can see that Eli cares about his town and his subjects. The reader’s of the Herald-Journal are fortunate to have talented and compassionate journalists in these times.

    I wish to send my condolences to all affected by this tragedy.

    Chris Jordan

12. elogan says:
    

    July 27th, 2009 at 10:21 pm (#)

    I am ashamed that my community would publish these photos just
    to sell papers. It doesn’t matter what sweet sincere comments are made in the paper’s behalf–it is all about money!! Shame on you Herald -Journal.

13. Becky says:
    

    July 29th, 2009 at 2:19 pm (#)

    I thought the photographs were ok until the actual burial. They should not have shown the dirt covering the caskets. It was distasteful. I pray for healing upon the family and other victims. May God Bless you all.

14. silent thing says:
    

    July 31st, 2009 at 11:25 am (#)

    I, think if the media was asked to come ok…..i also think its funny how you are saying the media shouldn’t take these pictures but that u looked through them …..hehe made me smile thank you

15. silent thing says:
    

    July 31st, 2009 at 11:29 am (#)

    who am i talking to anyway….it wasn’t directed at anyone i just felt like doing something and chose this place to do it for my own enjoyment….i’m a tad callous sorry…kinda

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