Category: Uncategorized

PRINT PROOFING FOR THE EXHIBITION

The print samples from Ditto4Design  came and I had the honours of making sure they are ready for the A0.

I was looking out for detail, correct colour, sharpness and overall quality.
Most of the prints were fine and as expected.

One print had a mysterious dot and I had to ask image owner if that is part of the image or it needs to be gone.

The darker images had some missing detail in the some parts and i had to ring up Lindsey from Ditto4Design to find out why.

It was a real problem to explain the problem, as Lindsey is not technically trained, but from what she could understand – it was the colour profile fault. If images are changed from RGB to CMYK, the colour profiles they use, it should solve the problem. As they have already done it for printing purpose, it was a big misunderstanding at the end and it appears that it is the general issue with the images. Poster effect is improvable within the original RAW file, but I had no time to test that. And to be fair, I did not mind that.
Some other prints had a similar issue, but it was to do with over saturation in editing and I left the problem to be solved by the image owner.
Ditto4Design did actually show a lot of dedication and willing to go the extra mile for the client. Some students had a different experience, but as revealed later, the image that failed to print was not in the suitable standard. Unfortunately, they might have lost their patience by then, therefore some students had a different customer experience.

The postcards seemed to have no faults.

Now our job was to wait for the final prints, in the meantime write our blogs and promote the exhibition.

DOVE HOUSE HOSPICE

Dove House Hopsice visit never came easy, previously when thinking about emailing them or calling – I was petrified. There was an ongoing battle in my head of what would be the best approach.
I previously made some notes:

• Don’t jump into taking photographs straight away – ease them into your project initial thoughts and thoroughly explain the reasons behind your ideas.
• Give them photographic examples like Colin Gray, Sally Mann and Walter Schels to make sure they see that the end of life can be photographed in a beautiful way.
• Explain that hearing people stories is important, because some could be interested in say something – wise words about life and how we should appreciate life given.
• Tell them that I would like to create series of images around end of life and leave a positive legacy

Before the visit I was nervous, but was ready to earn their trust. At the end of the day – if they really don’t like my ideas, there is something wrong with y project and I better learn that lesson.

A bit about Dove House Hospice in Hull:

In 1979 the Societies of Beverley and Hull Friends decided to create a place where “greater provision should be made for the incurably sick in a loving atmosphere” and so the North Humberside Hospice Project was registered as a charity in May 1980. The first Hospital Support Nurse was appointed in 1983 and the day hospice began, run with the help of volunteers, at the building generously made available by the Sisters of Mercy at Endsleigh.

As the team grew, it was determined that there was a need for a bedded unit to provide the much needed services for the people of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Unfortunately the current premises did not have the space required and so the search began to find a suitable site and the funds needed for a purpose-designed hospice.

Through the generosity of Reckitt & Coleman PLC who provided the grounds, and after many meetings, the plans for the two acre Chamberlain Road site were drawn up and work on the site began in 1987. The move from Beverley Road to the new premises on Chamberlain Road took place in May 1990, marked with sadness at leaving “an old friend” and excitement for the future.

Princess Diana Unveils PlaqueIn October 1991 the hospice opened its doors to the first bedded unit patients and on the 24th June 1992 HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, formally opened Dove House Hospice. Today the hospice is a core part of the health provision in the region, providing excellent services and support to residents of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. We rely heavily on the help of our volunteers and the local community for their support and generosity to ensure we raise the funds required to continue the excellent work we are known for.

Source: Dove House Hospice History

Mission Statement

The North Humberside Hospice Project Limited exists to provide a range of specialist services for people with a life-threatening illness and those who care about them, in order to maintain and enhance their quality of life.
– We will preserve the dignity of our patients and those who care about them, respecting their individuality, acting with honesty and integrity at all times;
– We will continually strive to review and improve the services we offer to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the people of North Humberside;
– We offer to share with others the knowledge and skills that are vested in our staff.

Our Values

• We believe that the patients, and their families and friends, are at the centre of everything we do;
• We believe we should meet the individual needs of people with life-threatening illnesses and of those who care about them. These needs may be physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological;
• We believe we should provide a unique and special range of services which are equally available to all residents of North Humberside;
• We recognise that the service is provided by a wide range of people, all of whose contributions are important and valued;
• We recognise that all our people, both paid and unpaid, can only give of their best when they are supported in their work;
• We recognise the need to make the best possible use of all our resources, managing them and operating in a professional, caring and efficient way;
• We believe we should provide an environment in which feelings may be openly expressed, and acknowledged with sensitivity.

Source: Dove House Hospice Vision and Values

The services they provide:

Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapists help the patient with difficulties that affect the ability to do everyday tasks.

Consultant Appointments

Here at Dove House Hospice we offer our patients the chance to have one-to-one appointments with our leading consultant who can advise patients on specific problems relating to their illness.

Family Support

The Family Support Team helps our patients and their loved ones with the non-medical issues that sometimes run alongside life-limiting illnesses.

Complementary Therapies

The benefits of Complementary Therapies include creating sensations of relaxation and calm, enhance d feelings of wellbeing.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy is used at Dove House Hospice to help our patients with both their symptoms and pain as well as with emotional issues.

Outpatient Clinics

We have three clinics available offering one-to-one appointments to help with life-limiting illnesses.

Patrington Haven

Patrington Haven Holiday Park is set in beautiful, tranquil countryside and is an ideal location for all age groups.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is used here at Dove House Hospice to help patients improve their physical abilities and promote independence using a variety of different treatments.

Timber Lodge

Dove House has taken advantage of a marvellous opportunity to purchase one of the Timber Lodges on Wycliffe Park.

Wilberforce Unit

The Wilberforce Unit offers 24-hour care and aims to help with symptom management.

Amy Johnson Unit

People come to the Amy Johnson Unit (AJU) specifically for the therapies and treatments.

Hornsea Day Care

Our new Day Care service supports patients who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses, and their families in Hornsea and the surrounding area and is provide in partnership with Humber NHS Foundation Trust and Hornsea Cottage Hospital League of Friends.

Source: Dove House Hospice Services

I arrived early [as usual] and was greeted  by Tania Wilson, Patient and Community Engagement Leader and Linda who also works in the marketing department.

They both were smiley and lovely ladies, interested in my project.
In fact, they were two people who completely understood me since I started the project and their response really surprised me in the best possible way.

Linda particularly loved the idea of photographing funerals, wakes and end of life. Sorry Linda, but I have tell the story about you and your ways of celebrating cats lives. Linda has picked up a habit of photographing her cats that pass away in a ceremonial way, arranging surroundings beautifully and capturing the last moment. It started when her son at young age asked if they can photograph their cat, who sadly passed away. Linda placed the cats body on to a blanket and her son brought some flowers and decors, arranged them and they both took a picture. The picture celebrates great life the cat lived, chasing mice and being part of the family.

Through out the story I could not get the smile off my face. It was beautiful and made me realise that there will be people like Linda, who will know exactly why I am into photographing “End Of Life”.

I told the story about my project, why I was in the paper and on the radio, where my Latvian heritage fits in, cultural interest and why the collaboration with Dove House Hospice could potentially be life changing for me and those who would like to say something about dying.

They both had some great ideas about how I could be part of their legacy and help people talk about death openly and without fear.

Dying Matters is an organisation that to helps people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life. This will involve a fundamental change in society in which dying, death and bereavement will be seen and accepted as the natural part of everybody’s life cycle. Changes in the way society views dying and death have impacted on the experience of people who are dying and bereaved. Our lack of openness has affected the quality and range of support and care services available to patients and families. It has also affected our ability to die where or how we would wish.

The Dying Matters Coalition is working to address this by encouraging people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their lives, including where they want to die and their funeral plans with friends, family and loved ones.

Talking about dying makes it more likely that you, or your loved one, will die as you might have wished and it will make it easier for your loved ones if they know you have had a ‘good death’.

Dove House Hospice gets involved with them as it benefits the patients and extends the experience their services provide.

So there might be photographic opportunities, stories to be build on raising awareness of the open conversation about dying.

Death Cafe is something really, really awesome.My reaction was pure happiness and I already see the future vision of how the concepts of talking about death could be changed.

See more here: What is Death Cafe about?

History

In 2010 Jon Underwood decided to develop a series of projects about death one of which was to focus on talking about death. In November Jon read about the work of Bernard Crettaz in the Independent newspaper. Inspired by Bernard’s work, Jon immediately decided to use similar model for his own project, and Death Cafe was born.

Dove House Hospice often visit Death Cafe or make their own based on the same concepts.
I would love to come along to something like this, because that might be the place where I could get the support and people with open minded opinion about openly discussing death.

Other events like Memorium Days, Day of the Dead  and Before I Die wall are part of the Dove House Hospice legacy…a lot of interesting and project related things to get involved in.

I could see how I could collaborate with Dove House Hospice and eskimosoup regards to the “Before I Die” wall as we have recently discussed giving the access to the wall in different communities…

Also Dove House Hospice have submitted a Community Project for Hull City Of Culture 2017 where they plan to get children involved in talking openly about death, visiting schools in Hull, create workshops and creative sessions to explore what kids think about death, find out what they know about dying and also look at the cultural perspective. The end result is an exhibition that would tell the story about the project.

 

Dove House Hospice often organise evening events where they have different kinds of mediums in place, like films, speakers, workshops related to death and raising awareness. Or just making it easier to get the head around.
They asked if I could do a presentation and entertain Dove House Hospice patients for the evening…

All great stuff, really excited for the future collaboration.
They are “my people” and I am so happy that they even consider me to be valuable to be part of the great legacy they have been building for many years.

The next improtant step is to become a volunteer and go through the official process of becoming Tania’s volunteer.

Also I have arranged a second visit to have a look at the units, grounds and meet some people, so really exciting times ahead.

Unfortunately it is too late to hope for some imagery for Final Major Project, but it will be a great start for my “after Uni” project development and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.

Final Prints+Postcard Design+Promotional Video/Poster

The day before we had to go to Ditto4Design I had to make sure I have three final images and a postcard design.

The decision making was really difficult process, as I did not think I have reached a point where I have my final images, but time was running out.

In order to help with the selection, I created a Final Image Sheet. To have all images in one layout hopefully will help. I also sent the file to people who’s opinion I highly value and who are informed about my project, for them to pick three favourites.

Here are the final selection:

I picked them by looking on things like:

• photographic/aesthetic elements
• what will make an impact printed big
• what will shock people
• images that are reflecting the initial project idea
• what could be appealing to viewers, mostly British
• what sells my project
• what sells my photographic skill set and “talent”

Here are the votes [red dots]:

There was a definite favourite – one the first images I took in Latvia. Funeral crashing. The main benefit was that the image would look impressive printed on A0, it also has got good composition, the editing helps to draw the eyes in to the old lady holding flowers and has a personal, important meaning to me.

 

Further selection was even more difficult.
I changed my mind for a few times.
But I choose the Momento Mori and Alison arranging her family belongings and early morning grave yard bench.
I tried to listen to my gut and I think the choice was genuine.

We had to prepare the prints before hand so that they are all 300px and A0 size. The quality had to be outstanding due to the A0 size.

_________________________________________________________________

Postcard design and the image selection for that was another struggle.

I had a clear idea that I want the back side of the postcard to be like a proper postcard with white background and clean, slim letters.

This is one of the examples I liked, when researching the possible designs:

For the front – I planned to do a collage of selection of final images. But it was very tricky to arrange them neatly, as they are all different sizes and formats – landscape, square, portrait…ahh.

I designed the back first and was really happy with the result.

And THANK GOD for the InDesign skills gained earlier this year.
+Thank you to AJR Photographs for creating a template so that we all have the same size postcards.

The front design was a pain in the back side, so I just arranged the images, so they line up with each other.

 

So after few hours of decision making I had my postcards ready for printing.

Postcard-Template ANETESOODA

 

We also had to have image selection [six each] for the promotional video. Video was to be created by Erin Ridsdale and all we had to do is to make our minds about the images we want to be seen on the big TV screen alongside the exhibition.

The reasonable choice was the remaining images from the Final Image Selection Sheet.

One last thing we had to do – promotional posters. Initially we thought that we will use Creative Future Module Brief “Still Life Photographs representing Final Major Project” outcome, but as a group we struggled to submit enough images to AJR Photographs, so between us we had two poster choices.

I was thinking of that one image that is a “poster material” and this was the choice:

As I have mentioned in previous posts, this image represents the End Of Life in a single concept. And the image is neutral and text can be added. This could also be a suitable image for a Facebook Page title image that I will eventually create.

 

So here are the posters:

Thank you AJR Photographs for all the hard work towards the branding and posters. As always, you have been amazing.

The next day we all went down to Ditto4Design and spent loads of money :]

This was kind of the most important days apart from the upcoming Degree Show, as we are committing to our final images and they will be evaluated at the show….

 

Feels good….

 

Hedon Road Cemetery and other crazy ideas

Just days before the deadline for the final image selection, I continued with the “desperate measures” theme.

I drive past Hedon Road Cemetery four times a week and it is always the same thought – what a line up – Hull prison, cemetery and a family home to someone. What a weird combination.
During my travels around cemeteries I never thought of stopping, until this day.

I had a good feeling that this cemetery is a hidden gem – it looks like an old and forgotten grave yard, covered in hundred years old tree arch.

And I was kind of right. That day was quite busy, so I didn’t had a lot of time, but I tried to find something that I haven’t seen in other cemeteries.

It was the old and unknown that fascinated me in this cemetery. There was a lot of derelict grave stones, already swollen by the nature, some still fighting against the gravity.

It was also very peaceful and quiet. I felt like I am in the middle of nowhere, although the area has got industrial buildings and busy road close.

It really felt like something special and “one of a kind”.

I continued my walk and discovered area with new graves and could see acres of more. I restricted myself to the certain point, because of the time limit. Even the newest graves had something special about them, it felt like this cemetery is in a different league.

It was certainly different and worth coming back.

There was quite a lot of images, but I kept the ones that really had a story or composition.

The image below is kept for further development. This is what it looks like from the entrance, but it is missing a story to be told. So I think I could split the image in half and create my own “grave yard” on the one side and keep the other as it is.
Photo editing and content to be discussed…

 

Other crazy ideas

Going back to the desperate measures, I thought I could go through the Bereavements section in the local paper and do a bit of a research of how people publicly pay their respects, what is the information on the announcement.

I picked out the most informative ones  – I was looking for that extra that people are willing to go.

This one has got a “colourful clothing/accessories”  – it might mean that the person was jolly and happy and they want the funeral to reflect that.

This one really made me smile – A Service Of Celebration for Eric’s Life – THANK YOU. This is what I  have been trying to say with my project. So people can be aware and admit that the funerals are the celebration ceremonies, just of a different kind.

“LIFE IS FOR A LITTLE WHILE, BUT MEMORIES ARE FOREVER”

If only people could allow me to send the same message across with my presence at the funeral and allow to take photographs that will last FOREVER as a memory.

That one last crazy thing

I started to think – am I that desperate to crash a funeral in the UK?

If only I did not appear on the local paper/radio and TV, I could possibly get away with that.

But I am risking with my reputation, so I scrapped the idea.
Another idea replaced the previous – what if I could arrive at the cemetery just hours before the funeral and photograph the preparation…and maybe if I discover that it happens the day before, visit grave yard at the night time and photograph the hole in the ground lit by a spooky moonlight….

I might.
We will see.

Deadlines approaching – DESPERATE MEASURES

The deadline for having final selection of images -for print, video and postcards was approaching very fast and I was not quite there yet. To my disappointment there was no funerals lined up and I still haven’t had the guts to contact Dove House Hospice.
I wrote an emergency plan and was keen to get more images

The plan:

• re-visit Anlaby Cemetery
• risk and pop down to Dove House Hospice. No time for writing and sending a proposal.
• ask my good, old friend to look into his families photographs and maybe ask him for a portrait.
• ask a friend of mine if I can photograph her mum’s ashes. She did offer that while back, so I might as well take the opportunity.
• advertise for elderly couples to re-create my grandparents image [see below.]

The outcome:

Anlaby Cemetery re-visit

This time when much more familiar with the surroundings I was feeling certain that I could get some good images. But the grave yard was nearly empty and I was feeling less enthusiasm.

I approached a young lady and asked if she wouldn’t mind answering few questions. Never mind -I had no clue what questions, as only thing I wanted to ask – can I take a picture with you and the grave you are visiting. She probably sensed that something is not right and asked me to leave. Great!

I kept wondering around, re-visiting graves and thinking about the next move. A  young couple arrived and I took my place behind a bush.

Really?
I felt like I was reaching a dead end. I can’t no longer be hiding in the shadow. Unless I get a permission, I’ll try to avoid photographing people spending precious time with their loved ones that have passed away.

Dove House Hospice drop in

That did not went that well either as I was really pushing it by asking if there is a possibility to hear some people stories. But they did not refused to help, they gave me a direct contact and asked to call the next day.

The next day I embraced the fact that I am really, really desperate for project progress, I need to work on the vision I have for the project and final images in the exhibition..so I rang them. I had to deal with a voicemail and I left a message, trying to explain what I would like to do and what is my project about.
By a surprise I got a call back an hour later. Brilliant news – Dove House Hospice staff have been talking about me since the radio and paper appearance. They were planning to contact me and see how we can help each other. I was buzzing for the rest of the day.
For such a long time I was really intimidated to get an instant rejection and never had the courage to ring up Dove House Hospice. The good news meant two things – my project will have a future and someone is thinking about the End Of Life the same way I do, at least in the terms of the project.

John and his Irish mother

I asked John for a portrait, because I knew that he won’t be able to resist. Also he has had a colourful life, he has travelled around parts of the world and worked in psychiatric nursing for years. Now is retired, lives with his best friend and is a passionate gold fish/tropical fish keeper and collector, also massive cat lover.

I always liked his face, it tells a story of a kind, his hair cut is also bonkers, so I thought to capture the personality, great life lived and by having a photograph of his mother and him  young just allows us to remember about our heritage. Because we all have those kind of photographs, we can all relate to them.

There was no polishing the room up, no tidy ups only the true looks of the moment.
I might not have the picture of the year, but I have something that will keep him in my memory for forever, the story of the day, of him will remain recorded in this image.

He asked me if he needs to be smiling. I said: “Only if he feels like smiling.” He replied: “No, not really”, but when I smiled whilst photographing him, I got a faded smile in his face. Lovely.

Toni and her mum’s ashes

Toni or Antonia offered me to photograph her mums ashes when I told her about my weird ways of looking at what happens when we die – what happens to the body.
As I was not too sure, if I can photographically achieve something for my project, I never paid a visit.
At this stage I had to be even more open minded and explore options. Being cremated in my opinion is the best way for everyone-myself, family and planet earth. So why shouldn’t I look into the cremation and explore why people make this kind of choice. The exploration can start with Toni and her kind offer. I imagine that it is hard to allow a stranger into your own grief, but she openly talked about her mum, her death and struggles that she had to cope with it.

I have never seen a cremated person ashes or the urn, so I was quite intrigued.

I think that the best part of the experience was the presence. Toni gave me a weird way of freedom: I had the time to ask questions, photograph, absorb her surroundings and even smell the ashes.

It was a nutty smell and I was not expecting it to be like that.
There was a bit of a sentimental moment for both of us that day.
Thank you Toni, I really, really appreciate your kind offer :¬

Advert on Facebook about Elderly Couple shoots. **FAIL**

Facebook, Stuff for Sale, LOOKING FOR ELDERLY COUPLES TO PHOTOGRAPH FOR A PROJECT

I was keen to explore the life spent together with someone, every moment shared and cherished, through good and tough times – just like my grandparents.
I was offering flexible terms, hours, get myself independently to the location, free photographs, we can even arrange some prints- NOTHING, NADA, ZERO.

I did not like the lack of response, really annoyed, but this is unfortunately what you can get when doing things last minute, have no patience and expect everything drop to your doorstep in the flick.

Lesson learned.

South Cave Cemetery re-visit

My plan was to re-visit South Cave Cemetery in a weeks time, because I was hoping to get the cherry blossoms to compliment already beautiful landscape.

I was also armed with Sigma 12-24 mm just to be sure that I can photograph the church and get more in the frame.

At the arrival it was heavily raining and to my disappointment – no cherry blossoms. So I had a quick wiz to the church. This time I was able to spend some time with it – touch the walls and get the feel of the history.

For whatever reason, that day was not the day when to take stunning images. I can compare it with bad hair day, when your hair is just not looking right..

On my way back to the car, I spotted the plaques in the ground that created this beautiful pattern.

I shall see if I can get them cherries next time.

 

 

The day of the media fame.

4th of May was quite a big day.

Yes, I was all over the local media, but the most important part – on that day I was really stepping out of my comfort zone.

I will try to describe the day step by step, although some parts have gone missing from my brain due to emotional state.

8 am

My morning coffee was the wake up call and then the nerves kicked in.The day before I submitted a press release to Hull Daily Mail and had an interview with a news reporter, but never got a confirmation, so was not sure if I got the article in.
You can read all about it here:
WEEKLY REFLECTION #22

No access to paper if honest was not a problem, because that was one less thing to worry about.

8:30 am

I received a text message from John Gilbert saying that he has seen me in the paper, article is amazing and looks good and that the BBC Radio Humberside Breakfast Show is already talking about my appearance on the Burnsy Show and debating on Funeral Photography. WHAT A SPOILER!!!!

8:40 am

Tuned in the BBC Radio Humbesride to see what is going on and actually heard them talking about me.

9:30 am

Left the house, need to grab a coffee, get a paper and be early.

9:50 am

The article was looking good, I was chuffed and proud of myself. Also the information was genuine and well written, so I was kind of looking forward to the radio show.

Hull Daily Mail Anete Sooda Funeral Photography appeal

10 am

Went into BBC and was told to relax and wait, as I was not on until 11 am. So I went back to the park and started to point out the main discussion points.

Notes:

I was trying to point out the main benefits of having a photographer at the funeral, just because a lot of people ask “what is the point?”

• Last goodbye, farewell captured in professional documentary/reportage style keeping the artistic elements as any other celebrations will capture the funeral and give a keepsake to the family and friends
• Important to have the images for those who did not attend or for the children in the future
• Death is something that isn’t avoidable – it can be tragic, sudden, painful or a relief, or simply an end to the life cycle.
• Like it or not, after a life comes death and it deserves a celebration, why not allow a professional to capture the best part of funeral.
• Photographs of funerals is big part of my Latvian heritage, culturally and personally important part of having memories about my relatives and family history. Recently I had a bonding time with my father and we went through hundreds of old family funeral photographs and that was really informative and sentimental.
• The images that I’ve grown up with are not artistic or sensitive at all. Therefore I can “fix” that mistake and learn from them and use my skill set to sensitively handle a funeral.
• Photographs could potentially help someone grieve and my attitude and outspoken nature make it feel less taboo and more easier to talk about.
• When it comes to technical matters, I know that with a bit of practice I could deliver stunning images from the funeral, wakes ect.
• My presence and the images after the funeral might have a second look at the funeral and effort that has been put in to make it a beautiful ceremony. Details like flowers, the way people dressed up, horse carriage might have been missed because of the moments spent saying goodbye. But that is part of the funeral, that has been put together by family and friends with love and to cherish the memories and good things left behind.

10:20 am

I am invited to sit next to the studio, near producers.

By this point I kind of wanted to get on with it and felt quite calm.

But then somebody from BBC Look North approached me and seemed quite surprised that I was there…In short – Look North have heard about me and wanted to contact me and do a news article on my subject. I explained that the Hull Daily Mail and Burnsy show is planned ahead and hopefully will give me more chances of getting access to a funeral.
He asked if we could do the filming after the show..

Thank you for pressing the “nerve” button just seconds before I have to get on the live radio.

After 10:30 am

I was in the studio,  opposite David Burns. I had a really good feeling about the next following 10 minutes, I had a quick look around, adjusted the microphones and was ready to go.

I won’t go into single details about the show and what we talked about, because we clearly talked about the Funeral Photography, Final Major Project, Latvian heritage and cultural differences. The most memorable moment was when the first question David Burns asked me was “so have you photographed dead body?” Well, yes, but I was not to keen to open my introduction by saying that I have been into a morgue and photographed dead bodies..

The radio show was quick, pleasant and really good experience. Would love to do this more often. David Burns really is a lovely radio presenter, it was my pleasure to be on his show. Also he invited me to come back when my project has taken some progress. Nice.

Here is the link where you can listen the show. It will expire and the link will remain as a proof that I was on the radio.

BBC Radio Humberside David Burns Show 4th of May

11:00 am

Look North reporter asked me to drag out my family photographs for stills. It was quite unexpected – this sudden interest and effort from other people to find out more.
So by then I was really going for it, enjoyed every second the experience.
He filmed for 10 minutes, me going through the photographs until the proper filming person arrives.

It was interesting to see news in making.

11:20 am

The proper filming person arrived and as he was preparing his kit, me and the news reporter had a conversation about the Funeral Photography, death and life. He said that he might help me out to get some funeral directors involved and I wished him the best luck, as I have experienced myself – they are not interested.

There was also a good phrase going about between us three – Not everyone gets married, but everyone dies – means that I  have found an area where a potential job is guaranteed. Sounds cruel, but is actually so true. So if I can get this project going and people start to see this as a valuable photography genre, I could definitely set up a business, based on the demand.

Filming started and to have some “fill the gaps” footage I had to pretend to be photographing ducks in Queens Gardens and walk about with a wondering look.

Here are the f**ing famous ducks.

I was a bit nervous about the interview as it gets filmed and I was not sure if I will be up for the job.

Once again, I really tried to explain reasons behind the project and the initial ideas and slowly moved into the current project ideas and progress, talking about what I would love to achieve at the funerals and prove people wrong.

It was so interesting to part of this crazy day, but the day did not get any easier. I had to answer a few phone calls from people congratulating me and “well done” messages. Also I happened to have a photo-visit later on the day for my Final Major Project.

Unfortunately due to WordPress restrictions, I can’t upload the Look North footage, but here is a link that proves my presence on TV:

BBC Look North Hull student wants help with unusual photo project

12:20 pm

I got in and I was so happy, relieved and proud that I have come out in public with my idea. It was official – I can make this project work, hopefully the interest will be there and people will give me a chance.

As I opened my email there was an email from Leeds based News Agency and they asked if I could give them a ring regards to the Hull Daily Mail article about Funeral Photography.

I was asked a permission to publish the article in other news sites and send few more photographs.

I know it was not a big deal – but that extended the positive experience.

Here is one of the links:

Brief Report, Hull funeral photographer Anete Sooda: ‘They can be beautiful experiences’

For the rest of the day I was receiving positive messages from many different people. Few of my friends said that at first the title and the topic seemed ridiculous, but when I explained and added my passion and “trademark” they changed their minds.
And that is the main thing – if, by talking about the taboo topics openly, I can change peoples minds that is half job done. I think that the hardest part of getting access to the funerals will be the convincing part. Once I get the photographs and show them to people, they will start to understand why I believe in this.

 

So now – hoping to get hundreds of phone calls, emails and messages asking to be part of someones End Of Life celebration – Funeral.

GRAVE YARD HUNT DAY TRIP

As I have mentioned previously, my big plan to have a road trip around East Yorkshire Cemeteries was making me really excited.

It was my pleasure to set an alarm for 7 am and start my journey early. The sun was out and I was in a good mood. The phrase that you probably don’t hear much – I look forward to going to a grave yard. But I really was – it was important for me to explore that part of End of Life and see the British culture specific grave yard arrangements, grave stones and the nature of cemeteries.

The night before I prepared a list and planned the route starting from the furthest  – Withernsea.

1. Withernsea (on the Way to Withernsea)
2. Burton Pidsea
3. South Cave
4. Anlaby Cemetery
5. St. Martin, Beverley
6. Hull, North Cemetery
7. Hull, Spring Bank

The first 4 was the important ones, the rest – if I get some time.

Grave Yard #1

[I haven’t been back to check the name of it]

I arrived early, the sun was just warming up the grounds and it was quite.
I was not quite sure how to start this weird thing of photographing strangers graves, so I kept my camera in the bag and just thought I have a wonder around. Also I was looking if the small cemetery church has got CCTV, just to be sure that I won’t get caught.

I was surprised how beautiful everything is. It reminded me of the Eden gardens – peaceful and you could expect angels coming down from the blue sky.

I had a little wonder, took a few pictures of grave stones, flowers, teddy’s and items left aside the grave. It was like walking through many different life stories.
Some grave stones really amused me by what’s been left as a signifier for the person buried, some made me sad as I can see that there have been no visitors to the grave.

My attention was drawn to a man who appeared from the car park..oops, I thought I am in trouble. I slowly placed my camera in the bag and pretended to be “normal” visitor. Just to discover five minutes later, he has come to have his morning coffee and sandwich alongside someones grave – I can just guess if it is a wife, children or a friend, maybe parents. It was really sweet, but as he was there for a bit I felt the pressure to leave.

I took quite a few photographs around the grave yard from different points and angles and tried to spot something that is more extraordinary than a average grave.

This grave stone and items alongside the grave just tell the story about the person leaving to wonder if he died from drink driving, or it was his passion – ride a motorbike and have a pint with his friends in the pub. And that picture – one the one hand – his family has picked a photograph that is probably not the most popular, but on the other hand – having this exact image gives the story more reality and truth about the person.

At one point some work men/gardeners came and started to sort out the mole traps located around the grounds [yes, there is a “peeing in the bushes story”] and left this unattended for a while. I thought this image just shows that for someone this is a day job, walk all over graves and keep them company, also keep the place tidy, grass cut and litter-free.

From all, the image below is my favourite. It represents the visit, the project, the personal vision of grave yards and has a great composition, with little water drops in the grass

All Saints’ Church Roos Cemetery

This was an unplanned stop, as I was driving to the next destination. I thought it was an abandoned church and old grave yard.

Through the mud and rotten leaves I found my way to this amazing place.

Only further down I discovered that this is not derelict church and and grave yard. There was a “fresh” grounds full of graves.

I was amazed by this hidden gem and thought to have a good look at the church.

As I was composing this very picture, a man came up to me and told me a story about the church.
Church is still open and up and running.

I learned that Roos is the name of the village/place and the first recordings about the ground where the church is build is around 867 A.D.

This church first appears on writings in 1220 A.D.
The volunteer man invited me to have a look at the inside of the church and the organ they are restoring.

It was really beautiful and I could smell the history.
The organ had its first opening in 1881 and it will soon be re-opened when the restoring is finished.

Here are the new pipes – hand painted.

 

It was a lovely addition to my road trip and I had more images to reflect on.

Burton Pidsea

When looking the information about this cemetery I imagined it to be big, but at arrival I discovered that it is quite small. Large part of the grounds is old grave yards.
The church was beautiful and the sun just highlighted the detailed building.

The grave yard that I was more focused on had a similar style of layout and I had a little wonder around just in case I find something photographically interesting and story-telling.

This image is one of my favourites from all grave yards, I deliberately cropped the head off. The white figure represents the beauty of such sculptures against the grass, leaves and other elements.

South Cave Cemetery

South Cave is my favourite visit by far. I have seen the cemetery for a few times whilst driving past it and even before I took the project on, always wanted to stop and have a look. It has got certain appeal that probably can be explained by the overall landscape that promises peace and quiet.

South Cave Cemetery has a certain mood that feels like it is filled with love and celebration of life. Yes, I think out of all cemeteries I’ve been to, this one really celebrates the “End Of Life”.

The decor, little touches and the little, cute church really filled my heart with joy.
My only problem at this visit was the man who was cutting grass on the grounds. So I had to hide my camera quite a lot.

I was starting to get into the project and the road trip. There was a lot of stories to photograph within the grave yard.
I guess there could potentially be a larger scale project just photographing cemeteries up for grabs, as not many people are aware of the cultural trends of grave yards. That would not be first choice for visiting an exhibition of this kind, but could make people more comfortable when dealing with loss, death and grief.

At one point the man approached me and I had to make up a story that I am a history student and photograph old cemeteries.

We had a little chat about the cemetery and his job. He said that he likes working here – here he can get his peace and quite from busy family life [wife] and just enjoy the silence.
her told me that people have to pay over £850 to get a place here, so we discussed the expenses of funeral and that saving up for your own funeral is just common sense these days.

He said that I need to come back when the cherry trees are blossoming. OHH, I have an official invite.

Few minutes later friend of his arrived and I had to leave.

I took last picture and came to a conclusion that grave stones are such an important legacy left behind, that my project will have a value at some point.

When I was pulling out of the drive way, I noticed that both man are now sat on the side of an old grave and having a cigarette – I wish I’ve taken that picture.

Anlaby Cemetery

I was still buzzing and excited to continue my journey. Anlaby Cemetery looked very popular and well groomed. It was quite big with many different areas.

There was a few people about, so again – I was kind of sneaking and hiding my camera.

Again – many different stories to be found and discovered. Green grass and fresh air gives that feel of freedom and peace. I imagine that people come here to clear up the old flowers and say “hello” to their loved ones, are looking forward to spend some time there.

As there was quite a few people about, I thought I test my comfort zone. I wanted to capture some interaction between the people and the graves.

It was scary to sneak behind the bush and point the camera in a shameless way, but I did not have the guts to go and ask, if I can take their picture next to the grave. There might be 1 out of 100 people that would say yes, but there was only sex people about…

This is THE IMAGE of a man taking care of a loved ones grave.
I was feeling the guilt and sentiment, but when later on looking at the image, I discovered that it is his wife and the grave says: “will always be your pet lamb” and that nearly brought me to tears.
Yes, it is kind of wrong and ethically questionable, but we can all relate to this photograph and find the connection to the subject of the “End of Life”.
And that is the purpose of this project – get people talking openly about life, death and how we all celebrate the “End Of Life”. Because we all celebrate without even noticing it.

This cemetery also revealed something that I have read before in my research – about Kitsch and Death in one of the Gillo Dorfles essays.

“Even in the case of extremely famous examples of architecture, kitsch always manages to creep into furnishings and all sacred iconological material.” (Dorfles, 1969, p. 142)

Some of the grave yards scream “Kitsch”, because of the age group and the decade they lived in.

Again, I can’t really ignore the love for the Kitsch within this project, but I have to be careful not to offend anyone or be bias.

Just before leaving I had a conversation with a grave digger/gardener. We both agreed that it is expensive to die and people never stop paying for something – even after they die.

Also to a question about how he feels being surrounded by death, sadness and end of life on daily basis, he said – it is OK, life cycle is something that we are all aware of, but it gets really hard when a child dies and he has witness the funeral and mourners.

 

Definitely would like to come back here for more images, as the cemetery is big enough to sneak and be invisible.

Conclusion:

I am so pleased about the outcome. I am pleased about the discoveries, lessons learned and images. Could this be a big turning point in my project?

“BEFORE I DIE” WALL AT YO-YO FESTIVAL 1st of May

 

BEFORE I DIE WALL is something that I have mentioned before as a really interesting aspect of talking about “End Of Life”.
It has started as a way of dealing with grief and depression after loss.
“After losing someone she loved and experiencing deep depression, artist Candy Chang created an interactive wall on an abandoned house in her neighborhood to create an anonymous place to help restore perspective and share intimately with neighbors while remaining an introvert”

Source:
Before I Die Wall Story

Since then the concept has spread around the world and has been very popular amongst communities and people.

Since the first time I heard the word “Before I Die” wall, I have been excited to try and set one up in Hull. Together with eskimosoup  it came to life in YO-YO THE FAMOUS INDIE ROCK N ROLL DISCO  Festival.

 

You can see the full report and images here:

BEFORE I DIE WALL @YO_YO Festival