Companions In The Afterlife

At first, I thought this statue of a dog was a real animal. (click to enlarge)
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 4-150mm f/2.8 lens @ 150mm; 1/1250th sec. @ f/2.8; ISO 200

I have had a long term cemetery project ongoing for many years.  I find the headstones, monuments, memorials, statues, sculptures, mausoleums and artifacts found in cemeteries a fascinating look at culture at the time of an individual's death.  One can trace the changes in culture as the types of structures used to memorialize people change as well as the writings found on individual memorials progress through the decades, from the 17th century to today here in the United States.  You can find images from my  project here if you are interested in diving deeper into this subject.

Part of my process in furthering my projects is to keep them in my mind and think about what "gaps" need filled to make each project more complete.  In regards to my cemetery project, there are two gaps that I have identified.  Those two are images of people attending funerals in cemeteries as well as images of those who may be visiting a deceased relative, in other words, the (still living) human element.  The other gap is recording those ancillary objects that one finds on occasion in cemeteries.  For example, things that may be left on or around headstones such as rocks, trinkets, etc.  Also, I consider pet statues that are placed adjacent to graves as part of those ancillary items.  

The other day I wanted to get out and wander a bit with my camera as well as revisit some cemeteries I had visited in the past.  I wanted to start filling in those project gaps.  There is one particular cemetery where I had observed several statues of dogs next to, who I assume, their owner's gravesites.  I wanted to see if I could capture a couple of those in a unique manner.  Two of those images you see here are a result of that outing.

I find it fascinating that one would potentially direct one's heirs to spend money (or pre-arrange) for a stature of a pet to accompany the deceased for eternity.  But, again, that is a sign of our current culture.  A very special pet, indeed.  A member of the deceased family, for sure.

In regards to animals, I have not yet visited a pet cemetery but I suspect I should also include that on my list of images that need further exploration.

The bandana around the dog's neck is cloth and not a part of the original statue.  Interesting. (click to enlarge)
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 4-150mm f/2.8 lens @ 150mm; 1/800th sec. @ f/2.8; ISO 200

If you haven't adopted a project of two, I can recommend it.  I have four.  This cemetery project, one on unusual graffiti and signs, one on railroads, trains, steam locomotives and the people who work in railroading, and the last on recording the things I find at the water's edge, mainly working people, their work boats, artifacts and the supporting infrastructure.  Projects help me focus and give me a reason to go out and photograph.

Cemeteries, if they don't make you feel creepy, are a fascinating place to visit, walk around, read and observe.  They say a lot about who we were and are as a society.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!

Dennis A. Mook 

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