Stephen Lawrence - The First Of Many

Adam Regis - 17.03.2007
©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

One week ago marked twenty years since the murder of Stephen Lawrence. for me, it was the first murder of this kind involving a young person to hit the headlines. To hit me hard enough that it prompted me to do a racism workshop within my youth club at the time (The Youth House) in East London.
I remember the widespread sadness most parents felt and the overwhelming urge to protect their children.
Who would have thought in the years to follow, we would be protecting our young people from themselves. Since then I have described the frequent, tragic murders of young people as genocide. Which will eventually culminate in a complete loss of a generation.

Michael Simon Wright - 19.02.2009
©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

The racism workshop I did with a group of young people involved taking them to the Stephen Lawrence enquiry, a bold move for youth work at the time. The fuelled and highly emotional atmosphere stirred a wealth of reaction from the group. They were scared, surprised and angry. Some of the words they used to describe the experience.
Many years later I was to revisit the same subject at university with two colleagues Andre Laing and Ken Kamara, but this time the reasons were mixed.
The three months we spent listening to the events leading up to the deaths of their children were difficult to hear but we were more focused on their well being during the whole project. We were grateful they spoke to us and built a good level of trust with us. When we were not discussing how to work with what they gave us, we were crying together. Every waking moment became about them. This is how we came up with the title for the project "Them"

Terry Booker - 14.11.2000
©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

Kiyan Prince - 18.05.2006
©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

Robert Levy - 16.09.2004
©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

Stephen Lewis 24.01.2009
©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

I have watched the tireless fight by Doreen and Neville Lawrence in the quest of justice for Stephen and the fight is still continuing, just as it is for the parents and families of the young people I have mentioned.  I can only hope that Doreen and Nevilles  long journey will come to an end with the full results they seek.
As it was then and as it is now, my utmost respect and empathy is with them and their family.

I dedicate this blog to Stephen Lawrence.


See you at the next posting.

Everyone Deserves Empathy

©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

Since Margaret Thatchers death, there's been plenty of comments about the damage she did to the country, along with the strength, courage, and determination she had. Ruling with an iron fist.

As a strong, courageous and determined woman I have been at the negative end of comments about my work, about the brand I have devised. I honestly can,t see why some people are so against it. It could be because of the fear of what others may say, in fact I would most certainly say it is. Fear coupled with the unknown. I always explain to my clients, that fear is quickly replaced by relief and pleasure that the decision to cover the funeral was made.
The thing is you can't please everyone. When you believe that something is right and could work, you have to go with it. It's one thing running a tight ship with family life but quite another in a male dominated profession.

I don't necessarily agree with the changes that Baroness Thatcher implemented but whatever she decided; she has a family who loved her, she has children who she raised to the best of her ability, and with love.
We should think about them, whatever their ages, it's still their mum. Their pain is no different to mine without my mum.
They will struggle at christmas, birthdays, mother's day, just as I do along with so many others. In this circumstance, respect where it is due.


Baroness Thatcher may you rest in peace.

See you at the next posting.

Gun & Knife Crime At The BAFTA's

I accepted the invitation to the private screening at the BAFTA's a week ago. It was a Sunday so that was a good reason as any to catch a movie. As a real film buff I was looking forward to being there.
Having previously created a gun and knife crime project with two colleagues while at university, it is subject matter I feel very strongly about. I guess my Youth Work/Manager background also has a hand in this.

It's a short film, about 50 minutes long. Most of the cast are young people who had been involved with gang culture but new to acting.The story is based on Fredi Nwaka's own true story. He went on to become an actor and is involved with C.R.I.M.E - Creating  Role Models In Media Enterprise.

The term for a parent who loses a child is called 'Vilomah' which means against a natural order. I hope there is a swift solution found to protect young people and allow their parents to enjoy more years with them and their children.

I dedicate this blog to some well loved people who died before their parents of various causes.

Mervyn Webber, Smarty Cain, Georgie Small, Sharon Small, Billy Thompson, Billy Wise, Dawn Jones, Matthew Fitter,  Lawrence Bannis (my cousin), Stephen Giles, Lisa Giles, Bradley Allen, Tony Lloyd, Georgie Davis, Danny O'Shea, Justin Nelson, Roger Hilton, Brian Brazier, Johnny Lander, Robert Narti, Billy Gill, Micky Bruce, Alfie Turner, David Carvell, Billy Dyer, Kenny Stone, Timmy Sorhaindho.

See you at the next posting.

First Colour Funeral... It Had To Be Brighton

I got the call from my brother a week before the funeral. Could I come to Brighton to cover his friends funeral? I don't travel outside London so much now, I put together the Funeography Licensing to encourage photographers to cover different places. I accepted because my brother asked and also because I love getting back to Brighton when I can.

The train journey is always a pleasure. I was instructed to look out for a friend at Brighton station. I'd already been told that there was a colour and feather theme for this funeral. Ten minutes waiting and I spotted her with a huge feather placed in her pony- tailed hair. 

We drove to the lower part of the pier where the annual bikers gather. A sea of colour began to descend.

This funeral was very much about friendship and a real reflection of who the man was. There was a photographer there from the local paper. The Argus sent a photographer.
I took all the images I needed while we waited for the procession to arrive. It came down the road to the theme tune from the 1982 TV series Knight Rider. This brought rapturous applause and cheers.

©Priscilla Etienne Funeography®

The service at the chapel continued the same up beat mood. Of course there were many tears, but the laughter, singing, and dancing during the service kept a joyous feel to it all.

I'm pretty excited having done my first all colour Funeography Book. What wonderful funeographs to add to the archives.

See you at the next posting.

I dedicate this blog to the equally colourful and vibrant.... Lilian Uuk

The Modern Wonders Of The Funeral Industry

©Priscilla Etienne Funeography®

When I began building Funeography in 2008 I wondered how long it would take for people to embrace the idea that Funeography has always had a place in society and would again. What gives some people the courage to commission us, where others hesitate and sometimes are completely put off by the idea?

I get to talk to a lot of people who have been bereaved. A large number approach me at funerals, telling me of their regrets of not using Funeography and some say that they feel they have lost something special twice by not having any record of the funeral.

Recently there has been an increase in documentaries showing a different perspective to funeral directors. I must add that some of the bad stories and exposure they are getting is not true of all funeral directors. But for those who were not seen in a good light.. Oh dear. 

There is something that is absolutely clear though, funeral directors tend to stick together. I have to commend them on showing solidarity for their profession. 

We are part of a massive generation of technology, bigger capabilities and lots of change. As a Funeographer choosing my path within the photographic industry, I have done my utmost to re-create something wonderful with a new and fresh perspective. I have worked hard and enjoyed all the highs and lows that have come with the challenge I set myself. I said in the beginning with my early interviews that I was not going to disappear. I said I'd be here indefinitely and I still intend to continue. I think families are beginning to respond to these changes too. They are becoming more confident in asking for what they want. It seems that funerals are becoming an ocassion again, not something to be avoided. Theres celebration for the persons life in abundance now and people are paying attention to every detail including how they look to honour the person they are mourning. I hope this brings an increase with attending cemetary open days, theres a wealth of valuable information. Look out for your local cemetary/funeral directors open day and go along.

Get as much information as you can because you will need it.

I dedicate this blog to Shaz Gilderson who most certainly knew everything there was to know about vibrancy and being free.

See you at the next posting.

Working With Tears

                                                   ©Priscilla Etienne Funeography


How did I get through that day...Monday 21 January. The day I had to say a final goodbye to an old friend and work at the same time. This was the second time I have covered a friends funeral but it was pretty painful for me because this particular friendship goes back a lot of years.
I had already been to see her two children when I first heard the news of her death, So why did I get so emotional when I saw her children on the day of her funeral?
It was because I could see me and my brother standing at the family home waiting for our mum to arrive back in 1996. I could understand their feelings, even their thoughts.

The emotion was building in me more and more and this was just the start of the day. I knew this was going to be tough but I just had to focus on getting the best possible images I could. This work ethic is nothing new to me but for my friends funeral it felt new. I had already visited her a few days before and had an opportunity to spend some final time with her.
As soon as I had taken the first few pictures at the family home it was then time to go to the church. An old friend drove me to the church and we got there fifteen minutes before the cortege. To work at a funeral and be part of the funeral is a very different perspective and quite challenging.
I had to get into the road and stop traffic to continue with getting the images I wanted.
Once inside the church my tripod was already set up, waiting for me to mount my camera and take in  the whole atmosphere. My tears got the better of me when a woman came to the front and sung 'Amazing Grace'', I took as many opportunities to take more pictures before the tears obstructed my view. Her grandson got up and did a reading (a brave little boy), as did her daughter.
After the church we went to East London Cemetary Hermit Road, for the cremation and to release doves along with balloons. I took a few more pictures inside and out, then made my way to the refreshments venue.

                                                 ©Priscilla Etienne Funeography


I stayed here for the last hour with every intention of getting Carribean food (hard food). I couldn't eat, so I just kept taking pictures. I said a few words to remind people let me know if they wanted pictures taken with friends and family members. Every half an hour there were little toasts for my friend, and every time they said her name I cried. Her daughter was passing wristbands around with a few words on. I had come to the point where I had taken enough funeographs, I could not stay any longer.
I am currently still working on her Funeography Book.

I guess I should  close by saying 'Rest in peace' because if anyone deserves that it is her.
I will miss you very much and you'll always have a piece of my love with you.

I dedicate this blog to the wonderful, larger-than-life, Joyce Brown.

FaceBook & Announcing A Death

                                               Zuckerberg, M (2004) Facebook.


When someone close to me dies; say a family member or an old friend I would prefer to recieve a phone call or a personal text to my phone. For the first time ever I got an inbox message to my facebook account via my phone.
I read about an old friend suddenly dying. The only response I had was to scream. I kept saying 'No, no, no!'. I cried with shoulders shaking. My 12 year old Kross came in the kitchen, he ran to hold me.
The message was passed on because it was seen by another old friend who read it on facebook. It seems that despite everyone owning a mobile phone we continue to pass on such news through  messages with no voice at the other end of the phone.

As a Funeographer and Funeography Journalist I've been able to promote my company (Funeography) and myself well and to keep in touch with other death industry colleagues.
To be able to let everyone know funeral details using facebook is very, very useful, there is no denying that. For families grieving it means not having to call so many people. When you're grieving talking too much can be just as difficult as not talking.
I think it's important to think about respecting the family before posting too much information on what has happened or even how you're feeling. I think the family should have the privilege of giving out the details and expressing their emotions. Perhaps the time to read longer opinions and expressions of grief for the person who has died should come after the funeral.
The best part about facebook is that the family can thank everyone at the same time for their support and kind wishes. It is always comforting for families who are grieving.

Since my mums death 16 years ago, I only have some of the cards from her flowers and sympathy cards. They are equally as precious. I think I love having them just as much because they were physically bought and chosen and it's wonderful to have something to hold, something tangible, solid, like the Funeography Books.

                                                ©Priscilla Etienne Funeography

This is the cover of the Funeography Book I did for a dear friend  over a year ago who would have recently celebrated her 50th birthday. I miss you lots and think of you often.

This blog is dedicated to Laurie Coom.