Selecting photos for the funeral: what to look for?
Choosing photos is one of the most difficult but also most beautiful parts of creating a farewell presentation. How do you make a selection that does justice to an entire life?
Start by collecting
First collect broadly — sorting comes later.
Where to look?
- Photo albums (also from older family members)
- Phone and computer
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
- WhatsApp groups
- Cloud services (Google Photos, iCloud)
Ask family and friends to share photos. Everyone has captured different moments.
The lifeline
A good presentation follows the life from beginning to end. Make sure to have photos from different periods:
Youth (0-18 years)
- Baby photos
- School photos
- First communion/confirmation
- Graduation
Adult life
- Wedding day or partnership
- Birth of children
- Career moments
- Hobbies and passions
Later years
- Grandchildren
- Anniversaries
- Travels
- Recent photos
Quality over quantity
It's better to have 30 strong photos than 60 mediocre ones.
A good photo:
- Is sharp and well-lit
- Shows the person recognizably
- Evokes a memory or emotion
- Has a story
Avoid:
- Blurry or dark photos
- Photos where the person doesn't look good
- Duplicate photos of the same moment
- Photos without context or meaning
The right balance
Variation in subject
Alternate between:
- Solo portraits
- Photos with family
- Photos with friends
- Activities and hobbies
- Travels and vacations
Variation in mood
Mix:
- Serious and formal photos
- Spontaneous and cheerful moments
- Intimate family images
- Group photos at celebrations
A presentation with only formal photos feels cold. One with only funny photos can feel inappropriate. The balance makes it beautiful.
Emotional selecting
Choosing photos is emotional. That's normal. Some tips:
Take breaks Don't work for hours on end. Give yourself time to step away.
Involve others Looking at photos together makes it lighter and provides new perspectives.
It doesn't have to be perfect The presentation is a tribute, not a complete biography. It's okay if not everything is included.
Practical selection criteria
Run each photo through these questions:
- Is the photo technically good? (sharp, well-lit)
- Is the person clearly recognizable?
- Does this photo add something? (new moment, different period)
- Would I show this photo to an outsider?
If the answer to question 4 is "no," consider leaving the photo out.
Determining order
After selecting comes ordering. Some approaches:
Chronological From young to old — the most classic and logical.
Thematic By subject: family, work, hobbies, travels.
Emotional arc Start calm, build up to the middle, end serene.
How many photos do you need?
Guideline based on music duration:
- 3 minutes: 18-30 photos
- 4 minutes: 24-40 photos
- 5 minutes: 30-50 photos
- 6 minutes: 36-60 photos
Frequently asked questions
Does the person have to be in every photo?
Not necessarily. A photo of a beloved place, hobby, or pet can also be meaningful. But the person should be central to the presentation.
Can I use edited or filtered photos?
Yes, as long as the person remains recognizable. Avoid extreme filters that make the photo unnatural.
What do I do with group photos with others in them?
You can use those. Life happens with others. Do ask permission if someone might object.
How do I handle photos from a previous relationship?
This is personal. Discuss with immediate family. Sometimes a photo from a previous marriage is appropriate (e.g., with children), sometimes not.
Can I add or remove photos later?
With The Last Farewell, you can always adjust the selection until you export. After that, the project remains available for changes.
Create a presentation yourself?
Create a beautiful photo presentation together with family.
Start when you're ready