Choosing a Cover Photo for an Order of Service
We are often asked about the image on the cover when an individual or family is preparing the ‘Funeral Order of Service’ or Memorial Booklet. There are no right or wrong answers as to how this should be chosen or presented. Each person is an individual, therefore a wide range of different
styles of images are often used.
However, when choosing the image, if you are making such a choice, there are a few things to consider. Obviously, the personality or style of the subject will be a major consideration. There’s a wry thought once offered by legendary artist Salvador Dali: ‘The reason some portraits don’t look
true to life is that some people make no effort to resemble their pictures’.
Representing your loved one
If you turn that around, when choosing an Order of Service portrait, you’ll want to make sure that the image you choose beautifully represents your lost loved one. However, there are two sides to this equation. You might consider how that person themselves would want to be remembered, but also
how those present at the funeral would want to remember them.
It’s also worth appreciating the different ways that this person is thought of by those attending. If you were to ask a work colleague, close friend, and intimate family member how they viewed this person, each might offer a different descriptive ‘portrait’.
If you can choose a single image that would be welcomed by all as a definitive portrait of that beloved family member, esteemed work colleague or true friend, then that would suggest you’ve made an excellent choice.
Choosing an image from an important time in their life
Of course, another consideration when making your choice is the stage of their life that your image choice might come from. For example, an elderly veteran might want that last image of them to be of the young soldier, from the time that fashioned all the years since.
You’ll also think about the personality you want to present. Someone who held public office, or made a long-term commitment to service, might want a more official final image than someone who was happiest having silly fun with their family.
Consider creating a photo collage
All of the above possibilities may give you pause for thought when making a choice. Of course, it’s also possible to create, and then upload, your own photo collage, cropping and combining an assembly of that person’s important life moments. If you do, take a moment to ensure each included
image is large and clear enough to be easily viewed on the finished Order of Service.
For a single portrait image, do also consider any background cropping which will allow that photo to make an even greater stand-out impression.
We hope that the above can help as you decide which image(s) to choose to best represent an individual. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your possible choices, please call our helpful and experienced team here at Farewell Services on 1800 080 700 now.
