Bereavement photography at Barnsley hospital

Creating remembrance images has been a long-standing tradition within the field of photography for as long as the medium has existed, specifically, neonatal images can be traced as far back as 1919. Today this kind of photography is still polarising and controversial with the general public, institutions, families and photographers for numerous reasons. Despite these ongoing debates, hospitals recognise the importance and benefits for families in creating these images as part of their enveloping bereavement care package. This article will outline how the Barnsley Clinical Photography Department has developed a bereavement photography service within the trust which resulted in two award nominations, a streamlined service and some thought-provoking findings.