APPLE DAILY　By Sin Lai-ting

PHOTOGRAPHING PORTRAITS FOR THE HEARSE

　　SJS’s Funeral Navigation Service includes a free ‘We Care Photography Team’. We have a team of volunteer photographers who take photos for elderly people so that they may have a satisfactory portrait for their funeral. Recently, the leader of our photography team, Mr. Kwok Kwai-wah, shared his “portraiture” experience during an interview.

Q: When did you begin to photograph free hearse portraits? Are these hearse portraits only requested by elderly people?

A: I joined the volunteer photography service in 1977, to take pictures of the disadvantaged and show them in their best light. Most of the people who seek out my service are elderly. At their age they are seldom photographed. So, when someone offers to take nice portraits, they naturally think of their funerals. Of course no one will come out and say it’s for the hearse, but it is understood.

The youngest who have come to me are in their forties. They think if I should suddenly depart, at least there will be a decent picture of me for the funeral. But I have never seen a young person get a hearse portrait.

Q: What are the expressions worn by the old ladies and gentlemen when they pose for the hearse portrait? How do you feel when taking the photos?

A: They even smile in countless ways. Some won’t smile no matter how you coax them. Some, when asked to smile, break out in laughter and begin gesturing with their limbs. I have to stop them by asking them to sit still. Some bare their toothless gums with a big smile. I can only suggest tactfully that,“just a little smile will do.” Usually the ladies are more open-hearted than the old men. Some old gentlemen are very stern and stubbornly refuse to smile.

They are well prepared for their hearse portrait. The ladies wear lip stick, make-up and jewellery; the gentlemen put on suit and tie that they have put away for many years. We volunteer photographers have only one objective --- to present them in their best light. We don’t feel gloomy knowing we are taking hearse portraits.

Q: Can you describe your most unforgettable subject for a hearse portrait, including the dress and make-up? What have you learned from taking hearse portraits?

A: Once, I was busy taking photographs while an old lady in her seventies sat behind me. I happened to turn around. The moment I caught sight of her, I felt I was seeing a celestial being. Her hair was silvery white, her eye brows daintily penciled, her cheeks rouged – her face just shone. She wore an elegant suit of brocade tunic and skirt, with colour embroidery on a black background, and had a pearl necklace around her neck. One hand resting on a cane, she sat with perfect composure. Gracious and poised, she was the very picture of a blessed old lady at the head of a household filled with children and grandchildren. I couldn’t help but ask to have a picture taken with her. I truly felt that some of her blessings would rub off on me this way. The old lady was waiting calmly and solemnly for her hearse portrait to be taken. She let me see that it is not dreadful to grow old or even face death. Who knows when we may have to go? For many elderly people there are no taboos. They say, “We are all waiting in line.” From them I have learned a lesson in life.

Q: Have you ever taken a hearse portrait for a family member? Will you have yourself photographed in advance?

A: I'm an insurance agent. Having seen friends pass away, I am unperturbed by death. I have taken a graceful portrait in advance for an aunt. But, when she passed away, a beautiful portrait from her youth was displayed in the funeral parlour. My parents had no hearse portraits taken in advance before they died. I’m sure they would have given me a scolding had I even suggested it. Today I still see no need for taking such portraits for my family members.

I think people in Hong Kong have enough education on life. Only, when death really comes, not everyone can face it calmly.

I have been a volunteer photographer for almost 30 years. It has never occurred to me that I should also have a hearse portrait taken. Next time, I’ll put on a comfortable black polo shirt, comb my hair, smile gently from my heart, and have a hearse portrait taken that can best represent me. How about you? Will you also have one taken?