Slideshow: GHPA Glenwood Cemetery Walking Tour

On a bright and chilly Saturday morning late this past February, I took another GHPA sponsored walking tour of Houston’s Glenwood Cemetery.  I don’t know how I could have lived in Houston all of my life (except for the 5 years in Austin in the 80′s-some other time) and never have heard of this place until recently. It is one of the most lovely and tranquil garden cemetery parks I’ve ever seen.

As I took the tour, I was astonished at how nearly every name I’ve ever seen on a street, in a neighborhood, or on a business or public building in Houston is represented there. Like many Houstonians and long time residents, I think I overlook how long, rich and varied our city’s history really is. The foundations of that history are interred here among the giant live oaks, gentle ravines, and winding paths. As with other GHPA walking tours, there’s so much to see, hear, and learn that I did not spend a lot of time taking photos. The volunteer docents who guide the tours really do take time and give an excellent background and history on the subjects of the tours. The material was interesting and I wanted to be respectful of the guide and the other members of the group.

I did get a few images though and a great reconnaissance of the cemetery in general (and a handy map) for future walks. The cemetery is a beautiful park-like setting and also offers beautiful views of Memorial drive and the Houston skyline. There were a number of other photographers there, not a part of the tour, with their tripods and gear.

Of the pictures I did take, one of my favorites was of an stone worker making restorations and repairs to one of the monuments at the cemetery.

What I learned about taking photos in cemeteries.

1. At this time of year, many of the trees and shrubs in the park were still dormant and there was plenty of light. When they green out though, there will be a lot of heavy shade and shadows competing with bright areas so metering and exposure will likely be a little more challenging. Views that are available now in the absence of leaves will be gone until next autumn/winter.
2. This is a place that would be really atmospheric/moody in an early morning light mist or fog. The dappled light of late afternoon or evening sun though the trees would also definitely provide some interesting compositions.
3. Capturing the angels and other statues and monuments in the cemetery is a lot like taking portraits of people – they look better when you get in close. While I had my 24-70mm lens on this walk, I think I will consider using the 70-200 on future visits and I’ll make sure and get in closer to the faces and details of the statuary.
4. Be respectful of the privacy and dignity of  plot owners, the families and friends of persons buried, and those attending burials. Glenwood has generous visiting times and guidelines and is obviously intended to be appreciated by the living as well as the final resting place for the deceased, but most cemeteries are also “still accepting new members”. There could be a burial, memorial, or other family event taking place at any given time so consider this when lugging your tripod and other gear and when scoping out vantage points, scenes, and compositions. You might also need to check on cemetery schedules and other visitor restrictions the cemetery might have.