Graveyard photos

[Mule]

I was touched when I came across a grave digger preparing a burial site on Halloween. Some family had to deal with the loss of a loved one in the midst of cheap ghosts and goblin rip-offs and other Halloween festivities.

I'm amazed at how a grave is prepared. If you have ever tried to dig a hole with a back hoe you understand that it is difficult to get it shaped perfectly - with flat edges and squared off corners. Hence the shovel is still a necessity. In hindsight I wished I would have tried for some shots while he worked though it was dark and I was in a rush.

The next morning I came back and took these photos. Nothing was staged. The grave digger actually left the shovel where it is pictured.

I'm not sure if I like these yet. I'm not wanting to exploit the loss for a cheap "Halloween" thrill type photo. Instead I'm thinking about the craft of the grave digger and the reminder that there is an end to our time on this earth.

I'm not sure if there is something here or not. What are your thoughts?

[Frog]

It is difficult to get a perspective on the first but I think you did it in #2 and somewhat in the third, though I couldn't tell you why I think 2 succeeds more than 3.
Cemetaries always seem picturesque but I've never been succesful at getting the right composition in one.

[GB1]

Interesting shots - cemetaries definitely have something about them. I think the lighting is a bit blase on these ones (but this isn't the Critique forum). Glad I don't have to dig those graves.

G

[another view]

though I couldn't tell you why I think 2 succeeds more than 3.

Maybe the headstone? I like the angle and perspective in shot #3 but it does seem like something's missing. Like Frog says, not an easy place to shoot.