Learn about cemetery photography at Elgin 360 club meeting
On Thursday, May 14, Elgin 360 Photography Club's monthly program will be led by Michael Murschel of Hallows House Studios and Press, with a program on cemetery photography offering down-to-earth tips, techniques, and tactics for this specialized art.
The program begins at 7 p.m. at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin. There is a suggested donation of $3 at the door.
May's program digs into lighting, composition, best practices in monument photography, cemetery culture/protocols/regulations/etiquette, interpreting the funereal landscape across three centuries of North American traditions, and laying to rest some, but probably not all, of the superstitions and realities enshrouded in cemeteries.
On Saturday, May 30, join Murschel for a morning photo shoot at Elgin's historic Bluff City Cemetery. You will learn specific techniques, how to make sense of cemetery layout, handle potential challenges, and deal with the unexpected.
Involved with photography since his university days, Murschel has provided imagery for everything from product photography to documentation of church architecture. His deep understanding of the culture of the cemetery arises from years of officiating funerals, staff roles with seminary and congregations, and as a multifaith spiritual director. He is a frequent guest speaker on symbology, religious diversity, traditions, the occult, and the unfrequented shadowlands of our world.
In his book series, "The Uncommon History of Elgin, Illinois and Surrounds," he delves photographically and anecdotally into detailed cemetery and funereal imagery and history. Through his publishing company, Hallows House, Murschel draws upon his classical background in the psychology of image and publishing, subliminal messaging, and graphic design to provide an expressive platform for authors and artists to realize their work in print and electronic media.
The May Elgin 360 Photography Club meeting will be preceded by a pre-meeting dinner at a local downtown Elgin restaurant beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For information, visit www.Elgin360.org or follow them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Elgin360.