These Eerie and Somber Death Portraits are Mesmerizing and Sad
Farida Helmy — June 29, 2014 — Art & Design
References: walterschels & beautifuldecay
Capturing faces of individuals before and after death, this eerie death portrait series will haunt you for awhile. Recording the dying and the dead for his series 'Life Before Death,' photographer Walter Schels documents numerous terminally ill people as they wait for their ominous last breath.
The intimate portraits are somber and simply styled. Trying to conquer the fear of dying, this haunting death portrait series is tastefully done in silvery black and white tones which gives the series a slightly Victorian post-mortem look. What makes the images so surreal is the fact that the people in the images look like they're sleeping as opposed to dead. And in the images where the subjects are still alive it feel like they are looking right at the audience as if trying to say “you are the last thing I saw.”
The intimate portraits are somber and simply styled. Trying to conquer the fear of dying, this haunting death portrait series is tastefully done in silvery black and white tones which gives the series a slightly Victorian post-mortem look. What makes the images so surreal is the fact that the people in the images look like they're sleeping as opposed to dead. And in the images where the subjects are still alive it feel like they are looking right at the audience as if trying to say “you are the last thing I saw.”
Trend Themes
1. Death Photography Trend - The trend in death photography could open up opportunities for innovative funeral services, memorializing options, and preservation techniques.
2. Terminal Illness Portraiture Trend - The trend in capturing intimate portraits of terminally ill people could disrupt the healthcare industry by promoting palliative care and end-of-life planning.
3. Post-mortem Aesthetics Trend - The trend in post-mortem aesthetics could lead to innovations in funeral homes and funeral services that prioritize tasteful and personalized memorials.
Industry Implications
1. Photography Industry - The photography industry could capitalize on the trend in death photography by offering specialized services and products for capturing end-of-life moments.
2. Healthcare Industry - The healthcare industry could potentially see a disruption with the trend in terminal illness portraiture by shifting towards providing more comprehensive end-of-life care to patients and families.
3. Funeral Industry - The funeral industry could benefit from the post-mortem aesthetics trend by innovating funeral homes to provide more customization and personalization for end-of-life services.
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