DEAR ABBY: When I attended the recent funeral of a family member, I saw someone walk up to the open casket and begin taking photos of the deceased. Then, if that wasn't enough, the person asked the deceased's caregivers to pose by the body!
I feel it was in extremely poor taste. Am I wrong? I know I'll see the "photographer" again at future funerals. -- BAFFLED IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR BAFFLED: In some cultures it is not offensive to take photos of people in their coffins; it is accepted, and relatives cherish these last mementos of their loved one. If you follow that logic, then it's understandable that having a photo of the deceased with the people who cared for him or her at the end would not only not be in poor taste, but would be desirable. I don't advise challenging the photographer unless you're sure everyone else feels as you do.