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Committee debates updates to cemetery photography and film application, flags social-media use and enforcement questions
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Summary
Committee members discussed revising the cemetery photography/film application to address social media, reuse of previously taken photos, commercial vs. personal use, and enforcement challenges.
Town of Concord cemetery staff and committee members discussed proposed updates to the application and rules governing photography and filming in the town’s cemeteries, with particular focus on social media and previously taken images.
Speakers said the current application asks for permission for photography and filming but predates widespread social media use. Committee members raised questions about whether there should be a single application for both still photography and video, whether permission should be required before posting images to social media, and how to treat previously taken photos used in publications or presentations. The committee discussed the difficulty of enforcement once images appear online and the need to distinguish commercial use from casual personal posting.
Staff said Mount Auburn Cemetery was consulted as a reference and noted that Mount Auburn’s application is handled through direct contact rather than an online form. Committee members suggested adding specific fields for proposed media use, dates photos were taken, and social media explicitly to the application and website guidance so applicants better understand which uses require prior approval. Committee members also noted operational issues—such as film crews arriving during funeral services—and recommended the application require contact information and scheduling to avoid conflicts.
No formal vote was taken; staff and Tish will draft updated language and consider posting clearer guidelines on the website for committee review at a future meeting.
