Episode Summary

In this moving episode of the Contagious Joy podcast, hosts Kim and Jenny are joined by their first guest, professional funeral photographer Nell Aburto. Nell shares how the personal regret of not having photos from her own parents' services inspired her to launch a business documenting final goodbyes. The conversation explores the " joy" that persists even in deep mourning, the importance of capturing family history, and how documenting loss can become the seed for a new kind of healing and connection. From lighthearted stories about "real fun" funerals to the technical and emotional challenges of working behind the lens in somber spaces, Nell offers a unique perspective on why these final moments are worth remembering.

Show NotesIntroducing Nell Alberto

• Professional Background: A portrait photographer for over 15 years who transitioned into the rare field of funeral photography.
• A Personal Calling: Nell’s interest began after losing both of her parents and realizing she lacked photos of the beautiful, uplifting moments from their services to look back on.

The Role of a Funeral Photographer

• Capturing the "Real Fun": Discussing the irony that "funeral" is an anagram for "real fun," the group talks about finding laughter and celebration in the midst of mourning.
• Focusing on Legacy: Nell looks for interactions between relatives, the presence of children playing, and the legacy of the deceased.
• Hidden Beauty: Documenting moments like a husband's last touch of a casket or the expressions on grandchildren’s faces that would otherwise be a "blur" for the grieving family.

Navigating Grief and Vulnerability

• The "Club" of Loss: Kim, Jenny, and Nell reflect on their shared experiences losing siblings and parents, acknowledging that every person’s grief is unique.
• Brené Brown & Foreboding Joy: A discussion on why we often try to "protect" our hearts from joy to avoid future pain and how gratitude serves as the antidote.
• Empathy as a Tool: Nell discusses how she balances her professional duties while empathizing deeply with families, often finding herself moved to tears during services.

Lighthearted Reflections & Community

• "Tips from Dead People": Kim shares a social media find, @tipsfromdeadpeople, which finds life lessons and humor in obituaries.
• The Importance of Photos: Nell emphasizes the practical need for good photos of living relatives for future use in obituaries and family history.
• Kim shares a poem about grief and joy written by @jamesarasi

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Guest Information

Nell Aburto, Professional Photographer.

https://www.mnfuneralphotography.com

Instagram: @mnfuneralphotography

Facebook: Minnesota Funeral Photography