It is still not uncommon in the South for photos to be taken of a departed loved one. I lived in the Deep South (Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia) for almost 25 years and saw this done on many occasions.Seemed creepy at first then I guess I got used to it. Also, it is not unusual for families when they have family pictures done to have someone holding photos of their deceased loved ones. Keeping the loved one with them I guess. Michelle