How to Move with Confidence During a Funeral Ceremony
See exactly where to stand, when to move and how to get closer without being intrusive.
As a photographer, taking pictures at a funeral isn't technically difficult.
What makes it challenging are the social taboos.
Where are you allowed to stand? When is it appropriate to move? How close can you get? And how do you make your presence known without becoming a distraction?
These are questions many photographers have when they consider photographing their first funeral.
Gain the confidence to photograph a funeral yourself without being obtrusive
What would you say if you actually are able to look over my shoulder?
With the use of an actual ceremony this online training was created. Boukje was the photographer for the family and they allowed and trusteed her to create this training especially for this purpose.
You won’t just hear me explain what I do, but you can see exactly how it happens.
This unique training offers way more than that, check this whole page for more.
You’ll watch real footage recorded inside a crematorium, transformed into an educational video with my personal voice-over.
I’ll show and explain where I position myself, when I move, why I choose certain positions and how I approach different moments during the ceremony.
You’ll literally see where I am, what I do and why.
This is your opportunity to learn from my experience and understand the practical decisions that help you move with confidence during a funeral.
Boukje moves like a Ninja
Do you need to move like a ninja?
It might look as though you need to be flexible and quick on your feet, just like me.
But don’t worry. My ninja-like moves are simply techniques I’ve developed over years of experience. And in this training, I’ll explain the thinking behind them.
I believe there’s room for everyone in farewell photography. I’ve taught photographers of all shapes, sizes and heights, including people with physical disabilities. My oldest photography student was 75.
We’re all different, and that’s good.
I’ll show you how I move, where I position myself and why I make certain choices. I have included ideas for those of you who need them.
You don’t have to become Boukje. You are you and can use or find your own way.
What you'll see in the video
- The arrival and carrying in of the deceased
- How to confidently position yourself as the funeral photographer
- How the funeral director introduces the photographer to those attending
- The candle-lighting moment
- Changing positions and choosing your spots in advance
- Photographing people during the final goodbye
- Getting closer without disturbing anyone
- When to change positions, how many photographs to take and why variety matters
- What a second photographer can contribute
You’ll discover that being a funeral photographer isn’t about staying hidden at the back of the room, with a tele-lens.
It's about understanding the environment, recognising the right moments and knowing how to move with sensitivity and confidence.
“I was extremely nervous about photographing a funeral. The confidence Boukje gave me to take photographs at my own pace was wonderful.
What I learned most was to find that little bit of space and simply take my position. You can’t always walk between the rows, but when the moment comes, you can take it.
Boukje has a natural ability to sense the right moment and find the space she needs. She radiates calmness and balance, and that calmness gave me the confidence to do the same.
I still work with that confidence today.”
What others say
“I felt very comfortable working alongside Boukje. I watched her closely and saw her completely in her element.
I noticed where she stood and where she didn’t. I saw that you are allowed, and sometimes need, to step forward. It might only be for a brief moment.
The funerals I photograph now feel much more natural. Boukje’s guidance gave me that confirmation.”
“It was only the second time in my life that I had seen someone who had passed away. The coffin was still open when we arrived. During the ceremony, I watched Boukje move around and simply do what needed to be done. I remember thinking: ‘Oh, this is how that’s done!’
Seeing it with my own eyes made all the difference. When you only hear explanations, you create your own interpretation.
You cross a threshold by seeing how it works in practice, and that gives you confidence.”
“Seeing it works better than hearing about it.”
How the online training works
This is an online video training based on footage from an actual funeral ceremony.
The photographer’s positions are clearly visible, while my voice-over explains the reasoning behind my movements and choices.
BONUS: You’ll also receive access to the photographs taken during that ceremony.
This means you can compare what you see in the video with the actual photographs that were created.
You’ll understand not only where I stood, but also why getting closer and choosing different perspectives makes such a difference to the final story.
Learn at your own pace for only $39 at this time (Nov. 2026) Value of €87
- Full video training with voice-over explanations
- Bonus: photographs taken during the ceremony
- Online access to the training
EXTRA: Take your learning one step further. Value €150 FREE
In addition to the video training and photographs, you’ll have the opportunity to join a live online Q&A with me.
Bring your questions, discuss challenging situations and ask about practical issues you may encounter at different funeral locations. Check out this opportunity:
Q&A FREE 19 & 26 November 2026
A little more confidence can make a world of difference.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Sometimes, all it takes is seeing how someone else does it — understanding the choices they make and realising that you can do it too.
I’d love to help you take that next step.
Boukje Canaan
Founder of Farewell Focus
Questions or doubts about the training? Feel free to contact me.
©Photos Ilja Verstraten