Confirm that every member of the family of the deceased is comfortable with you photographing the funeral. Let them explain the moments they want captured. For example photographs of each member throwing soil into the grave.
Visit the service venue, the graveyard, and the reception area in advance. This gives you an exact idea of the venue and enables you to plan on how you will carry out the photography on the day of the funeral with minimal distractions.
Switch off the flash and silence your camera. You will need to take your photos without attracting any attention.
Arrive an hour before guests begin arriving. Photograph the venue and the decorations. Take shots of the candles and lights, the flowers and of photo displays of the deceased. Take a picture of the casket and of the deceased, if the family has requested it.
Select a position where you can view the entrance without getting in the way of the mourners. Walk around, taking pictures of guests as they converse in groups. Picture each frame before positioning your camera to ensure you quickly take the photo and, if possible, go unnoticed.
Select a position that does not make you stand out. Sit or stand at a point where you can photograph the ceremony without moving around. Minimize your movements as much as possible.
Place your camera on your hip or chest as you take the pictures, that way it is out of sight of the mourners.
Take wide shots of the family. If there is need for close-ups use the zoom function on your camera. No one wants a camera in their face as they grieve.