Halloween Photography Tips for Lasting Memories

The old saying, “they grow up so fast” is true. Capturing childhood moments is essential for lasting memories. Halloween is one of those holidays, many children outgrow quickly. Do not let the opportunity go, take the time to photograph your children at Halloween.

How to Get the Best Halloween Photos

1. Pre-Halloween Photo Shoot

Before Halloween, let your children try on their costumes.  Use this opportunity to plan a photo session.

• Go to different places in your community to pose.
• Use your child’s costume as a building block for finding the perfect place to pose. For example, Spiderman can easily pose on playground equipment.
• Allow your child to get into character. Encourage impressions.

2. Be Patient

The big night is here, time for all the Halloween fun. Remember as you begin to take photos, be patient. Children are going to be excited about trick-or-treating or other Halloween events.

3. Document the Process from the Start

Do not wait until your children are dressed to take photos. Start snapping photos as soon as you begin to get ready for trick-or-treating. Often, the best photos come during the process of getting ready.

4. Feature Props

Your photos need to include every part of your Halloween celebration.

• If your child’s costume has props or special features, focus on them in a photo or two. The details always make the costumes.
• Include decorations in your photos, your carved pumpkins or other yard decorations.
• Take Halloween photos with your pets.

5. Group Photo

Along with individual photos, get a group photo before trick-or-treating begins. Make sure to include yourself in one of the photos. Pose together before the sun goes down. Remember to use natural light to get the best photo. When you can, skip the flash.

6. Trick-or-Treating Photos

The main event is here.

• Take numerous action photos of your children going from house to house. Avoid using flash.
• Use streetlights or porch lights to add a glow effect.
• Find a bright light to create silhouettes of your children in costume.  
• Get photos from different angles.

7. Last Photo of the Night

When returning home, get one last photo. Ask your children to show off their candy collection. Of course, some younger children may be asleep by the time you return home. Do not forget to get a photo. This is a perfect picture opportunity for the end of the night.

8. Get Creative with Editing

When editing photos, use special effects.

• Use fog effect.
• Convert to black and white photos.
• Make certain colors stand out. Orange is a Halloween color. Turn photos of pumpkins black and white but keep the bright orange colors.
• Use the soft-focus option to center on your children.

Happy Halloween! When out trick-or-treating, remember to have fun.