Stage Your Shots: The standard head-on group shot is fine for starters, but here’s a chance to let the kids play a commanding role. Ask them to create their own scary poses or have them jump out from behind a wall and shoot once they scream “Boo!” Let them orchestrate a scene and photograph each step—your burst mode might come in handy here—and create a series of action photos that tell their unique and spooky story.
Photographing Your Jack-o-lantern: Photographing a jack-o-lantern can be a tricky proposition. Make sure the carvings allow enough light to come through the holes—consider carving a wider smile or eyes if needed. Most people put a single candle inside but for photography purposes, you’ll need more light to come trough so consider adding one or two additional candles per pumpkin. Better yet—try inserting a small flashlight instead.
You can also up the spook factor by placing your jack-o-lanterns on a reflective surface such as a wood table. Just be aware of the area behind you; keep the lights dim and move any objects that would clutter or compromise the background.
Make Your Own Lighting Prop: Instead of using a flash, which can be too stark to create the scary feel you seek, try taking a flashlight and covering the front with wax paper and a rubber band. Have your child point the flashlight toward his face—keep it at waist level and out of the shot—to create a soft and spooky lighting effect.
Give the Kids Presence: Position yourself close to the ground and photograph your subjects while shooting upward. By playing with your position and their poses, you can create an ominous image and make the kids look taller and more foreboding. They’ll get a kick out of seeming larger than life and the resulting photographs will be more compelling than a standard shot.
Enhance the Details: Does someone have an amazing make-up job or scary mask? Shoot their face full-frame for maximum effect. Today’s costumes have some of the most remarkable and intricate detail, so if something catches your eye, use it as a focal point for an image. Maybe it’s a skull bracelet or a prop that grabs you; it’s the small details that often make the most unique photographs.
No Reckless Photo Posting: Remember to never post photos of anyone else’s children on Facebook or other sites without first getting permission from their parents. It can be very disconcerting for someone to come across a photo of her own child without knowing about it in advance.
Happy Halloween!
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