The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer, and the one night of the year where you’re encouraged to dress up is coming up! Some people put months of effort into Halloween costumes and then after the night is over, they’re left with only poor images. Here are some tips to take great photographs of costumes on your own!
- Shoot before the sun completely sets. Natural light is always preferable to the glare of flash and the darker it gets, the more details you lose. If you’re running a little late, raise the ISO of your camera (this changes how sensitive to light your camera sensor is) and think about using a tripod to help with exposure.
- Be aware of the background. Make sure there’s not too much going around behind the subjects of the photo, or else attention will be drawn away from what you want to capture. If you’re in front of a haunted house, this may be more desirable but if you’re inside the house before heading out, make sure to angle so that last-minute pumpkin carving remains are hidden.
- Get on the right level. If you’re taking a picture of your little one, bend down to be at their eye-level. This will help with perspective and keep them from looking too little. In fact, if you get lower and aim upwards at them, they’ll look bigger!
- Get in character. Ask your subject to do an impression of the character they’re dressed up as. This will make for a far more fun photo than just a smile. Depending on your photo editing capabilities, you may be able to add in some fun effects, such as some light for a witch casting a spell.
And you always have the option of taking photographs of your Halloween costumes before the night of! Whether on your own or with a little magic from Gabby Carr Photography, this will give you more control over lighting and backgrounds and you won’t have the lure of candy distracting anyone. Happy Halloween!