Beginner's Guide to Photographing Kids on Halloween

If you are just venturing into Halloween kids photography, remember two things – one, it can be extremely challenging (since you are mostly shooting after dark), and two, it is a great opportunity to get stunning photographs.  Here are some tips for beginner Halloween kids photographers to start with.

Lighting: 

The biggest challenge for any photographer at Halloween is the lack of good natural light.  Add to that the fact that a flash will generally ruin Halloween photos.  However, there are ways to work around this lighting problem.  Get some pictures early, i.e., at sunset, when the kids are getting ready or are just ready, using natural light.  When shooting after dark, find a source of light that is bright enough to get a good photograph.  If you must use a flash, cover it with colored cellophane to diffuse it or bounce the flash light off the ceiling or walls onto your subjects.
   

Aperture: 

Halloween is all about drama so you need to get close shots.  Use a wide aperture so that the focus remains clearly on the kid’s face and costume.  Also, a wide aperture will cause the background to blur out.  This hazily lit background will add to the eerie look of your photograph.
   

Long shutter speed: 

Due to the fact that you are shooting in low light conditions, you would need long shutter speeds to allow in as much light as possible. Use a tripod to minimize movement.  The long exposure time can work to your advantage in Halloween photography as any movement will appear as a ghostly blur, double image or even a transparent outline, which will make for spooky pictures.  Play around with the shutter speed and you will come up with some amazing Halloween kids photographs!
   

Zoom in: 

When shooting kids’ photographs at Halloween, remember to zoom in for at least a few shots.  Make sure you capture the minute details – the goblin’s pointed ears, the witch’s long nails, the vampire’s fangs, and so on.
   

Perspective: 

This is an important tip for beginner Halloween kids photographers – shoot from different angles to get different perspectives.  Try some low shots and some high shots.  Do keep in mind the direction of light when trying out different shots.  Since the kids are in costume, it gives you a wonderful opportunity to get some truly dramatic and magnificent photographs.