AKA 3 simple ways to capture your child’s Halloween costume
For photography buffs, Halloween is a glorious time of year. Adorable children lit up by the golden fall light, wearing irreverent, bold, and/or hilarious costumes. But for your average parent juggling one or two little people with extra accessories, it can be a challenge to capture the magic. We asked professional photographer Stacy to help out with some tips for the rest of us to make the most of Halloween cuteness.
1. Find the perfect light.
Don’t wait until the day of Halloween to try and capture shots of your little ones all dressed up in their costume. You’ll be too busy to think about doing it creatively. Instead, pick a day where you can shoot late in the afternoon. About two hours before the sun sets so you can take advantage of the sun’s golden glow.
Pick a spot that is simple and make sure that the background is not too busy. For these shots of my daughter, I chose an empty parking lot because I knew her bright pink costume would really pop. Position your child with the sun at their back and snap away. If you’re having trouble with this type of lighting situation, switch to open shade for some nice, even light.
2. Capture her personality.
Have your little ghost or ghoul get into character. If her costume includes a mask, have her put it on. Do you have a mini superhero? Ask her to flex her muscles. If your little one is a ballerina, make her twirl. Have an Elsa or Anna? Ask her to sing “Let it go!” Doing so will make having her picture taken more fun. She’ll probably last a little longer too!
3. Remember the details.
Don’t skip over the little things that make your child’s costume special. The accessories. The masks. The trick or trick bag. Favorite candy. Make sure you get in close to isolate all of the fun elements! Walk up there, don’t just rely on the zoom.
Big thanks to Stacy of Stacy Mae Photography in New Jersey for sharing her pro tips.
