There's a difference between taking so-so pictures and getting some eerily fantastic shots for Halloween photos[phpbay] You should take the time to understand your camera, whether it's a film camera or digital one, and practice taking photographs during the day, in the evening with indoor lighting, and outside at night using your nighttime settings[phpbay] Here are some additional tips to ensure that you capture a wonderful array of Halloween moments that will provide long-lasting Halloween memories[phpbay]
1[phpbay] Be Prepared With The Right Equipment
There are several things that you should have on hand to capture those perfect moments[phpbay]
A camera - film or digital
Several rolls of film or an extra memory card - one that will hold a lot of pictures
Extra camera batteries
A tripod (optional)
Backup camera (optional)
2[phpbay] Overshoot The Scene or Subject
Sometimes we get lucky and capture a "perfect" picture on the first try[phpbay] Usually, thought, that's not the case[phpbay] Professional photographers will take several shots of one subject or scene in order to get the one great image that they want[phpbay] You should do the same[phpbay] Using a film camera can cost you a small fortune in developing all that film, so you may want to invest in a digital camera if you don't already have one[phpbay]
3[phpbay] Take Portrait Pictures and Spontanious Moments
Of course we all want the traditonal picture of our child in there favorite Halloween costume[phpbay] However, don't just stop at staged pictures[phpbay] Keep your camera handy for those spontanous moments, such as when they're carving a pumpkin or getting their Halloween makeup on[phpbay] Those candid moments when they're not "posed" will often give you some of your best photos[phpbay]
4[phpbay] Use a Fast Setting or Fast Film
Try not to keep your use of the flash to a minimum[phpbay] Instead, set the ISO on your digital camera to 200 to 400[phpbay] For film cameras, purchase ASA 400 film for night shots[phpbay]
5[phpbay] Twilight Is Your Friend
Rather than trying to take Halloween pictures after it gets real dark, employ a trick of the trade used by photographers - shoot your pictures at twilight[phpbay] This is a perfect time to get wonderful photos of jack-o-lanterns[phpbay] Since you won't need a flash, the candle's glow inside the pumpkin will light the jack-o-lantern nicely, yet the background will appear dark[phpbay] It's also a good time to get the spooky details of a Halloween decorated home without lighting the area up by having to use a flash[phpbay]
6[phpbay] Get Up Close and Personal
Too many of us stand back and take full body or scene photographs, which capture uninteresting scenery around the subject[phpbay] Get up close and focus on a interesting feature of your subject, then pull back just enough to keep the person or the item in the full frame[phpbay] It's okay to have whatever you're shooting off to the side as well if there's some great decor directly behind them and you want to capture a part of it[phpbay]
7[phpbay] Make Your Subject Come Alive
Instead of a posed and "smile" photograph, get your subject to act the part of their chosen costume[phpbay] If they're a pirate, get them to act like a pirate and begin taking lots of pictures[phpbay] You'll capture some wonderful candid moments in this way[phpbay] And remember[phpbay][phpbay][phpbay] go for closeups as well!
8[phpbay] Get Level With Children
We're tall, kids are short[phpbay][phpbay][phpbay] squat down to their level[phpbay] You'll get much better shots in this way[phpbay] If you're taking pictures looking down at your subject, it tends to distort the image[phpbay]
9[phpbay] Group Hug!
As we've all noticed, when trying to take a picture of a group of people, they all tend to spread out[phpbay] Then comes the rearranging and trying to convince them to move in closer together[phpbay] For perfect Halloween group shots, you need to get your subjects to move as close together as possible[phpbay] Try the "group hug" command[phpbay] Then they just need to turn and face you right where they're standing[phpbay] No stepping back allowed! Move shorter people out in front or have tall people sit so you can clearly see everyone in the back row[phpbay] Then move in very close to the group and slowly back up until the whole group fills your lens frame[phpbay] Keep the background behind them to a minimum[phpbay]
10[phpbay] Spooky Lighting Effects
Add drama and spooky effects to your subjects or scenery with interesting lighting effects[phpbay] Have someone hold a camera light under their chin about chest level to capture a ghoulish glowing face[phpbay] Use spotlights to create interesting shadows on walls or behind scenery[phpbay] Put extra candles in your pumpkins to really make them stand out[phpbay] However, never use a backlight on your subjects as it makes them hard to see and floods the background of the photo with unwanted light[phpbay]
Being prepared is the main key to taking those memorable Halloween pictures[phpbay] Remember to keep your camera nearby at all times, even when heading out for the evening[phpbay] You never know when you'll drive by that Halloween decorated house that makes you say "awesome!"
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