by Jessie Hearn
Who says taking Halloween photos of your little monsters has to be scary? Here are a few easy tips to help you get some wonderful pictures this Halloween:
Whenever possible, use NATURAL LIGHT
To make sure you get some great pictures, get outside early in the day and turn off your flash. Try to find a shady spot when taking outdoor pictures so that your child is not squinting in the photos. A bright flash (or the sun) causes children to squint, close their eyes, and act unnatural. Try turning off your flash and click away. If you are in a darker setting and you must use your flash, make sure to stay within 6 to 10 feet of your children (“Flash Range”). If your child is outside the Flash Range, your photographs will either turn out too dark or too light.
CANDID first, CANDY later
Getting your little vampire or princess to stand still and pose when they can smell the candy will be challenging. Try to get your child dressed in their costume early (either earlier in the day or even a few days before Halloween); that way you’ll get the pictures you want without the candy being a distraction. And don’t think that every photo must have your child looking directly at the camera. Some of the very best pictures capture beautiful moments even when the subject is looking away. Have your camera ready and periodically try doing something silly or ask your child a funny question. That will get them to look at you with a natural smile and you’ll get all the scrapbook moments you could ever want.
How LOW can you go?
Taking pictures of your child from their level will make your photographs seem much more real. Don’t be afraid to get on the ground (try sitting or kneeling) and keep the camera at your child’s eye level. Your little pumpkin will be much more likely to smile if you aren’t towering above them, and the pictures will be much more flattering.
Don’t be AFRAID!
Try photographing your child on the go! Action shots; photos taken from the side or behind; even turning your camera at an angle… can make you scream with delight! You can also try moving a bit further back and capturing your child’s spooky shadow for some great shots! Remember: the more fun your child is having, the more you will love your pictures.
CLOSE encounters
When your child is being cooperative, move in close! You will be amazed how beautifully your children can look when their features are the entire focus of the picture. So zoom in! Capture little details of their costumes; their feet, hands, shoes, masks, capes, and more! Let your pictures tell your child’s entire Halloween story!
Watch for a chance to post your Halloween pics to the chambanamoms.com Facebook page!