Halloween photography tips You won’t go wrong if you…
1 Don’t wait for nightfall:
By starting to shoot when there’s some colour left in the sky, you’ll find it easier to create more balanced exposures. Frame your subject against the sky and underexpose for the ambient light, then use an off-camera flashgun to create creepy lighting effects.
2 Take inspiration from horror films:
Study how cinematographers and directors frame and compose sequences – whether that’s using low-key lighting and dense shadows across the frame to increase the tension, or using a low, tilted camera angle to make the subject appear more imposing. Borrow some of their ideas to take your Halloween shots up a gear.
3 Use props:
You don’t have to spend a fortune on detailed costumes. A little goes a long way when it comes to capturing the Halloween spirit: candles, cobwebs, creepy dolls…
4 Play with colour:
Colour has a psychological impact, and you can use it to stir the emotions of viewers. Try giving your photos a digital tint: blue and green will have a ‘chilling’ effect, for example, whereas orange and yellow will evoke seasonal colours.
5 Experiment with silhouettes:
Like old-school horror films, it’s often what you can’t see within the frame that creates a sense of unease. Use shadows and silhouettes to obscure details and give everyday scenes a bit more menace.