Hey there, friends! As a Sudbury-based family photographer, I absolutely live for this time of year. There’s something magical about October—the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and of course, the excitement building up to Halloween. And let me tell you, after years of photographing families and capturing my own kids’ Halloween memories, I’ve learned a thing or two about getting those picture-perfect shots that you’ll treasure forever.

Halloween only comes once a year, and those adorable costumes? Your little ones will only wear them for such a short window of time. So let’s make sure you capture these moments beautifully! Whether you’re using a fancy camera or just your smartphone, I’m sharing all my best tips to help you take amazing Halloween photos of your kids.

Start with the Right Lighting

The Golden Hour is Your Best Friend

Here’s the thing about Halloween—it happens at night, which can make photography tricky. But here’s my number one tip: don’t wait until it’s dark outside to take your photos! I always recommend doing a pre-trick-or-treating photo session in the late afternoon, ideally during the golden hour (that’s the hour before sunset).

In Sudbury, we’re blessed with some absolutely gorgeous autumn light, especially in October. That soft, warm glow will make your kids’ costumes pop and give your photos a magical quality that harsh midday sun or artificial lighting just can’t replicate. Trust me, those early evening photos before you head out for candy collection will be the ones you frame and hang on your walls.

Working with Tricky Evening Light

I know, I know—sometimes you just can’t avoid taking photos when it’s already dark out. Maybe you’re capturing the actual trick-or-treating experience, or perhaps your schedule just didn’t allow for earlier photos. That’s okay! Here are some tricks for working with low light:

First, avoid using your camera’s flash directly on your kids. It creates harsh shadows, washes out their faces, and often makes them look startled rather than happy. Instead, look for existing light sources. Porch lights, street lamps, and even the warm glow from jack-o’-lanterns can create beautiful, atmospheric lighting.

If you must use a flash, try bouncing it off a wall or ceiling if you’re indoors, or use a diffuser to soften the light. On smartphones, sometimes it’s better to turn the flash off completely and bump up your exposure in editing later.

Choose Your Location Wisely

Think Beyond Your Front Porch

While there’s nothing wrong with classic front porch photos (and yes, you should definitely get those!), don’t limit yourself to just one location. Here in Sudbury, we have such beautiful natural settings that can add so much to your Halloween photos.

Consider heading to a local park where fall foliage is still vibrant. The contrast of colorful autumn leaves with Halloween costumes creates stunning visual interest. Bell Park is one of my favorite spots this time of year—the trees, the lake in the background, and the paths make for gorgeous backdrops.

You could also look for old buildings, rustic fences, or even a pumpkin patch. These locations add character and context to your photos, making them feel like they tell a story rather than just documenting a costume.

Create a Mini Setup at Home

If you want more controlled conditions, set up a little Halloween scene in your backyard or even inside your home. Gather pumpkins, hay bales, cornstalks, fall mums, and other seasonal decorations to create a festive backdrop. You don’t need much—even just a collection of pumpkins arranged on your steps can provide a perfect setting.

The beauty of a home setup is that you can take your time, the kids are comfortable, and you can easily grab any props or make costume adjustments as needed.

Capture Genuine Expressions and Moments

Ditch the Stiff Poses

This is where I see a lot of parents struggle. They line their kids up, tell them to say “cheese,” and wonder why the photos feel forced. Here’s the secret: the best photos happen when kids are being themselves.

Instead of asking for a posed smile, engage your children in an activity. Have them practice their trick-or-treating by knocking on your door. Get them to show you their scariest monster face or their best superhero pose. Ask them questions about their costume—”Show me how a dinosaur walks!” or “Can you fly like a superhero?”

These interactions create authentic expressions and movement, resulting in photos that capture their personality and the joy of the moment. Some of my favorite shots are the in-between moments: a child adjusting their mask, siblings comparing their candy hauls, or the genuine laugh that comes from something silly happening during the shoot.

Get Down to Their Level

As a photographer, I spend a lot of time on my knees, sitting on the ground, or even lying down. Why? Because photographing kids from an adult’s standing height creates a disconnected perspective. When you get down to your child’s eye level, you create a more intimate, engaging photo.

This perspective makes the viewer feel like they’re right there with your child, experiencing Halloween through their eyes. Plus, you’ll avoid those awkward upward-angle shots that capture more nostrils than cute costume details!

Pay Attention to Costume Details

Zoom In on the Little Things

While full-body shots are important for showing off the complete costume, don’t forget to capture the details. Get close-ups of their carefully painted face, their tiny hands holding a trick-or-treat bag, their special shoes, or any unique accessories that make the costume special.

These detail shots become even more precious as years pass. You’ll love looking back at those tiny hands and remembering just how small they once were.

Style the Costume Thoughtfully

Sometimes costumes need a little styling for photos. Make sure masks aren’t covering their faces completely (or remove them for photos), adjust capes so they’re visible, and ensure all the key costume elements are showing. If your child has a prop like a wand, lightsaber, or stuffed animal sidekick, incorporate it into the photos.

Also, consider the layering situation. I know we’re in Canada, and October can be chilly, but try to get some photos before the winter coat goes on over the costume. Snap those beautiful costume shots first, then bundle them up for the actual trick-or-treating.

Include Siblings and the Whole Family

Capture the Sibling Dynamic

If you have multiple children, get photos of them together! Sibling shots on Halloween are absolutely precious. You’ll love having photos of them at these specific ages, in their costumes, together.

To keep siblings engaged and looking natural, give them something to do together. Have them hold hands, compare treat bags, tell each other jokes, or even stage a playful “battle” between their characters. These interactive shots are far more interesting than simply standing side by side.

Don’t Forget Family Photos

Parents, I’m talking to you! Get in the photo. I know you might not be in costume, or you might feel like you’re not “photo ready,” but your kids will treasure having pictures with you. Years from now, they won’t care if your hair was perfect—they’ll love seeing themselves with you, celebrating together.

Set up your camera on a tripod with a timer, or don’t be shy about asking a neighbor or friend to snap a few family shots. Even better, consider hiring a family photographer (like me!) to capture these moments professionally, so everyone can be in the photos stress-free.

Technical Tips for Better Photos

Focus on the Eyes

Whether you’re using a smartphone or a camera, always focus on your child’s eyes. Eyes are the window to the soul, as they say, and they’re what draw viewers into a photograph. If the eyes are sharp and in focus, the photo will feel successful even if other elements aren’t perfect.

On most smartphones, you can tap on your child’s face to ensure the camera focuses there. On a DSLR or mirrorless camera, use a single focus point and place it on the nearest eye.

Use Burst Mode for Action Shots

Kids move fast, especially when they’re excited about Halloween. Use your camera’s burst mode (continuous shooting) to capture multiple frames in quick succession. This is especially helpful for capturing kids running, jumping, or interacting with each other. You’ll increase your chances of getting at least one shot where everyone’s expression is great and the movement looks natural.

Keep Your Camera Ready

Some of the best Halloween moments are completely spontaneous—the excitement when they see their reflection in the mirror wearing their costume, the concentration as they try to carve (or decorate) a pumpkin, or their reaction to seeing the neighborhood decorations. Keep your camera accessible so you can capture these unplanned moments.

Don’t Stress About Perfection

Here’s something I remind my clients all the time: the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to capture the memory, the feeling, the fun of this moment in your family’s life. Some of the most cherished photos are the ones where someone’s making a goofy face, the costume’s a bit crooked, or someone’s looking the wrong way.

If your three-year-old refuses to cooperate, or your seven-year-old suddenly becomes camera-shy, take a breath. Give them space, make it fun, and remember that even the chaotic, imperfect moments make great stories later.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is such a special time for families, and photos help us hold onto these fleeting moments just a little longer. Every year, I’m amazed at how quickly kids grow and how much they change from one Halloween to the next. That’s why capturing these memories matters so much.

Don’t forget Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Whether you’re photographing your little pumpkin, your tiny superhero, or your miniature monster, I hope these tips help you create photos you’ll love for years to come. And hey, if you decide you’d rather have someone else handle the photography so you can simply enjoy the moment with your kids, you know where to find me!

Happy Halloween, Sudbury families! Now get out there and capture some magic!