How to Photograph Jack-O-Lanterns with a Digital Camera

It is the time of year when ghosts and goblins run amok and there is no better time to capture one of Halloween’s best photo opportunities- the jack-o-lantern. Jack-o-lanterns are a great subject for beginning photographers because they provide a stationary subject that just pleads to be photographed in the dark.

Jack-O-Lantern Setup

First, get your pumpkin situated in an uncluttered environment so that it can be the main focus of the photo. In the example photographs, the jack-o-lantern is set on a chair that is covered with a dark colored blanket. Since this jack is a little lopsided, under the blanket is a pillow so that the pumpkin will have something to settle into and hold it upright.

You will need to decide on the lighting that will go inside. One candle is typical lighting, but a large candle may be too bright, which will wash out the colors in the photos. Two small tea candles add just enough light to illuminate the jack-o-lantern and have the added bonus of giving the photo extra light points, which makes the image more interesting.

Camera Setup

Next, set up your camera for the shots. You will need to set your camera on a tripod to avoid camera shake that is caused when you take photos in low light and longer exposure times.

Set your camera to high ISO or auto mode and turn off the flash. Set the timer and zoom in on the pumpkin. Halfway depress the shutter to focus your camera, then press the shutter button all the way down. Step back and let the camera take the picture.

Tips

Now that you know the basics, these tips will get you on your way to taking fantastic photos that will make your friends say “wow” instead of “boo.”

• Try to find unusual angles
• Shoot from above
• Shoot from below
• Get close up and photograph the candles burning
• Crop the photo tightly
• Take a picture of just the mouth or eyes
• Take off the lid and photograph from the inside out
• Take a photo of someone lighting the candles inside the jack-o-lantern