My sister Alexandra and I have been doing an annual Halloween shoot since 2018, and this year is my favorite one so far. I bit off a little more than I could chew this fall, and because of COVID-19 and the stay-at-home mandate earlier this year, it felt like us photographers had to cram a full season’s worth of work into three months.
In September, Alex and I began to briefly toss around ideas for our 2020 spooky shoot. As Halloween inched nearer, I worried we wouldn’t even be able do our shoot before the Oct. 31 date. With the sun setting earlier and earlier, a tightly packed schedule, and weather that threatened rain, I thought we’d have to nix the idea altogether or push it to November.
On Oct. 29, I told my sister to be fully ready at 4. I’d be home from work by 4:30, the sun would set at 5:30, and I was hellbent at knocking this shoot out. When I arrived home, I saw her fully decked in her spider gear and killer makeup per usual!
At 4:30, we hopped in the car without much of a plan. I hoped to find a dilapidated barn or shed, but knew time wasn’t on our side. I drove to a nearby reservation and hoped the inspiration would strike. “If I was a spider, where would I go?” I joked.
Alex was such a trooper in the windy, low-40s weather. I knew we only needed a few photos, and boy, did we deliver!
We were surprised to see many people in the park considering how chilly it was, but we’ve both gotten pretty used to “working in public.” We used to get really nervous about photographing and being photographed in front of other people, but with practice, we’ve gotten comfortable. No one has ever gawked at us strangely, and in most cases, stop to comment on how awesome Alex looks. 😉 One couple walked by and noted, “You look so pretty! Those photos are going to be awesome.”
This Halloween shoot is my favorite of them all for many reasons. As Alex and I work more and more together, both of our skills improve. I love seeing how both of us, even if we don’t have a particular vision in mind, can figure out how to make a certain space or look work.
As we walked back to the car, we began discussing ideas for our 2021 spooky shoot. All I have to say is: get ready. It’s going to be the most epic yet.
Remember the itsy bitsy spider? This is her all grow up. Do you feel old yet?
I also played around with Instagram Reels and Tik Tok. I’m embarrassed at how long it took me to figure it out lol. I want to use them a bit more during client shoots, so give me a follow if you’re interested! Happy Halloween, everyone!
