Trade Tricks and Treats

Alright, with less than a week to go, I'm just going to get down to the Halloween picture nitty-gritty. Now, I don't expect to win any Nobel Peace Prize with this stuff (not today anyway) but I do have an obligation to offer up some suggestions here to the peeps that have been asking for pointers. Like the lovely Kristen of The Mom Trap who is not only 7 months pregnant but will by flying solo this Halloween and will be chasing her daughter around the neighborhood. God, doesn't that sound like a hoot? Guys, if you see a two-year-old-chicken-dragon running down your street, it's probably "Q". Grab her for Kristen, would ya? I know she'll appreciate the help.

So, here are a few dos and don'ts. I'll start with the don'ts. Actually, there's really only one don't.

Ready? (drum roll please)

If you want good photos of your children in their costumes DON'T wait until Halloween Night to take them. It's the big photo no-no of the holiday. You will never win with this one, I promise, so don't even bother trying. Us moms spend too much time and energy on these costumes to take that kind of gamble. Instead, here's some other options where you will have much better luck getting the perfect shot and let me preface these by saying all of these ideas on the do list should take place in the daytime (better pictures).

1.Have a party. When my first daughter was old enough to walk, I began to have annual Halloween gatherings for all my mom friends and their costumed toddlers just so I could have perfect photo ops. I swear. I'm that crazy. We'd have a little snack and coffee and lead the kids in a costume parade. Super simple and totally adorable. The pictures from those parties remain some of my favorites to this day.

2. Attend a party. Now that I've passed the Halloween party torch, a friend of mine has had the parties and I will say that I have even more time now to shoot pix of the kids all dressed up because I'm not worrying about being the hostess. I'm always sure to get a few shots of each child and last year I posted them up at a photo sharing website (shutter fly) so everyone could enjoy them.

3. Leave it to school. Take your camera to any costume event that your kids will participate in. Chances are when they are busy and engaged in the festivities they will be easier to capture in a non-pressured moment.

4. Use the yard. One fine afternoon (like this Saturday) let them play outside in their costumes. Kids are so stoaked to dress up in their Ninja suits a few days early, they'll be all smiles for photos. Let them play and have some fun. Throw some pumpkins in the front as well for posterity. And if you are one of the unfortunate parents who have to endure snow this time of year (god help you) you can just do the same thing indoors. And if you need to, you can turn on the flash. I won't hold it against you.

Here's today's visual demonstration and why you should take my advice.

Why just settle for this?

When you can get this????

Ribbit.

Comments

[Divrchk]

Great tips! Thanks and am definitely going to take your advice!

[Kristen]

LMAO on the chicken dragon...

PSSSSSSSSSSST. I returned the chicken.

I'm an awful mother...

:)

[Jen]

Great tips! I'll remember those!

[KaraB]

Thanks for the tips! I've been reading your site for only a couple of months - but done plenty of perusing through your archives (thanks for the oranization!) I can't wait to gather more and more of these little tips and tricks.

I'm also saving up some questions (like what to look for in an SLR) for when the time is right.

I just wanted to let you know that I think it's awesome that you are willing to share your trade! Thanks!

[Bunny]

I was just thinking how all of my pictures are just mediocre, but my subjects are anything but! I am anxious to take your advice. And I think I only dress my kids up for Halloween for the picture taking opportunities. And maybe the free candy.

[Guinevere Meadow]

Hi! Clicked over here from "the Mom Trap." These are great tips! I love photography, too, so I can't wait for my little one to be born so I can enter your contests!! lol! Your photos are wonderful- can't wait to see more!

[Shrinkingmom]

I always make my kids get dressed up WAY before it's time to trick-or-treat so I can take photos. At least I try! (Some years are tougher than others.)

[Michelle]

I am so excited about your tips...I am thinking we will be trying them out tomorrow! Thanks! :)

[Rachelle]

Brilliant!!! I am doing this on Saturday!!! THANKS Tracey.

[mrscrumley]

That is a great picture and I am now inspired to be a frog for our Fall Party on Sunday. Fuller and his Dad are going as Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat.

Me, I want to be a frog.

[N.]

I wish I had found your blog BEFORE Halloween! I have the perfect Halloween shot, but the lighting is horrid. What to do about those perfect poses, but awful flash in the dark shots??