What is a Spooky Mini?


It's a Halloween inspired mini session for individuals, couples, and families who love to get creative during the Spooky Season. Many of my families this year were able to make fun memories and even get some creative maternity photos done for their baby showers! It's always fun to be apart of that!

A couple poses outdoors wearing pumpkin heads in matching black outfits.

The wonderful pumpkin head trend!

A couple in autumn clothing embraces in a park setting with cloudy skies.

Maternity photo for their Halloween themed baby shower!

Is there a thing as being too Spooky?

In my opinion, no way! Costumes, mask, props, smoke bombs, makeup, glitter, etc. is what Halloween is all about! Being able to become something other than your everyday self, a character, favorite thing, funny trend, etc. It is all fun! Take a look below to see how other families and couples got creative this year. Some were minimal and were able to take off and on the mask. Others came with head-to-toe makeup and costumes to really get into the look they were going for. So, depending on the theme you are going for I'd say GO ALL OUT!

Vintage Halloween scene with children and figures in ghost masks posing with pumpkins in a grassy field.
Small child dressed in adorable Monsters Inc Sully costume with plush Mike Wazowski toy on grass.
Magical sparkles and purple lighting effects create a mystical Halloween scene.
Family Halloween portrait with lit jack-o-lantern and spooky green lighting effects.
Autumn sunlight filters through trees as a figure poses in burgundy clothing.
A figure in a witch hat poses playfully among golden autumn leaves.
Spooky Halloween photo shoot with person in light jacket posing playfully while someone wears a scary mask in the background.
Candles illuminate a spooky Halloween scene with white fabric on grass at dusk.
Playful couple in matching skeleton costumes pose together for Halloween photos.
A witch silhouette with a black hat holds blue glowing decorations at dusk.
Purple smoke effects surround a figure in a witch costume with magical light effects.
Couple in skeleton costumes wearing jack-o-lantern heads embrace in romantic Halloween photoshoot.

What are some things to think about when choosing a theme/costume?

01.


Favorite characters or trend?

Many find it hard to choose between doing a cute toy story family look and the ghost sheet trend. Minis can last anywhere between 15 to 20 mins. This year my Spooky Minis were for 15 minutes each. Some families/couples were able to quickly change with ease with simple costumes. Others knew they had to choose ONE with how dressed up they wanted to become in their theme. So always take into account how much time you have and how much time it may take to change outfits.


02.


Can you move?

It may seem very silly but being able to walk, sit, see is a big factor. Most importantly, are you comfortable? Trust me, if you are not comfortable it will definitely affect the outcome of your photos.


03.


Think about the location.

IF you are wanting to do something with fire or smoke bombs, PLEASE think about the area you are shooting in. There are so many things that either can go wrong or accidents that may happen. RESEARCH your props/products. Make sure they have been tested and are safe. READ others reviews on how well the product is to operate. WATCH tutorials on how the product works and how to get it going before your session, so your time isn't wasted figuring it out. All of us photographers want our client's safety to be number one priority as well as the amazing locations we have the privilege of shooting at.

Why didn't you provide props this year?

To be honest, I didn't provide props this year because I didn't want to stick to ONE look. I wanted my clients to be able to have some freedom to what they wanted! Plus, it helps to give each session a different look and that is best when it comes to Halloween.

What if I want to do props?

As a photographer I say go for it! When deciding what you are going to offer your clients, think:

  1. Is there a certain look that I want to capture?
  2. Do I want to attract a certain flow of clients?
  3. How much will it cost and how much time will it take to set up?


As a client, if your photographer does not offer props I would definitely ask if and what you can bring with you to your session. Form a line of communication with your photographer to share your ideas and photos of inspiration with them. It will be very helpful to both of you to get your desired photos.

Halloween themed photoshoot with person in jacket posing while others wear creepy masks in background.
Witchy Halloween scene with cauldron, pumpkins, and fog effects at sunset.
Halloween fashion shoot featuring skeleton costume and carved pumpkins in outdoor setting.
Magical Halloween scene with sparkly effects and person holding purple broomstick prop.

Stay safe, have fun, and I am looking forward to photographing you next year!