With Halloween just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about some great photo traditions to start with the kids. I came across some wonderful sites online with tips on making the most of the holiday photo opportunities.

New York Institute of Photography: How to Take Great Halloween Pictures - This site has tons of tips and ideas on how to turn typical Halloween pictures, like the jack-o-lantern on the front porch or trick-or-treaters on their way around the block, into professional-looking photographs.

Digital Photography School: Holiday Photography Tips - Tips that you can use year-round to make your pictures better, applied to the Halloween holiday.

Kodak: Taking Great Halloween Pictures - This article by Kodak offers great photography tips in general as well as some ideas for some really cool Halloween pictures. Up for seeing ghosts, anyone?

A few of my favorite tips from these sites:

• Take pictures in the late afternoon when you can use soft, natural light.


• Try using a tripod and turning off your flash so as not to overexpose the picture.


• To get "night" shots, take the pictures before it is completely dark. When pictures are printed, the bluish purple sky of twilight seems darker.


• Get close. Good, now get closer. Fill your frame with your subject. This helps to unclutter your image and make your photograph really pop.

There are great photo opportunities to be had year after year. Do you have any favorite shots for your family?

Happy Haunting! - Sara I.