Cover photo by Yukihiro
As Halloween approaches, you might find yourself thinking of unique night photography ideas.
In this article, we introduce easy-to-implement horror photography techniques perfect for Halloween. Use light painting and white balance adjustments to create your own 'eerie night'!
Photo by Tsubasa Mfg
Draw 'Ghosts' with Long Exposure
Using long exposure allows you to capture ghostly afterimages. Secure your camera on a tripod and set a slow shutter speed. As the subject moves slightly, it creates a ghost-like blur, adding a unique atmosphere.
Photo by Yukihiro
Light painting with glowing wires or flashlights is also recommended. By using red or blue filters, you can create a fantastical scene with blood-like red or cold blue lights.
Add a Chilly Atmosphere with White Balance
For Halloween photography, adjusting the white balance to change the mood is effective. Set the Kelvin value low, between 2000 and 3000K, to add a cold bluish tint to the entire photo, enhancing the spookiness.
Photo by chiyochan
Shooting in black and white is also recommended. By making it monochrome, the contrast of shadows and light on the subject stands out, creating a more dramatic effect.
Emphasize 'Eeriness' with Post-Editing
After shooting, enhance the atmosphere further with editing software. Increase the contrast and add grain or noise to achieve a look reminiscent of old horror films. Adding a layer of smoke can also effectively recreate a 'foggy night' atmosphere.
Photo by ぐーぐーくじら
Incorporating props or backgrounds with trees or ruins can result in a high-quality work that looks like a scene from a horror movie.
