Halloween is one of the best holidays for boudoir photography. From the spooky decorations and costumes to the popular trick-or-treat activity, the holiday presents several opportunities for pictures, including some nasty, darker photographs.
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As an experienced photographer with hands-on experience, I will share tips to help you capture stunning Halloween-inspired boudoir photos. In this blog, you will learn how to shoot nasty, seductive storytelling images. So, keep reading.
What are the best camera settings for Halloween boudoir photography?
Although there’s no fixed camera setting, here are the most common camera settings I use when creating Halloween boudoir photos:
- Aperture: F/2.8 to f/4
- ISO: Between 100 to 400
- Shutter speed: At least 1/100th of a second.
1. Start with a brief talk with your subject
First, have a brief communication with the clients or subjects to know their plans for the photos and how they want them. You can do this via Zoom call or even through Whatsapp chat or whatever platform you think will be convenient for you and the clients.
Bonus tip: During the call session, do not forget to ask about their budgets for the session – this is very important as it will help you plan accordingly. Ensure you agree on a rate before proceeding.
2. Always find a suitable location
After getting to know the expectations of your clients, find a location that will complement their envisioned boudoir images. Depending on your arrangements, you can use a dimly lit room, an old house, or even an outdoor setting like a forest or cemetery.
Similarly, decide on a particular time for the picture. I recommend the blue hour if you want to capture spooky, nasty Halloween boudoir photographs. I have provided brief but detailed information about the blue hour in one of the articles I wrote earlier (link provided below); go through it to learn more tips.
3. Bring the right equipment to the location
Ultimately, the location and hour of the day will determine the kind of lighting equipment you will use to capture the pictures. For instance, you may need to use a flash or Speedlight if the session will occur outdoors during the dark hour. You may not need a flash if you will be capturing the pictures in your studio or a well-lit room.
Additionally, you may need to bring along a bed or air mattress, a couch, and some wall art for the background. But all these will depend on the selected location. You can’t bring or use art designs or wallpapers in the cemetery, so make sure you select the appropriate tools.
4. Always sign the papers first
Yes, sign the papers before you start shooting. Discuss and agree on a particular term about the distribution of the pictures and sign the consent forms accordingly.
Bonus tip: Ensure you include a ‘non-refundable’ term in the contract because some clients, especially amateurs, are usually nervous and unpredictable and may want to cancel the session at the last minute. But having such a policy will encourage them to come for the photoshoot or lose their money.
5. You will need a hairstylist and makeup artist
You may choose to have a standby hairstylist or makeup artist to help tidy up and make your subject appear spooky before the photo shoot. Some clients usually come prepared; nonetheless, you have to be ready for anything.
6. Do not forget costumes and outfits
The costumes and outfits are as important as the photo shoot itself. So consider encouraging your client to bring a selection of outfits like lingerie, Queen of Hearts Costumes, and other seductive Halloween-themed clothing. You may bring along some props too.
7. Learn how to instill confidence in your subject
You must learn how to build confidence in your subjects’ minds if you want to succeed as a boudoir photographer. I have had several clients who required some words of encouragement from me to undress and pose. Sometimes, your ability or inability to inspire them can result in your success or failure as a boudoir photographer.
8. Set the mood using scented candles or music
Once you have successfully agreed on the location and signed the legal papers, set the mood for the boudoir photographs. Ensure you create a spooky or atmospheric ambiance by using appropriate lighting techniques.
You may use cinnamon candles to help your model feel relaxed throughout the session. You can also explore other options like putting on soft music. Do not play random songs; play their favorite songs instead.
Bonus tip: Start by appreciating their bodies, but don’t take that to the extreme edge. Keep everything soft and simple.
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10. Have a shot list
Having a shot list will make the work faster and smoother. Find great Halloween-theme boudoir photographs online, and always have your client or subject point out the ones they like. Then aim to recreate the images picked. This will save you time and energy.
11. Learn posing
Learn how to guide the client through poses that will showcase their best body features and evoke scary but seductive emotions. Practically, you will learn what poses work best as you shoot, but I encourage you to be proactive by going through the articles to learn some boudoir photography posing ideas.
30+ Tips And Ideas For First Boudoir Session for Female Models
30+ Male Boudoir Photography Ideas For A Seductive Photoshoot
12. Shooting boudoir photographs
Although shooting Halloween-theme boudoir photos requires some artistic vision, you will find the task interesting and fun if you adhere to the tips I have provided earlier. Once the location, atmosphere, lighting, and everything else are set, adjust your camera settings to suit the lighting situation and take intimate shots from varying angles.
Bonus tip: Focus on the curves.
13. Don’t forget to edit and post-process the images
Finally, slightly edit the images to add desired visually interesting elements. Focus on adjusting exposure, white balance, and sharpness. Ultimately, I recommend you find an editing procedure that works for you and will always result in a 5-star rating from your clients.