Halloween Photo Trends
Halloween is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing for photographers—it's time to embrace the spookiest season with trendy, fun, and creative Halloween photo sessions! Halloween offers endless possibilities for imaginative photography. To help you plan your next session, we've rounded up some of the top Halloween photo trends from recent years that continue to make a splash on social media and in portfolios everywhere.
These aren't just passing fads; they've become staples in Halloween photography, capturing the essence of the holiday with spooky flair. In fact, you might say they've crossed over from fleeting trends to modern Halloween classics! So grab your camera, channel your inner ghoul, and let these iconic themes inspire your next hauntingly beautiful shoot.
Pumpkin Heads
At some point in recent years, the trend of carving pumpkins and wearing them as helmets skyrocketed to the go-to Halloween photoshoot idea. Maybe it was inspired by everyone binge-watching Over the Garden Wall and deciding the “pumpkin people” perfectly captured the “not-too-spooky” Halloween vibe, or perhaps a few creative minds posted their pumpkin-headed antics and social media did the rest. Whatever the origin, this quirky trend is here to stay—and with endless possibilities for creativity, your pumpkin head session can be anything but ordinary! From eerie to whimsical, this trend offers a playful way to get in the Halloween spirit while putting your unique spin on a seasonal classic.
Image by Tonya Miriam
Edited with Quest 20 Orphic
Give your pumpkin-headed subjects their own personalities by customizing the Jack-o-Lantern faces carved as well as their outfits and poses!
Image by Bees and Mulberry Photography
Edited with Quest 20 Orphic
Spice up a fall wedding by adding white carved pumpkins for your couple to wear!
Image by Mariah Arianna
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
Cool Ghosts
Following hot on the heels of the pumpkin head craze, the “cool ghost” trend took over—and it’s everywhere! From humans to pets (and yes, even cows), people have embraced the simplicity of throwing on a white sheet and adding a pair of sunglasses for a quirky, laid-back ghost look. This inexpensive and easy costume has swept social media, with cool ghosts making appearances in all sorts of creative photoshoots. It’s become the Halloween trend, adding a playful twist to the classic ghost costume and proving that sometimes, the most iconic looks are the simplest ones.
Images by Brooke Ladoceur
Edited with Quest 20 Orphic
The quirkier the places you can take your cool ghosts, the better! Ghosts doing everyday things makes this trend even more fun!
Image by Bees and Mulberry Photography
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
For a fine art twist on the ghost trend, use transparent fabric or tulle so you can still see your subject beneath, and add details like jewelry or crowns for a storytelling style element.
Ghoulish Face Painting
One of the most timeless and iconic Halloween trends on social media is the art of transforming your face into a skeleton or ghoul with makeup. This trend has taken on countless creative variations over the years, from the intricate La Catrina face painting for Día de los Muertos to glamorously bedazzled skull designs. Whether you opt for a hauntingly realistic look or add an artistic, glittery twist, skeleton makeup continues to be a go-to choice for creating stunning, spooky visuals that never go out of style.
Image by Mariah Arianna
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
Image by Mariah Arianna
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
Image by Bees and Mulberry Photography
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
No talent for face painting or lack the time to do the intricate makeup? Get a similar spooky effect using masks and other costume pieces for a dark, brooding, creepy aesthetic!
Image by Bees and Mulberry Photography
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
Image by Bees and Mulberry Photography
Edited with Quest 41 Raven
Do you have a favorite Halloween photo trend? Let us know in the comments!