Make a little Halloween magic
Halloween lasts one night, but the photos can come out every October for years. Grab a few bedsheets, wait for dusk, and try these three easy phone camera tricks for ghostly, giggly family photos.
Spooky effects, straight from your phone
1. Motion blur ghosts
A slow shutter turns the slightest movement into a supernatural shadow. Prop your phone on something steady, then have your ghost sway, spin, or drift through the frame.
2. Double exposure
Layer two photos into one for a see-through, haunted-house look. Shoot once with your subject and once without, or blend in a spooky background from your camera roll.
3. Spooky silhouettes
Put the light behind your subject and let the shadows do the work. Outdoors, shoot about an hour before sunset. Indoors, hang a sheet and light it from behind.
Little touches, big atmosphere
Dress the part
Classic bedsheet ghosts, a witch's hat, or vintage clothes from the back of the closet. Simple costumes photograph best.
Chase the dusk
The light right around sunset is naturally moody. It gives you long shadows now and a deep blue sky a few minutes later.
Add a glow
Pumpkins, gourds, dried flowers, and candlelight. LED candles give the same warm flicker and are safer around costumes.
Shoot it this weekend, display it all month
These photos deserve more than a camera roll. Print them while the pumpkins are still on the porch.
Pick a spot, grab your sheets, and snap away at dusk.
Choose your favorites and place your order.
Most prints are ready. Pick up in Orem or have them shipped.
Spooky ways to print them
Photo strips
Line up your ghostly series in a row for a little haunted photo booth moment. Perfect on the fridge or mantel.
Shop photo strips →Memory pages
Gather the whole night on one page: costumes, pumpkins, and trick-or-treat smiles, ready for the scrapbook.
Shop memory pages →A "you've been booed" treat
Tuck a spooky print into a boo bag for the neighbors and spread a little Halloween mischief.
Get the free printable →Halloween photoshoot FAQ
What's the best time of day for a Halloween photoshoot?
About an hour before sunset through dusk. Early on, the low sun gives strong shadows for silhouettes. As it gets dark, the blue sky and candlelight feel naturally spooky.
How do I get a motion blur ghost effect on my phone?
On iPhone, take a Live Photo, then switch it to Long Exposure in the Photos app. On Android, use Pro or Motion mode with a slower shutter. Keep the phone steady and let your subject move.
Will my Halloween photos be ready in time?
Most photo prints are ready in 1 business day, with local pickup in Orem, Utah. Order a week or so before Halloween if you're having them shipped.
What are easy DIY Halloween costumes for photos?
Bedsheet ghosts are the classic for a reason: cheap, quick, and perfect for motion blur. Witch hats, capes, and vintage clothing also photograph beautifully.
These are the memories they'll ask about
The year everyone was a ghost. The pumpkin that caved in. The giggles under the sheets. Print them and bring them out every October.
Your pictures matter. Your memories matter. Print them.
Share your spooky shots and tag @persnicketyprints. We love seeing them!