As the spooky season rolls around, many of us are drawn to fun and creative ways to celebrate, and this year’s trends—the ghost and pumpkin head photo shoots—offered the perfect opportunity to blend seasonal fun with striking visuals. I had the pleasure of working with clients in Las Cruces, capturing these popular trends in the desert after dark, where the open, eerie landscape helped create an atmospheric, otherworldly vibe.
From floating, sheet-covered ghosts to haunting pumpkin-headed figures, these sessions have been a blast—not only for my clients but for me as a photographer, as I used these shoots to experiment with new techniques and push my creative boundaries.
Spooky Season Fun: Ghosts and Pumpkins Come to Life
We kicked off the season with the ghost trend, where clients draped themselves in sheets and sunglasses, transforming into playful, spooky figures roaming the desert landscape. By shooting after dark, we leaned into the mysterious, ghostly vibe—perfect for the haunting atmosphere of the season. The desert was quiet, with only the wind sweeping through the dried plants, creating the perfect backdrop to let the imagination run wild.
Then, it was time for the pumpkin head shoot. This quirky trend saw clients donning carved pumpkins as headpieces, creating a playful yet eerie mood. As the sun set and the desert air cooled, we took full advantage of the fading light and the dramatic shadows to make the photos stand out. It was a fun, lighthearted experience that brought out plenty of laughs and creativity from both myself and my partner.
A Fun Way to Get to Know Your Photographer
One of the best things about these themed photo shoots is the atmosphere they create—fun, lighthearted, and incredibly personal. When clients come out for something a bit quirky or outside of the box, it gives us a chance to relax, laugh, and have a great time while capturing the perfect shots. These creative, themed shoots are a wonderful way to get to know your photographer, and they give me the opportunity to understand my clients’ personalities. It helps build a comfortable rapport, which is key for any photo shoot—whether it’s boudoir, portraits, or something more traditional.
Experimenting with New Techniques
These creative photo shoots are not just about seasonal fun—they also offer a great way for me to experiment and continue learning as a photographer. During the pumpkin head shoot, I took the opportunity to practice self-portraits for the first time. Stepping in front of the camera was a new experience for me and helped me better understand the nuances of posing and camera placement from the client’s perspective. Every session, especially one that’s a bit outside the norm, teaches me something new—whether it’s how to use light in unexpected ways or how to enhance the atmosphere of a setting as unique as the Las Cruces desert after dark.
There’s always a new technique to learn or a creative challenge to tackle, and that’s part of what makes these kinds of shoots so exciting. With each ghost or pumpkin-themed session, I found new ways to approach light, posing, and editing. It’s these creative experiences that keep photography fresh, allowing both me and my clients to push beyond the ordinary.
Get in on the Fun: Book Your Themed Photoshoot
If you’ve been looking for a fun and creative way to capture the spooky season—or any season, really—why not try a themed photo shoot? It’s a great way to showcase your personality, have a blast, and create lasting memories. Whether you want to embrace the ghost or pumpkin head trend or come up with your own quirky idea, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Natural Exploration 