Halloween is one of my favorite seasons, filled with cozy autumn vibes, pumpkins, and a touch of spooky charm. Because of this, I’ve combined my love for Halloween with dog photography, creating a Halloween-themed series where dogs pose with pumpkins among golden trees and autumn leaves but also in the dark and spooky forests…..Or maybe HellWoods?

Creating the “Halloween spirit” in photos is all about capturing the right atmosphere and finding something unique and new as the idea is most important at the beginning of the creative process! For me, it’s a mix of natural elements, like golden autumn leaves and dramatic lighting, combined with fun props that hint at spooky themes. This year, we used lots of pumpkins (my favorite Halloween staple), and my friend, who participated in the shoot, even carved a pumpkin herself so she could wear it as a headpiece. It’s actually real, which added an extra layer of authenticity and fun! I used colored lights as well, especially red and orange, to add an eerie glow and accentuate the “spooky” atmosphere.

One of my favorite photos from this series has to be of my border collie, Cirilla. She placed her paw on a pumpkin and was covered in spider webs, all while lowering her head to give an intense look. I’d asked her to do a different pose, but she kept raising her paw in the air, which ended up working perfectly. She has a knack for suggesting poses herself! Another favorite is my younger border collie, Zireael, illuminated by a red rim light. It truly captures her personality—charmingly cute but with a hint of mischief!

These photos are also creatively edited, as editing has always been a big part of my process and allows me to fully realize my vision. As an artist, it’s where I get to unleash my creativity completely, blending my ideas with the scene to bring out the Halloween spirit in a unique way.

For anyone looking to capture their own Halloween-themed pet photos at home, my biggest advice is to prioritize your dog’s comfort and enjoyment. Make sure they’re not afraid of any props, and always keep it lighthearted! Use their favorite treats or toys as a reward; this motivates them to enjoy the experience and gives you more authentic, happy poses. Most importantly, let them lead the way if they want—some of the best shots come from moments when dogs get creative on their own.