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A DIY Halloween Spooky Photo Booth

A DIY Halloween Spooky Photo Booth

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Hey Momma’s Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to add some extra fun to your party than with a DIY photo booth? This blog will be quick and to the point to get you on your way to setting up a spooky Halloween photobooth area. A photo booth is a great way to capture memories and create hilarious keepsakes.

Here are some tips for creating a spooky photo booth at home:

Create a backdrop using a sheet, a wall, or a piece of cardboard. You can decorate the backdrop with Halloween decorations, such as pumpkins, skeletons, and cobwebs.

Set up a backdrop:

Create a backdrop using a sheet, a wall, or a piece of cardboard. You can decorate the backdrop with Halloween decorations, such as pumpkins, skeletons, and cobwebs.
Gather props: Collect a variety of props that match your theme for your guests to use in their photos. Some ideas include hats, masks, wigs, and vampire teeth that you hand out as guests come in.

Gather props:

Gather props: Collect a variety of props that match your theme for your guests to use in their photos. Some ideas include hats, masks, wigs, and vampire teeth that you hand out as guests come in.
Set up a digital camera or smartphone tripod for guests to use. Ask guests to post and tag you or text them to you. 

Provide a Cell Phone Tripod:

Set up a digital camera or smartphone tripod for guests to use. Ask guests to post and tag you or text them to you. 
Use string lights or lanterns to create a festive atmosphere. Then add a soft box or a ring light.

Add lighting:

Use string lights or lanterns to create a festive atmosphere. Then add a soft box or a ring light.

10 Different Creative Halloween Photobooth Ideas For Your Next Halloween Party

  1. Spooky Science Lab: Set up a lab table with beakers, flasks, and bubbling potions. Have guests wear lab coats and goggles for a fun and educational photo booth experience.
  2. Underwater Adventure: Use a blue backdrop and string lights to create an underwater scene. Guests can wear swimsuits, snorkels, and fins for a fun and unique photo.
  3. Haunted Mansion: Create a spooky mansion scene using a backdrop, furniture, and decorations. Guests can wear costumes like ghosts, vampires, and witches.
  4. Time Travel: Set up a time machine backdrop and provide props like top hats, monocles, and vintage clothing. Guests can pose as time travelers from different eras.
  5. Candy Land: Create a colorful and sweet backdrop inspired by the popular board game. Guests can wear candy-themed costumes and hold candy props.
  6. Outer Space: Use a black backdrop with stars and planets to create an otherworldly scene. Guests can wear astronaut suits, alien costumes, or space-themed accessories.
  7. Horror Movie Scene: Create a scary scene inspired by a horror movie. Use props like chainsaws, axes, and fake blood to create a spooky atmosphere.
  8. Carnival Fun: Set up a carnival-themed backdrop with colorful stripes and lights. Guests can wear carnival costumes and hold cotton candy or balloons.
  9. Pixelated World: Create a pixelated backdrop using large blocks or sheets of paper. Guests can wear costumes inspired by video games or animated characters.
  10. Vintage Photo Studio: Set up a vintage photo studio with a backdrop, props, and lighting. Guests can dress up in vintage clothing and pose like old-time movie stars.

 

Once your photo booth is set up, encourage your guests to have fun and get creative with their poses. You can also provide a spooky photo booth props like a frame for guests to hold.

Here’s to a spooky Halloween party! 

Teen girl in purple flower

Fun Photoshoot at Petal Pix Studios: A Momtographer Review

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Avondale, AZ Photography at Petal Pix

Petal Pix Studio Review

Hey there! I wanted to share an awesome experience I had recently that could be just what you need for some summer fun and a unique place to take your kiddo (child or teen) for photos.

I took my daughter to Petal Pix Studios for her 16th birthday, and it was such a blast! This place is perfect for those of us who love capturing special moments in unique settings but are short on time.

Petal Pix Studios in Mesa, AZ: A Creative Photo Wonderland

Click here is you are interesting in checking out their website: Petal Pix Studios

Teen girl in purple flower
16 year old girl on swing
2024 May Dixie turns 16 A (56 of 80)

Petal Pix Studios in Arizona Teenage Girl Photoshoot

The staff at Petal Pix Studios was incredibly friendly and flexible, even accommodating us when we were running a bit late. It’s always nice to be greeted with a smile and understanding. As soon as you walk in, there is a vibrant photo area, one with butterfly wings right at the entrance. The studio features around 15 different themed rooms, each more unique than the last – from pink-inspired rooms to a fancy blue setting and even a stunning orange telephone booth! If you’re bringing your own camera, be mindful of the lighting. I brought my Nikon and Sony cameras but found the overhead lights tricky. Bringing your own lights or renting theirs can make a huge difference if you know how to use them. This studio is fantastic for experimenting with different setups, lighting and posing. It’s a great space to play around with your photography skills.

Fun Photoshoot at Petal Pix Studios: A Momtographer Review

A Few Tips If You Go On Your Own:

  • Start with Less Favorite Rooms: Begin with the rooms you’re less excited about to get a feel for the lighting and angles. Save your favorite backdrops for when you’re more comfortable.
  • Extra Lighting: The studio’s ceiling lights can cast shadows, so having additional lighting options can improve your shots. They can be rented if you don’t have your own. I also found the lower to the ground your subject is the less the shadows.
  • Space Considerations: Space can be tight if you have a DLSR/Mirrorless camera, so you might find yourself backed into corners or needing to use another photo space to get the right shot. I don’t think you will find this with a cell phone.
  • Plan Your Group: Note that there’s a per-person $30 fee per hour, even for those not being photographed. This can add up if you’re bringing along extra family members or friends.
  • Cell Phones Welcome: You don’t need a fancy camera – even your cell phone can capture great photos here!
I want more info on a photoshoot at Petal Pix with Kim VanOs Photography
Fun Photoshoot at Petal Pix Studios: A Momtographer Review
beautiful teenage girl

Overall Impression of Petal Pix Studio

The variety and fun of the different rooms make Petal Pix Studios a great spot for unique and playful photos. It’s perfect for social media, and while the quality (depending on the camera you use and the lights) might not be top-notch for large prints, it’s ideal for capturing beautiful photos.

Ready to Book Your Own Petal Pix Shoot?

If you’re looking to capture your child’s precious moments without the stress, why not book a session with me? (*Please note: Clients are responsible to book the session including the cost for me to get into Petal Pix for a photoshoot not including my session rates.)  I specialize in making these memories beautiful and stress-free. Let’s create some

vintage teen girl photoshoot Arizona

Ready to Book Your Own Petal Pix Shoot?

Kim

Flaunt Your Fabulous: How to Feel Confident Before the Family Photoshoot

Flaunt Your Fabulous: How to Feel Confident Before the Family Photoshoot

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This Is For All The Beautiful Momma's Out There Before Their Photoshoot

Hey there, pretty lady!

First since we are posting this a day early on Mother’s Day….Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Let’s talk about something that’s as nerve-wracking as it is exciting: family photoshoots. What to do when you are ready to capture beautiful memories with your loved ones, but you end up stressing over every little detail, especially how you are going to look in the photos.

So, you’ve got a photoshoot coming up, and you’re feeling a bit jittery? Totally normal! But let me tell you, there are some lesser-known tips and tricks that can help you rock that session with confidence.

Embracing Change

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: our changing bodies. As we sail through our 40s, our bodies go through some pretty wild transformations. I feel this to my very bones since I’ve already gone through menopause. But you know what? Those changes are what make us uniquely beautiful. Let’s learn to embrace them! Instead of focusing on what you perceive as flaws, celebrate what makes you, well, YOU. Isn’t that what we want our daughters to do?

Flaunt Your Fabulous: How to Feel Confident Before the Family Photoshoot

Navigating Wardrobe Choices for a Photoshoot

Next up, wardrobe woes. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest fashion trends or worry about what others might think of our outfit choices. But here’s the secret: wear what makes you feel like a million bucks. Whether it’s that killer dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion or your favorite jeans and tee combo, wear it with confidence.

 

Embracing the Chaos and Charm of Family Photoshoots with Kids

Now, let’s talk about the kiddos. They’re adorable, sure, but they can also be a handful during a photoshoot (yes, I’m also talking about our teenagers). Instead of stressing over getting the perfect shot, embrace the chaos. Candid moments often make for the best photos, so let your kiddos be themselves and enjoy the ride. (Even the pouty teenager who doesn’t want to be there.) 

 

Flaunt Your Fabulous: How to Feel Confident Before the Family Photoshoot

Embracing Relaxation and Joy in Family Photoshoots

And finally, remember to relax and have fun! Photoshoots are all about capturing precious moments with your family, so don’t let stress steal the spotlight. Take a deep breath, smile, and trust that your photographer will work their magic.

So, there you have it, gorgeous. With a little self-love, a killer outfit, and a whole lot of laughter, you’ll be feeling like the confident queen you are at your next family photoshoot. Cheers to making memories that will last a lifetime!

Big hugs Momma!

Kim VanOs

 

 

2024Robby (631 of 75)

Childhood Memories Photoshoot

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2024Robby (628 of 75)

Childhood Photoshoot with Stuffed Toys

I loved this childhood memories photoshoot because this cutie really came out of his shell once we started chatting about each of his stuffies. Robby LOVES stuffies and I mean really loves stuffies. I knew the moment his mom booked the shoot that we would incorporate as many of those stuffies as possible. To get your child to really have fun and give real smiles in a photo bringing in the things that s/he is passionate about will almost always do the trick. 

Capturing childhood with stuffed animals
Fun with stuffed toys photoshoot

Making children smile during a photoshoot

Once Robby started telling me about all the names of each and every stuffie in his collection. He then told me different stories about each one and how they interact with each other. With each story his smile got bigger, and he relaxed more allowing his personality to come out. These are the photos he will look back on remember all the fun he had with his beloved “stuffies”.

boy photoshoot birthday
2024Robby (619 of 75)
2024Robby (621 of 75)
2024Robby (623 of 75)
2024Robby (631 of 75)
boy photoshoot birthday
2024Robby (619 of 75)
2024Robby (621 of 75)
2024Robby (623 of 75)
2024Robby (631 of 75)

Taking your own childhood memories photos

The biggest things when taking your own child’s photos is….

  1. Making sure they are happy to be there. 
  2. Making sure you have really good lighting. 

But if you want someone else to capture those precious memories….

Click Here
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Wanna capture the action? Here’s how.

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Part III

This blog is a three-part serious and so if you haven’t read the previous 2 blogs, I highly recommend you start there since it will explain the overall concept of the exposure triangle when shooting in manual mode and aperture.
 
So, you got a DSLR...now what?
Blurry backgrounds

Shutter speed

If you have read the previous blogs or maybe you are just interested in shutter speed, then read on my friend. 
 
Shutter speed was my favorite setting to learn. I had small children who moved ALL the time. I wanted to be able to capture them in the bounce houses, playing sports or just running around on the playground. My kids really LOVED when I was learning about shutter speed because they just got to play, and I took photos. On the top of your camera is a mode dial with different types of settings. – Find the “S” on most camera’s (Nikon included) or “TV” on a Canon camera (which is Time Value). This is the Shutter Priority Auto. When this setting is chosen on mode dial it means you set the shutter speed on your camera, or you get to decide how fast the lens opens and closes.
 
So, you can capture that moment with your kids in the air on the bouncy house with a crisp clear photo or you can decide to show the motion of them jumping with some blur. I don’t know about you, but I never really had any trouble with the blur part and my kids, it was the crisp clear action shot that my heart desired. If you want crisp clear images then we just crank that Shutter Priority, right? Welllll yes and no. There is always a give and take in life isn’t there? It’s the same with photography. If you crank the shutter priority up, you sacrifice the light coming in. Remember the blog about the exposure triangle? Shutter Speed is how fast the lens opens and closes. Remember the faucet? Do you turn it on, so a trickle comes out? Or do you turn it all the way on, so it gushes water? The higher the shutter speed the faster the lens opens and closes.  On a full sunny day outdoors that’s not a big deal but if you are indoors you will have to decide how much light you can give up and still have a photo that is not just black.
 
The trick is to…
1. set the camera to the “S” (or “TV” if you have a Canon)
2. set the ISO as well and I recommend setting it at 200-400 for this experiment if you are outside.
3. The camera will decide your aperture or F-stop for you.
 
Make sure to check out what the other settings are as you adjust the shutter speed. Here are some examples:       
 
dog running
Shutter speed 60 F1/20 ISO 400
dog running
Shutter speed 200 f 1/11 ISO 400
dog running
Shutter speed 1000 f 1/5 ISO 400
I didn’t edit these photos so you can see how they come straight out of the camera. You can see the blur on my dog Layla in her tail in the first picture but it’s not there in the 3rd. 
 
Now it’s your turn. Take you kids out to play and snap away. You get to decide if you want the blur or not.  If you take the time to try this out, drop me a couple photos on Facebook, Instagram or email. I can’t wait to see what type of photo art you create. 
 
Follow me on: 
Instagram
Facebook
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Aperture

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F-Stop

If you haven’t read the previous blog I highly recommend you start there since it will explain the overall concept of the exposure triangle when shooting in manual mode. CLICK HERE FOR LAST BLOG If you have read the previous blog or maybe you are just interested in aperture and a trick to help you learn how to use it on your DSLR camera then read on my friend. 
 
Let’s start with what aperture is from the last blog. Aperture (or F-stop) is how large the opening in the lens is. So think how big a faucet is. Is it a large spout? Or a tiny spout? The larger the spout the more water can come out. The larger the aperture (OR SMALLER the F-stop) is how much light can be let in.
 
Aperture

Too much light

1. It lets more or less light in. And that’s good right? Photography is all about lighting. So why wouldn’t a photog just open that aperture as large as big as it can go? (You would do this by lowering the F-stop. It’s backwards just accept it.) One reason is maybe you are in full sun and you will then have too much light Or maybe because of number 2.
 

Bokeh

2. Now any time you let more light in you reduce the amount of focus if you have multiple planes. If your subject is closer but s/he has a beautiful mountain range behind her/him. Do you want everything in focus or just the subject? That is a personal artistic decision that only you can decide.
 
If you have a Nikon camera the “A” is the aperture priority auto. If you have a Canon camera the “Av” is the aperture priority auto. When this setting is chosen on mode dial it means you set the F-stop on your camera or you get to decide how big the hole is that the lens uses. Pretty sweet, uh? Why is that important? A few reasons:
 
 
Here is the trick: a DSLR camera has the ability to allow you to set the aperture on your camera and then the camera will adjust the rest for you. Make sure to check out what the other settings are as you adjust the aperture. I’ve included some examples with the camera settings below for you to check them out. I did not edit these photos so you can see how they come straight out of the camera. (I used a Nikon D5600 with a 70-300 lens)

F4.8 1/200 ISO6400

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F8.0 1/50 ISO6400

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F18 1/15 ISO6400

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Now it’s your turn. If you take the time to try this out, drop me a couple photos on Facebook, Instagram or email. I can’t wait to see what type of photo art you create. If this was helpful check out my next blog about using the same trick to learn shutter speed. 
 
Follow me on Facebook @ (3) Facebook and Instagram @ Kim VanOs Photography (@kimvanosphotography) • Instagram photos and videos
 
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So you got a DSLR, now what?

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I got my first “big” camera in 2011 as a Christmas gift. It was a DSLR Canon Rebel. I was so excited to start taking photos of my kiddos, but I didn’t know how to use my “big” camera. If I’m honest it was scary! Then I was told that in order to “really” use my DSLR I needed to start using something called manual mode. And manual mode was all about this thing called the exposure triangle which I didn’t really understand it. Trying to learn the three parts of the exposure triangle when working with a DLSR camera in manual mode felt way over my pay grade. If you already understand the exposure triangle great job but if you are not aware of what the exposure triangle is, let me explain in a manner that really helped me out. There are three parts to the triangle, and each plays a part in how your camera works in manual mode. 

1. Aperture (or F-stop) is how large the opening in the lens is. Think how big a faucet is. Does it have a large spout? Or a tiny spout? The larger the spout the more water can come out. The larger the aperture (OR SMALLER the F-stop) is how much light can be let in.

2.  Shutter Speed or how fast the lens opens and closes. Again, think of a faucet. Do you turn it on, so a trickle comes out? Or do you turn it all the way on, so it gushes water? The higher the shutter speed the faster the lens opens and closes.

3. ISO is how sensitive the lens is to the light. For this one think if you put your hand under the faucet, is it was hot or cold water? How sensitive is your hand to the water.

So you got a DSLR, now what?

Above is my cheesy visual poster board I created the night before I taught a group of sweet Girl Scouts their photography badge. And if they can learn it so, can you! Check out my upcoming blogs for a trick on how to learn Aperture and Shutter Speed that really helped me out. It finally helped everything start to click. I can’t wait to see you learn and grow in your love of photography. 

Have a great day!

random old photos on the floor

HELP! I want to organize my old photos!

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random old photos on the floor

Steps To Organize Your Photos

Step 1: Pull your old photos out. Take out the boxes or the old albums or the envelopes that are holding your old photos.
Step 2. Purchase this box from Amazon or Micheals or wherever you can find it. Here is a link: PhotoBox16Cases
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Step 3: Decide how to sort the photos. This is the most IMPORTANT step. You can choose to sort your photos in whatever categories that make sense to you but I personally found sorting them by “years” works for me. I put “years” in quotes because honestly some photos I wasn’t 100% sure what year and found it best to put them in years by groups of important times in my life. Below is how I grouped my personal photos so you can see what it looks like.  
  • Before 1975 Mom’s side of the family (I was born in 1975)
  • Before 1975 Dad’s side of the family (I was born in 1975)
  • 1975 – 1987 (Birth to 6th grade)
  • 1987-1989 (Junior High – 7th and 8th grade)
  • 1989-1993 (High School – storage boxes split out for times I was overseas)
  • 1993 – 2000 (College until I moved across country to MI)
  • 2000-2008 (Living in MI before my daughter was born)
  • 2008-2010 (Living in MI after my daughter was born. I have a lot of boxes for this time. Anyone else have that happen after their first born?)
  • 2010-current (Living in AZ. I don’t have many photos printed out anymore because most are in store in the cloud.)
  • Within each of these categories I split them out smaller based on the number of photos I had. For instance, my engagement photos were many so there is one box dedicated to just those photos with the year on it. 
  Step 4. Go through old photos… This whole process only works if you actually take the time to go through your old photos. 
     Step 4a. Sort them (see step 3 – you can add labels to the boxes to help you keep them sorted.)
 
 
 
     Step 4b. Throw some away. You know which one’s I’m talking about, the ones that are blurry or the person’s face is half cut off and you don’t even know who it is. Yes, throw them away. I give your permission. 
     Step 4c. Give away or throw away the ones you have quadtriplicates of. I just made that word up, but it means a random number of old photos that were purchased to give out and were apparently never given out, so they ended up in a box. 
 
   Step 5. Go out to celebrate your HUGE achievement. No seriously, go reward yourself. Woot, woot!
 
boy with rainbow sunglasses drinking a soda

“Organizing always seems impossible until it’s done”

– theorganizedhome.co.uk

If you are ready to create more memories and want to book a family photo session, click the box. 

Click Here to Make More Memories

I hope this helps you get your old photos organized. Give yourself a few days or weeks depending on the amount of time and photos you have to organize but once it’s done it will feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders and you will be able to easily find that one photo you need with ease.

Stay awesome!

Kim