The Halloween season may have come and gone, but that didn’t stop Sabrina, Chrissi, and me from conjuring up a truly spine-chilling experience. Nearly two months after Halloween—on Friday, December 13, 2024, no less—we transformed our original Halloween photoshoot into a full-fledged photography workshop. And what better day for eerie creativity than a Friday the 13th?
From an Idea to a Workshop
Originally, Sabrina and I planned a simple Halloween-themed shoot. We had the date locked in and everything, but word got out, and interest quickly grew. As a member of a photography group filled with both models and photographers, I began receiving inquiries from others who wanted to participate. What started as a small shoot turned into the perfect opportunity for a workshop.
Chrissi joined us as a second model, and with an official announcement on our website, three more photographers signed up, bringing our total to six participants. The workshop was scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM, with an open-ended finish to ensure everyone had ample time to unleash their creativity.
Props, Costumes, and Creative Setups
For a truly haunting atmosphere, we used an array of spooky props: eerie dolls, skulls, creepy costumes, and, of course, our collection of fantasy backdrops. The studio transformed into a macabre wonderland, with setups ranging from an abandoned carnival to a blood-soaked dinner table.
The real surprise came later when fake blood entered the scene, adding an unexpected (and messy) twist. This brought a whole new level of intensity to the workshop, leaving everyone with unforgettable images.
Behind the Scenes
The workshop began with Sabrina, who dazzled as Pennywise, the infamous clown. A fantasy backdrop created the illusion of a chilling, otherworldly location. Lighting was key, and the photographers took charge of setting up each scene. The models focused on perfecting their makeup and costumes, creating an impeccable synergy between creative visions.
One of the standout sets featured both Sabrina and Chrissi in a dramatic tableau we called “Bloody Dinner.” The participants also had the chance to capture individual shots with each model, tailoring the scenes to their unique artistic preferences. To ensure fairness, we organized time slots so every photographer could work uninterrupted and capture their perfect shots.
A Night of Creativity and Camaraderie
As the evening progressed, we took a break to fire up the grill. This added a warm, social touch to the event, allowing everyone to bond and exchange ideas. The workshop officially wrapped up around 11:30 PM, leaving participants with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Despite having long drives—up to 1.5 hours for some—everyone left with a treasure trove of memories and images.
What’s Next?
The next step is exchanging and editing the photos, ensuring everyone walks away with the best possible results. For me, the joy of organizing such events lies in bringing together like-minded creatives and providing opportunities for the photography community to thrive.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m already planning more workshops that promise to be just as imaginative and fun. If this workshop taught me anything, it’s that with the right people and a little creativity, magic can happen—no matter the season.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to join us in creating unique, unforgettable photography experiences!