How to Photograph a Jack-O-Lantern

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By apalmer
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Show off your carved masterpiece!

Carved pumpkins do not last more than a few days, but photographs do. When you carve your masterpiece, make sure you take photos to share with your family and friends. Add one to your Memory Book to share with your kids and grandkids someday. A picture is worth the stories it reflects. Here is how to take a quality Jack-O-Lantern photograph of your carved masterpiece.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Film or digital camera
Film
Tripod
Jack-o-lantern

Step 1

Create a dark background without clutter for your carved pumpkin.
Step 2

Light the pumpkin with several tea candles inside or a 7-watt light bulb inserted through the back of the pumpkin.
Step 3

Darken the room or make sure the lights are dim.
Step 4

Make sure you focus the camera, no one likes a blurry out-of-focus picture. Zoom in on the pumpkin to fill the pumpkin inside the photo frame.
Step 5

Leave the flash button off. The light will come from the candles inside the pumpkin and give it the effect it needs to shine.
Step 6

Film speed should be 400 or higher for the best quality. This type of film is slow and works well in low light. If you are using a digital camera, leave the flash off, hold your arm very still or use a tripod when taking the photo.
Step 7

Use different exposures to create a variety of effects in each photo.

Tips & Warnings

Cameras are fun, so play around with the settings and buttons and get the feel of what your camera can do for you.
Do not leave pumpkins with lit candles unattended.

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