He’s grumpy, having yelled at his sister to stop taking his picture half a dozen times. Slumped on the stairs and resigned to now have his picture taken by his mother instead, he puts his candy bucket on his head in protest.

She’s crying, because she wants to be the one taking the pictures, instead of being in the pictures. She looks comical, crying in bunny ears.

It’s my favorite Halloween photo from the last three years.

Done is better than perfect, but this one is pretty perfect in my eyes.

I could have done it better though, and so I have seven quick tips for you, for taking costume photos of your kids - today or any day when they’re dressed in costume.

Take the photos outside.

The weather is appropriately gloomy outside today, and natural light is way better for photos than artificial overhead lights or lamps in your house. Plus, you don’t get the distraction of anything else in the house. The front steps are perfectly acceptable.

Take the photos early.

The earlier the better, both for lighting and so that the children don’t fight you when it’s time to go trick or treating.

Get on their level.

Crouch down, and/or have them sit or stand on stairs so you’re on their level, instead of taking photos from above and having them look up at you.

Avoid the bucket head.

Unless their candy bucket/bag is integral to their costume, leave it out of the photos. It just distracts.

Give them a prompt.

If they’re old enough to follow directions, tell them to act like the character they’re dressed as. Thwip a web as Spidey, fight a fire, float in space, stomp like a dinosaur, dance like Bingo… they’ll probably be more than happy to oblige.

Bribe with candy if needed.

Who wouldn’t want one piece of early candy as a reward for a costume photo?

Come back tomorrow.

There’s no rule that says you have to take the photos ON Halloween. And they probably would love to dress up in costume for a photo shoot… especially if there’s a candy bribe involved.

That’s it!

Have fun, be safe, and save some candy for you!

I’d love to see your costumes! Head over to my Facebook post and share yours in the comments.