How to Photograph a Lit Jack-o-lantern

Taking a decent photo of a lit jack-o-lantern can be difficult, but you needn’t have a fancy camera.

Make sure you have enough light inside your pumpkin. I prefer to use a pumpkin light (found at a dollar store) and a small flash light, instead of a candle.

Have a room that can get very dark. Sit your pumpkin on something; a stand, a table, a stool…

It’s best to use a tripod since you’ll be having a longer exposure. If you don’t have one, sit your camera on a stool or table or something sturdy that is at the right height to shoot the pumpkin.

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Check to see that the pumpkin fills the frame, and that it is in focus.

You will not be using a flash at all. Most cameras will have a “no flash” option, set that. (The “no flash” icon – looks like a cross between a lightning bolt and a no parking sign.) If you don’t have that option and your flash automatically comes on, then use something to block it the best you can.

Turn off the room’s light. (The only light should be the light from inside the pumpkin.) Snap your picture!