10 Best First Halloween Photo Tips By Martha TuberNow that you're a parent, you'll spend a good part of Halloween behind a camera. In fact, Halloween is one of the most photographed events of the year. It's certainly the most photogenic. But Halloween poses challenges - especially if you're celebrating after dark. Here's how to take full advantage of all the glorious photo ops. Camera . Batteries . Baby . Go!1. Tell the whole story of your baby's first Halloween - his transformation from little person to pumpkin, skeleton or whatever disguise you've picked; her expression when she first sees costumed visitors (delight? fear?); his interactions with other little ghouls and monsters; the "after" shot - a tired, possibly teary-eyed baby in a crumpled costume...2. The subject of your photo is your baby; lose the busy background by getting in close. Focus on just her face, or her face and torso (legs and feet are often the weakest part of a costume). If you're taking pictures of more than one baby at a time, position them as close together as possible and frame the picture tightly.3. You'll want to take group photos, but think about taking an individual full-frame portrait of every visiting child, too. Make sure you get down to their level when you're shooting full-frame portraits of babies and small children. 4. If you've made Halloween treats or decorative treat bags, don't forget to shoot them, too - before the trick-or-treaters appear.5. Try to takeat least some of your costume shots outdoors before it gets dark. That way, you won't need flash, which can wash out colors and textures. Twilight is the perfect time to shoot Halloween photos - it provides just the right combination of intense color and glowing lights.6. In fact, avoid flash as much as you can. In dim indoor light, the glow of a jack-o'-lantern on your baby's face will set the Halloween mood. Set your camera to night mode for a longer exposure and hold steady so the image will be sharp. Prop it on a table or chair back if you can and be careful to avoid shake when you press the shutter.7. Try lighting your baby and visiting tots from below with a flashlight, which will create spooky shadows.8. For added pumpkin power, put flashlights in your jack-o'-lanterns before photographing them (just make sure you won't be able to see the flashlight in the picture). To light the outside of the pumpkin a bit, shine a flashlight on one side of it from a short distance.9. If you want to use flash after dark, try putting a piece of red or orange gel or tissue paper over it. This will reduce the light intensity and give your images a Halloweenish glow.10. This is the first of many Halloweens you'll enjoy with your baby - start an annual photo series! For a "watch-me-grow" sequence, take at least one photo of your little one in a place or with an object that you'll be able to use again in future years. The child will change, the costume will be different, but the setting will stay the same.Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Benjamin Lin