We had so much fun one night that we decided to go again the very next morning.
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Hilary and Bri on a sensationally spooky photo session that perfectly captured the essence of Halloween. From start to finish, these sessions were a whirlwind of creativity, laughter, and just the right touch of eerie magic. The theme? A spellbinding fusion of Wiccan elements, theatrical costumes, and something entirely new to me—carved pumpkins turned into wearable headpieces.
Hilary and Bri had a clear and inspiring vision: a hauntingly beautiful blend of gothic allure and playful Halloween traditions. They wanted to channel the atmospheric energy of classic horror movie tropes while incorporating elements of Wiccan rituals to give the session a mystical edge.
The standout feature? Their meticulously carved and hollowed pumpkin headpieces. Watching someone don a pumpkin as a hat was undeniably hilarious, but the results were nothing short of iconic. These props brought a whimsical, surreal touch that added depth and uniqueness to the session.
Our collaboration began with a Saturday evening session. We explored themes inspired by slasher films and gothic elegance, with Hilary and Bri donning dramatic dresses for striking poses in and around the water at sunset. The golden-hour light reflected beautifully on the surface, enhancing the moody, cinematic vibe. Although we brought along an assortment of props, we quickly realized there was so much potential left unexplored. So, we decided to reconvene the next morning for round two.
Before the park gates opened, Hilary and I seized the opportunity to capture some eerie, atmospheric shots of her wandering down an empty street under haunting, pre-dawn light. Once inside the park, we headed straight to the water for what became my favorite part of the session: sunrise portraits. The ethereal morning light paired with the glass-like stillness of the water created a dreamy, otherworldly setting.
From there, we transitioned inland, where Hilary and Bri had set up a rustic Wiccan altar complete with candles, herbs, and a smudging stick. Before proceeding, we discussed how to approach this respectfully, ensuring nothing we captured could be misconstrued as improper. With that in mind, they performed a few symbolic rituals before we leaned into the Wiccan-inspired aesthetic for a series of powerful images.
When the carved pumpkins made their appearance, the session shifted into a playful, slightly surreal tone. Balancing the weight of the pumpkins while maintaining dynamic poses was no small feat, but Hilary and Bri embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. The resulting images are striking and unforgettable—a perfect blend of creativity and Halloween spirit. These shots stand out as some of the most memorable in my career.
Collaborating with creative minds like Hilary and Bri reminded me why I love what I do. Their openness to experimentation, whether with unconventional props or dramatic, theatrical poses, made this session a joy from start to finish. It also gave me a chance to push my own boundaries, exploring new techniques for blending gothic and Wiccan aesthetics with playful Halloween elements.
The final collection of images is a delightful mix of dark, elegant, and quirky—an ode to the spooky season with a uniquely personal twist. Sessions like this inspire me to keep pushing the limits of my creativity and to embrace bold, unconventional ideas.
Here’s to more pumpkin-headed mischief, gothic elegance, and Wiccan wonders in the future! These sessions have already sparked ideas for upcoming shoots, and I can’t wait to see where the next creative collaboration takes me.
Ready to create your own unforgettable photo session? I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Contact me at mknopp1(at)cox.net to start planning a session that captures your creativity and essence. Let’s make magic together!
Mark Knopp is a seasoned professional portrait photographer with 40 years of experience both capturing stunning images and educating others in the art of photography. His expansive portfolio includes work throughout Hampton Roads, Richmond, select areas of North Carolina, and central New York, where he frequently travels to visit family and friends.
Photography by Mark K 