Photographing Jack O’Lanterns: How to Get the Best Shots This Halloween Shooting Jack O’Lanterns – How to Get The Best Results

Nothing says “Halloween” quite like a glowing jack o’lantern on a chilly October night. Whether you’re photographing a single intricately carved pumpkin or an entire porch full of spooky creations, knowing how to shoot them well can make all the difference. Want to get striking, atmospheric photos of jack o’lanterns this season? Read on for some simple yet powerful tips for photographing jack o’lanterns—straight from the experts at Tamron.

What You’ll Learn In This Article:

• The best Tamron lenses to use for photographing jack o’lanterns in low light
• How to adjust shutter speed and exposure for dramatic nighttime effects
• Creative composition tips to enhance your Halloween pumpkin photos
• Lighting techniques to make your jack o’lanterns glow with personality
• Pro tricks for capturing sharp, detailed images—even in spooky settings

TIP 1: Choose the Right Lens for Jack O’Lantern Photography

A great lens can elevate even the simplest jack o’lantern photo into something magical.

We recommend using a zoom lens that allows you to easily adjust framing and distance. Tamron’s mirrorless lens options are ideal for photographing jack o’lanterns in a variety of settings.

• For full-frame Sony mirrorless: Try the Tamron 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III RXD (Model A074) for versatile close-up to wide-angle shots.
• For APS-C Sony or Fujifilm cameras: Go with the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061), which delivers flexibility and sharpness across focal lengths.

These lenses offer Vibration Compensation (VC) for clearer hand-held images and are perfect for low-light, night-time jack o’lantern photography.

TIP 2: Adjust Your Shutter Speed for Mood and Detail

Exposure speed can dramatically affect the final look of your jack o’lantern photos.

• Faster shutter speeds work well at dusk when there’s still ambient light. This helps capture background detail without overexposing the glowing pumpkin.
• Slower shutter speeds are ideal after dark. These allow more light into the camera and emphasize the glow of the candle or LED inside the pumpkin.

Bonus tip: Use a tripod or stabilized lens when experimenting with longer exposures to keep your shot sharp.

TIP 3: Compose Beyond the Pumpkin

While the jack o’lantern is the star, think about what else you can include in your frame to tell a story.

• Include porch railings, fallen leaves, fences, or doorways to give your image context.
• Frame multiple pumpkins together for more visual interest or a stronger Halloween vibe.
• Try low-angle shots or background blur (bokeh) to add drama and depth.

Think like a storyteller—what mood or setting do you want to convey? Spooky? Whimsical? Warm and festive?

TIP 4. Experiment with Light Sources

Jack o’lanterns are most often lit from within, but experimenting with additional light can yield creative results.

• Add side lighting with a flashlight or LED for dramatic shadows.
• Try colored lights (orange, green, purple) for a creepy twist.
• If shooting during the day, consider backlighting or placing your pumpkin near a window for natural highlights.

Just remember not to overpower the internal glow of the pumpkin—it’s the soul of your shot!

TIP 5. Use Manual Focus for Precision

Your camera’s autofocus may struggle in dim light, especially when shooting glowing objects like jack o’lanterns. Switch to manual focus to ensure the carved details and textures are tack-sharp. Zoom in on the eye sockets, teeth, or candle flicker for best results.

Capture Halloween Magic with Tamron Lenses

As a leading lens manufacturer, Tamron offers photographers the tools they need to create stunning seasonal images. With the right lens, thoughtful composition, and a bit of experimentation, photographing jack o’lanterns can become one of your favorite fall traditions.

Ready to upgrade your lens for Halloween photography? Visit your local authorized Tamron dealer or shop at the Tamron Store today and explore our lineup of zoom lenses perfect for photographing jack o’lanterns and beyond.