Taking Halloween pictures of your kids can certainly represent some challenges. Not only is it an exciting night, but you also have to deal with the fact that children rarely want to be still for some photographs! Understanding the 7 most common challenges is the first step in learning how you can make sure your photos turn out better than ever this season.

Challenge #1: Lighting

It's dark by the time everyone is dressed up and ready to be photographed on Halloween. The first thing many people do is turn on the flash to brighten up the photos. This can actually cause your photos to be washed out. Not having any lighting or flash, however, can certainly lead to photos that are way too dark. It's a challenge to figure out the best way to set up your lighting.

Challenge #2: Chaos

Another problem is getting the children to stand still long enough for you to get some great Halloween photos in the midst of all the chaos. They want to get their candy and run here, there, and everywhere playing with friends and siblings. Having a few tricks up your sleeve to deal with this issue is very important.

Challenge #3: Children's Disinterest

Children are so excited when they get to trick-or-treat that it can be very difficult to capture a great Halloween photo. Excitement in children means disinterest in taking pictures. Some tips involve planning ahead, enjoying the exuberance of your children, and don’t forget about shooting the quiet after the chaos. It's a great idea to have a photographer's trick or two up your sleeve to get your favorite Halloween photo!

Challenge #4: Red Eye

Another issue that is common with Halloween pictures is having red eye. Red eye is caused by the flash when it is directed on the eye. It can be maddening trying to correct this if you aren't sure how. Not even the "red eye" feature on cameras always does the trick.

Challenge #5: Mug Shots

Okay, so you've finally gotten your kids to pose for a picture. The only problem is these posed shots turn out looking more like mug shots! It's a common challenge to be met with faces that look like they belong in a prison photo rather than on the face of a child who's having a great Halloween. Knowing how to avoid these looks is key.

Challenge #6: Picking the Right Background

You just captured the perfect shot of your little trick-or-treater but when you look at the LCD monitor of your digital camera all you see is the blurry, glowing jack-o-lantern behind your child. Darn! It's just as important to look at what's going on in the background, as it is to pay attention to your subject.

Challenge #7: Making Your Photos Interesting

It can be tempting to try and fit everything in one photograph since there are so many interesting things going on during Halloween. This leads to pictures that are only so-so. You need to know how to choose your subject if you want Halloween photographs that are tighter and better all around.

These seven challenges can seem confusing to overcome if you're new to photography or just don't have a lot of experience with creating great Halloween pictures. Educating yourself before the big day is key to making sure your photos are better than ever this season. For tips and suggestions on how to overcome these challenges, visit HalloweenPhotographySecrets.com.