There are fall photos… and then there are Pumpkin Head photos — and yes, they are exactly as weird and wonderful as they sound. Here’s why you should ditch the ordinary and carve out some time (pun intended) for one this season:


1. It’s the Perfect Mix of Spooky + Silly

Sure, you could take normal fall portraits… but where’s the fun in that? A pumpkin head shoot lets you lean all the way into Halloween spirit while keeping it lighthearted. Think haunted-house-meets-rom-com vibes.


2. Instant Conversation Starter

Post one of these on your feed and watch the comments roll in. Friends will ask where you did it, strangers will save it for “next year,” and you’ll officially have the most unique seasonal photos around.


3. Epic Couples or Friends’ Photos

Pumpkin heads work for romantic shots, goofy bestie pics, or even family fun (yes, the kids can get in on it too). They’re the perfect combination of coordinated and chaotic.


4. Mount Si Backdrop

Let’s be honest — a carved pumpkin looks even better with golden-hour light spilling over the mountains. This location is straight out of a fall postcard.


5. A Once-a-Year Opportunity

Pumpkin season is short. By the time you’ve thought about it, carved it, and grabbed your sweater, the season’s almost gone. This is your chance to make something so weird, so fun, and so uniquely you that you’ll want to frame it forever.

Two carved jack o'lantern pumpkins with mischievous expressions on people wearing black leather jackets in autumn setting.
Two people wearing carved pumpkin heads and autumn coats hold hands against a mountain backdrop at sunset.
A playful Halloween couple in black outfits wearing jack-o-lantern masks poses outdoors in autumn by a lake.

How to Pumpkin Head (DIY or Just Show Up)


1. Choose the right pumpkin

Pick one big enough to rest over your shoulders comfortably — measure for head space, then choose even larger just to be safe. A lighter pumpkin keeps things manageable.


2. Carve it like you mean it

Carve the bottom (not the top) to slip it on easily. Trim the opening gently and test for comfort — don’t rush this; oversized neck holes are fixable, but a cracked pumpkin isn’t.


3. Make it comfortable

Line the inside with foam or soft fabric to avoid sharp edges and condensation. Let it dry for a bit to prevent slipping.


4. Pick your vibe

Classic jack-o’-lantern smile? Creepy grin? Go monochrome with painted pumpkins and matching outfits for a bold look. Add personality with carved smirks, heart eyes, or even glow-in-the-dark paint.


5. Set the scene

Whether you’re in a misty forest, a brushed field, or in front of Mount Si at sunset, choose a backdrop that elevates the pumpkin drama. Bonus points for props like smoke bombs or fairy lights.


6. Snap the shot

Use a tripod or set your camera on a stable surface, use a timer, or rope in a friend. No tripod? A stack of books and a delayed shutter button works too.


7. Add creative flourishes

For extra flair, try smoke bombs or colored lighting for a dramatic, eye-catching effect.


8. Or skip the DIY and book me instead

Let me handle lighting, framing, and direction — so you can just carve, show up, and have fun. No setup stress, just autumn magic.

Close-up of carved pumpkin decorations silhouetted at sunset, creating an eerie Halloween scene.
A playful Halloween couple in black outfits wearing jack-o-lantern masks poses outdoors in autumn by a lake.
Two people wearing carved pumpkin heads and autumn coats hold hands against a mountain backdrop at sunset.
Two carved jack o'lantern pumpkins with mischievous expressions on people wearing black leather jackets in autumn setting.