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YOUR TAKE
Olympus Corporation

5 tips for taking amazing Halloween photos in the dark

Desair Brown
USA TODAY
Scott Noland and his kids carved and drilled these pumpkins.

You did the hard part. You came up with the most creative costume and decorations yet. Now it's time to make the moment last. Turn this Halloween into a great photo op with these dramatic photo-taking tips from USA TODAY's Your Take.

1. Yes, flash and a tripod are essential, but don't wait until it's dark to shine a light on all your hard work. Olympus America, which manufactures digital equipment, including cameras, recommends that you get out while it's still light to get your first shots.

2. Have pumpkins that you gently carved or costume details that you painstakingly sewed or glued? Get down and give them the close-up they deserve.

3. Avoid creepy night effects and dark lighting. The holiday is spooky enough. Smiles and fun are worth remembering, too.

4. To avoid blurry photos, shoot fast. Monsters — big and small — will be on the move.

5. Looking for the perfect group shot? Candid party shots will require the normal techniques. However, if you want to frame the group in a cool way, the New York Institute of Photography advises that you have everyone get together casually close and make a face. It's ok if they're touching -- shows relationship. In a larger group, you can arrange people loosely in rows.

Once you've taken your amazing photos, be sure to upload them to yourtake.usatoday.com.

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