Fall photos are getting a little more fun this year.

If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen them: couples walking through a pumpkin patch with giant pumpkins over their heads, friends wrapped up in little white ghost sheets, and those slightly strange, nostalgic fall photos that somehow feel straight out of a 90s Halloween movie.

They’re often called Pumpkin Head sessions and Ghost Trend sessions, and honestly? I’m obsessed. They’re playful, a little weird, nostalgic, and completely different from your typical fall photo session.

If you’re looking for unique fall photos in Utah, a fun Halloween date idea, or something different from the usual pumpkin patch mini session, this is your sign to try one.

What Is a Pumpkin Head Photo Session?

A Pumpkin Head session is exactly what it sounds like: you put a giant pumpkin over your head and take photos.

It sounds ridiculous.

That’s kind of the point.

The result is a series of fun, editorial, slightly surreal fall photos that feel like something you’d find in an old family photo album—but with a modern twist.

You can do these sessions with your significant other, best friend, kids, or even your entire family.

And because you can’t see each other’s faces, the photos become much more about movement, body language, and the little moments happening around you.

Think:

• Walking hand in hand through a field
• Sitting together on a blanket
• Carrying pumpkins
• Holding hands while wearing giant pumpkins
• Dancing together
• Sharing a coffee or cider
• Running through fallen leaves
• Sitting on a porch
• Cozy sweaters and fall outfits
• A little bit of chaos

The photos don’t need to be perfect.

Actually, the imperfect moments are usually the best ones.

The Ghost Trend Is Just as Fun

If pumpkins aren’t quite your thing, the ghost photo trend might be.

You and your favorite person—or your whole group—throw on white sheets and become tiny fall ghosts for the afternoon.

It is simultaneously adorable, hilarious, and slightly creepy.

Which makes it perfect for October.

Ghost trend sessions have become a fun alternative to traditional Halloween photography because they don’t require elaborate costumes or a huge production. A simple white sheet, a pretty fall location, and a little creativity can create an entire gallery.

And yes, you can absolutely do this as a couple.

There’s something especially cute about two little ghosts holding hands while walking through the leaves.

Why You Should Book a Pumpkin Head or Ghost Session This Fall

Fall photography sessions can start to feel a little repetitive.

Everyone has done the:

stand in a pumpkin patch and smile at the camera

photo.

And while I still love a classic fall family photo, sometimes you want something that actually feels like you.

Pumpkin Head and Ghost Trend sessions are perfect if you want photos that are:

Playful.
You don’t have to take yourself seriously.

Nostalgic.
They have that old-school Halloween feeling that makes you want to print the photos and put them in an album.

Creative.
They’re unlike traditional family or couples photography.

Candid.
You don’t have to worry about knowing how to pose.

A little weird.
In the best possible way.

Pumpkin Head Couples Photos

You don’t have to have kids to participate in the trend.

In fact, I think Pumpkin Head couples photos are one of the cutest ways to document a relationship in the fall.

Imagine the two of you in your favorite sweaters, walking through a field with pumpkins over your heads, grabbing coffee afterward, or sitting together on a blanket while the leaves fall around you.

You can still incorporate beautiful, romantic imagery into the session while keeping the pumpkin photos playful.

One minute you’re taking a traditional portrait together.

The next minute you’re two giant pumpkins holding hands.

That’s the kind of gallery I want you to have.

A little bit beautiful, a little bit ridiculous, and completely yours.

Pumpkin Head Family Photos

Looking for a fun family photo idea for fall in Utah?

This is it.

Pumpkin Head family sessions are especially fun with little kids because there’s no pressure for everyone to sit perfectly still and smile at the camera.

Instead, we can let the kids run around, play, chase each other, and interact with their pumpkins.

You can even mix traditional family portraits with the trend.

Start with a few photos where everyone is actually visible, then bring out the pumpkins and let things get a little silly.

Those are often the photos your kids will look back on years from now and remember.

What Should You Wear for a Pumpkin Head Session?

The best part about these sessions is that you don’t need a complicated outfit.

I’d lean into classic fall textures and neutral colors so the pumpkins or ghosts are the stars of the photos.

Think:

• Cream sweaters
• Brown
• Olive green
• Denim
• Black
• Tan
• Corduroy
• Boots
• Long skirts
• Cozy knits
• Vintage-inspired pieces

For couples, coordinating without being overly matchy usually photographs beautifully.

For example:

Cream sweater + denim + brown boots

paired with

Brown sweater + dark denim + boots

Or lean into a more editorial fall look with black, cream, brown, and deep green.

And if you’re doing ghost photos, the white sheets become part of the outfit—so keep everything underneath simple.

Where Should You Take Pumpkin Head Photos in Utah?

Utah is such a fun place for fall photography because there are so many different landscapes and locations to choose from.

Depending on the look you’re going for, we could photograph your session at:

• A pumpkin patch
• A fall-colored mountain trail
• A neighborhood with beautiful trees
• A cozy backyard
• A vintage-looking downtown area
• An open field
• A wooded location
• An apple orchard
• A cozy cabin
• Your own backyard

You don’t necessarily need an elaborate location.

Sometimes the simplest location creates the best photos.

For a more editorial fall photography session, I’d look for beautiful light, lots of texture, and plenty of room to move rather than focusing on finding the biggest pumpkin patch.

Pumpkin Head Photos on Film

And yes, these are so good on 35mm film.

There’s something about the combination of film grain, fall colors, pumpkins, and slightly imperfect candid moments that makes these sessions feel incredibly nostalgic.

I love mixing digital and film during sessions so you get the best of both.

The digital images give you those crisp, beautiful portraits, while the film frames add that nostalgic, imperfect feeling that makes you want to print them.

Imagine opening an album years from now and seeing a grainy film photograph of you and your favorite person walking through the leaves with giant pumpkins over your heads.

That’s the good stuff.

A Fall Photo Session That Doesn’t Feel Like a Photo Session

One of my favorite things about these sessions is that you don’t have to be good at taking photos.

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t need to know what to do with your hands.

And you definitely don’t need to spend the entire session smiling directly at the camera.

I’ll give you direction when you need it, but we’ll also let the session unfold naturally.

Walk around.

Play.

Dance.

Grab a coffee.

Throw leaves at each other.

Put the pumpkins on.

Take them off.

Laugh when you can’t see where you’re going.

Those little moments are what make the gallery feel like you, instead of a collection of perfectly posed pictures.

Looking for Fall Photography in Utah?

If you’ve been searching for fall mini sessions in Utah, Halloween photography in Utah, Pumpkin Head photography, ghost trend photos, couples fall photos, or unique family photography ideas, this is your sign to do something a little different this year.

You only get so many Octobers.

You might as well make one of them a little weird.

I’ll bring the camera.

You bring your favorite person, your favorite fall outfit, and a willingness to put a pumpkin on your head.

Let’s make some really fun photos.

Book Your Utah Fall Session

Pumpkin Head and Ghost Trend sessions are available for a limited time during the fall season in Utah.

These sessions are perfect for:

Couples • Families • Friends • Halloween lovers • Anyone who wants an excuse to take weird photos

If you’re looking for fall photography in Utah that feels fun, nostalgic, candid, and a little unexpected, I’d love to photograph it for you.

[Inquire about a fall session →]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pumpkin Head photo session?
A Pumpkin Head session is a creative fall photography session where participants wear large pumpkins over their heads while taking playful, candid, and editorial photos.

What is the Ghost Trend photo session?
Ghost Trend sessions use simple white sheets to create fun ghost-inspired Halloween photos. They’re a playful alternative to traditional Halloween portraits.

Are Pumpkin Head sessions only for couples?
No! Pumpkin Head photos are great for couples, families, friends, and kids.

Can I do a Ghost Trend session with my partner?
Absolutely. Ghost photos are especially fun for couples who want creative and slightly silly fall photos.

Do I need to bring my own pumpkin?
Depending on the session, pumpkins may be provided or you’ll be given recommendations for finding the right pumpkins. The pumpkins need to be large enough to create the look while still being manageable to wear.

What should I wear for fall photos?
Neutral fall colors, cozy sweaters, denim, boots, corduroy, and layered textures all photograph beautifully. Cream, brown, olive green, tan, and black are especially easy to incorporate into a fall setting.

Can Pumpkin Head photos be taken on film?
Yes! Pumpkin Head and Ghost Trend sessions are especially fun photographed on 35mm film because the film grain adds to the nostalgic, vintage Halloween feeling.

Where do you photograph fall sessions in Utah?
Fall sessions can take place throughout Utah depending on the look you’re after, including pumpkin patches, mountain locations, fields, neighborhoods, orchards, and wooded areas.

How long are fall sessions?
Session length depends on the collection you choose. Shorter sessions work especially well for Pumpkin Head and Ghost Trend photos because the concept itself creates plenty of variety.

When should I book my Utah fall photo session?
Fall dates tend to fill quickly, especially once the leaves begin changing. If you have a specific October date or location in mind, booking early is recommended.

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