There are some photography sessions where everything is beautiful and perfectly planned. And then there are the sessions where we put on costumes, paint our faces, laugh until our stomachs hurt, and let the day take us wherever it wants to go.

Those are some of my favorites.

Recently, I spent the day downtown with a local makeup artist, friend, and fellow creative for a fun cosplay and Halloween-inspired photo session. We pulled costumes from things we already had, she transformed herself with incredible clown makeup and hair, and the result was absolutely stunning.

And yes, we giggled. A LOT.

We wandered around downtown Pensacola taking photos, and it didn't take long for the kids walking by to notice her. We got plenty of pointing, curious looks, and smiles from little ones who couldn't resist checking out the fabulous clown walking around downtown.

We also made a very important stop for ice cream at Traditional Soda Fountain at AJ's Market & Ice Cream. Because let's be honest, after running around downtown in the Florida heat in costumes and makeup, ice cream was absolutely necessary!

[ADD YOUR LINK HERE]

We made our way through Ferdinand Plaza, where we captured some fun images at the fountain, and then headed into the parking garage for another completely different look. I love using downtown Pensacola for sessions because there are so many different backgrounds and little surprises tucked around every corner.

Was it hot? Absolutely.

Was it sweaty? Without a doubt.

Was it worth it? 100 percent.

This is exactly why I love cosplay and Halloween photography so much.

There are no rules about having to look a certain way or pose a certain way. You get to become someone completely different for a little while. You get to play with makeup, costumes, characters, props, and imagination. Most importantly, you get to have FUN.

And because I only get the opportunity to offer these sessions a few times a year, I offer them at a heavy discount compared to my regular portrait sessions. These are sessions I genuinely love creating, and I want to make them accessible to people who are just as excited about costumes, makeup, characters, and creativity as I am.

Honestly, those are my favorite clients.

When someone shows up excited about their costume and starts throwing ideas around before we even pick up the camera, I know we're going to have a great time.

That's when something really special happens.

My clients become my friends.

So if you've been waiting for an excuse to dress up, get creative, try some wild makeup, become your favorite character, or simply do something completely different for your photos, this is your sign.

Let's get weird.

Let's have some fun.

And let's make some absolutely unforgettable Halloween photos!