Haunting Family Ghost Photos Tutorial

One of the most popular tutorials I’ve shared explained how to create  ghost images for your Halloween decorating and since it’s been a few years, I wanted to share it again. Plus it’s just a lot of fun! Follow the step-by-step instructions below and watch the video tutorial for even more in depth instructions.

There are two parts to creating these images. The first is setting up and taking the images and the second is putting them together in Photoshop.

Part 1: The Photography

To create a ghost image, choose clothing and a location that will lend a spooky setting. We shot all three of the images in this post in Fredricksburg, TX – an amazing old town near San Antonio. You can look for a great old house or building, a cool alley way, or just go to the woods. There are lots of options if you think about what you have around you.

Using a tripod is best for this because you’ll be taking two photographs in exactly the same spot and you will want them to line up perfectly.

The first photo will be of the person posing within the image: Focus on the person and expose it exactly as you would normally. Don’t worry – you don’t need  any special camera knowledge for this.

The second photo is exactly the same but WITHOUT the person. I recommend keeping your finger down halfway on the shutter button to keep the focus where your subject was. Then when they have moved out of frame just click a second photo and you are done!

That’s it for photography!

Part 2: Photoshop

Its actually fairly simple if you have some basic Photoshop knowledge. If you aren’t familiar with photoshop follow along with the video below and you should be fine! This also works in PSE – you’ll just have to adjust for the differences.

You are going to open both images in photoshop and then drop the image of the subject on top of the image of the background.

Next you will just turn the transparency/opacity down on the image (try at 50% and work up or down from there to get the look you want) of the subject so you can see through them to the background.

It really is that simple! Watch the video for more options and tips:

(This video is from Candice’s former site – the Photoshop tutorial begins at about 2:20 if you just need that part. Watch the whole thing for complete instructions! – ARG)
We can’t wait to see your spooky ghost photos! If you share them, please use #handmademood so we can see them too!