simple spooky photo session: how to become a powerful insta-worthy witch
When my friend Rana suggested doing a witchy-inspired photoshoot with our friend Hannah, I jumped at the chance. Moody is what I do best, so already this was right up my alley as a concept.
The Witch’s Tower in Minneapolis (or the Prospect Park Water Tower if you’re being less fun) was our location. It’s an integral part of the Minneapolis-St Paul skyline and view for many in the Twin Cities; I myself loved to stare at it during my time in college, its hat-like silhouette poking out into the sky among old Victorians. The actual tower is shut off to members of the public but it still serves as a great backdrop for Twin Cities photography from its place high on the hill.
We took advantage of the surrounding trees and lampposts to focus some witchy energy into photos. The gloomy Minneapolis weather forecast only helped!
Creative photo edits are also fun!
I decided to keep my hair down and embrace my natural curls. I borrowed a satin midi skirt from my sister and paired it with a long-sleeved top with dramatic puff shoulders. My chunky heeled combat boots tied the look all together! Feel free to take inspo from our outfits for DIY witch halloween costume ideas!
In group shots, I think we created a modern ode to the Sanderson sisters. Rana had some smoke bombs left over from the 4th of July (the stick kind—the smoke balls stink something terrible and don’t really work for photos). These worked perfectly to create a spooky, magical look. The dreamy gown borrowed to us from Midwest Gowns just added to a regal vibe. They were so sweet to borrow it to us! The sleeves were perfect for swinging around and the dress was so fun to pose in. Rana also had an enviable collection of taper candle holders for us to use. The occasional hot wax drip was so worth it to get the shots.
So why did this shoot make me feel so powerful? For one, I was wearing a slight body-con outfit that showed off some midriff and leg. I don’t really show much skin these days. I used to—and I used to feel incredibly confident doing so. This top-skirt combo felt like the Old Taylor who couldn’t care less what others thought of her personal style or appearance. But really, who can’t feel hot while channeling sexy witch vibes?
The other power source had to be my beautiful friends that I can trust to build me up. I know I can speak up and take up all the space I want and I won’t be judged for it. Posing in front of a camera can feel so vulnerable and having hypewomen is everything!
If you want to channel similar feelings, I highly recommend getting together some of your close friends (members of your witch circle, perhaps?) and let the creativity flow. Check out some of the amazing Twin Cities photo locations. Wear something that makes you feel confident and assured. Maybe most important: don’t be afraid to let the compliments and the magic fly.