For Snaptober Day 13. Prompt: Magic
Sometimes, all you need is a little magic.
This photoshoot features one of my best friends, Austin (@au.stin_april), who is just as into gothic aesthetics and tarot as I am. We'd been talking a lot about tarot lately, especially since I'd fallen out of practice for a while. Somewhere in those conversations, I suggested we do a gothic, witchy, tarot-inspired photoshoot. And of course, we had to make it feel very Austin.
Austin's style is moody, bold, and unapologetically '80s goth, so I wanted the photos to reflect that. We leaned into dramatic lighting, a red-and-black backdrop, and carefully chosen props to create a set that felt like stepping into a witch's world.
I built the entire set in my garage, Austin painted his fingers black with eyeshadow, and we got to work! Some of my favorite photos are the ones where we get to combine a person's personality, interests, and aesthetic into something that feels like them. This shoot was the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Creating a Gothic Tarot-Inspired Photoshoot
One of the things I love about creative photography is that the smallest details can help tell a much bigger story.
For this shoot, we wanted to incorporate all four suits of the tarot deck: wands, swords, pentacles, and cups. Rather than simply adding random witchy props to the set, we chose each object with the symbolism of the tarot suits in mind.
We included:
Wands: Candles to bring warmth, atmosphere, and a little ritualistic magic to the scene.
Swords: A machete to represent the suit's association with swords and its bold, striking imagery.
Pentacles: Dollar bills to represent the material and financial associations of the suit.
Cups: A black cauldron to bring a witchy interpretation to the suit's symbolism.
We also incorporated dried oranges, cranberries, sage, and crystals to complete the scene.
Every object had a purpose. We weren't just trying to make a table look witchy; we wanted the details to connect to the concept we were creating. I love incorporating symbolism into my photography because it gives an image more layers. Someone might initially notice the dramatic lighting, the styling, or Austin's expression, but there's also a story in the objects surrounding him.
For people who know tarot, these details add another dimension to the photographs. And for those who simply love the aesthetic, they help create a magical, atmospheric scene.
That's one of my favorite things about themed photography: we can build a concept around something you love and find creative ways to bring it into the images.
Bringing Your Own Magic to a Photoshoot
One of my favorite things about working with clients is discovering the little details that make them who they are. Maybe you have a tarot deck you've used for years. Maybe you collect crystals, have meaningful jewelry, practice witchcraft, or simply love the gothic aesthetic. Maybe your personal style is a mix of alternative fashion, fantasy, and a little bit of spooky-season energy all year long. Those things can become part of your photoshoot!
I always encourage my clients to bring objects that mean something to them or fit the aesthetic we're creating. Personal items can make photographs feel more authentic, and they often help us build a concept that couldn't belong to anyone else. I also bring extra props that match the mood we're going for. My philosophy is that it's better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it!
Sometimes, a client arrives with a fully developed concept and a list of everything they want to include. Other times, they have a general aesthetic in mind but aren't sure how to turn it into a photoshoot. Both are completely fine. We can brainstorm ideas together, figure out which props and styling choices make sense, and explore different ways to bring your vision to life. You don't need to have every detail planned before reaching out.
That's the fun of collaboration. We get to take your ideas, add a little creativity, and create something that feels uniquely yours.
Looking for a Witchy or Alternative Photographer in Phoenix, Arizona?
If you've been looking for a photographer who loves gothic aesthetics, witchy portraits, tarot-inspired photography, or alternative self-expression, I'd love to work with you!
As a Phoenix, Arizona-based creative photographer, I love working with people who want something beyond traditional portraits. Whether you're a practicing witch, a tarot enthusiast, a goth, a cosplayer, or someone who simply loves dark and dramatic imagery, there's room to explore your aesthetic through photography.
And you don't have to be a particular kind of person to enjoy a witchy photoshoot. You don't need to practice witchcraft, own a dozen tarot decks, or dress in head-to-toe black. If you love the aesthetic, have an idea you want to explore, or want to celebrate a side of yourself that doesn't always get to shine, we can build a concept around that.
Most importantly, you don't need to match my aesthetic. Your photos should reflect you.
I want you to feel comfortable showing up as yourself, bringing your interests and ideas, and exploring what makes you feel confident and creative. My job isn't to turn everyone into the same kind of photograph. It's to collaborate with you and create images that feel like you.
You can embrace your inner witch, celebrate your alternative style, experiment with a new aesthetic, or simply give yourself permission to feel like art.
You deserve photographs that reflect the person you are, not just the photographer behind the camera.
Ready to step into your fantasy? I'll meet you there. Book a photoshoot today!
Happy Snaptober!
