And now let’s all sing together: “Every year, it comes around again…” Oh no, that was a different holiday. Anyway, Halloween comes around every year too, and for Celina in particular, it’s one of the coolest holidays, especially because stores have been getting ready for it since July 5. And of course, it’s the season when people start saying that instead of dusting, they’re preparing decorations for the spooky holiday…
Dark Allure – Photoshoots with Candice Ghai
“Who’s ready for some spooky, imaginative fun this Halloween season?” – that was the invitation to a combination of Halloween party and exclusive photo shoot on October 18, 2025, from a photographer with whom Celina had already participated in great workshops on the theme of “Dia de los Muertos” in previous years. This year’s theme was “Dark Allure,” and there were three workshops to choose from: “Circus Ring Master,” “Victorian Vampire,” and “Bayou Witch.”
Originally, we had only booked Celina a spot for the “Bayou Witch” photography workshop, but when a spot for the “Victorian Vampire” workshop became available shortly before the event, we decided to attend that one as well (and it turned out to be a great decision). Sure, an “exclusive event” like this isn’t exactly cheap, but like every year, it was worth every penny. After all, it’s not just about “taking cool photos” (although soooo many great pictures were taken), but also about networking and laying the groundwork for Celina’s future in the “industry.”
So, into the scary clothes, vampire teeth in, hop on the broom, and off we go.
The artists/hosts and models:
Candice Ghai is a professional art photographer based in Austin. Her work on fashion, history, and mysteries in particular has been published in magazines (including PhotoVogue, VOGUE ITALIA, and Bizarre Magazine) and has received numerous awards for its exceptional quality and impact.
Sanjay N. Patel is an advertising and brand photographer and creative designer from Austin, TX. He creates Hollywood-quality work for clients such as USAA, DELL, ALCON, SPRINT, and KEURIG, including product photos, movie websites, and book covers. He is an absolute detail photographer and perfectionist, so working with him was a real plus.
Kristina Kendrick, the model in “Victorian Vampire,” is actually a mixed media artist and sales and marketing consultant from Miami, FL, in addition to her work as a model.
Sabra Johnson (Sabra Saint Sin) was the perfect model for the “Bayou Witch” workshop due to her Louisiana roots. She is an internationally renowned model, actress, and burlesque artist and now lives in Austin, TX.
Louis Sypher (Sterling), owner of a curiosity shop in Austin, joined “Bayou Witch” for the final round as a male model (and arrived in his cool white hearse).
“Victorian Vampire”
In this workshop, which was our first, a red/brown/dark setup was designed to match the theme, and Kristina was the perfect model. Her look and poses reminded us of movie scenes, and working with her was easy and a lot of fun (especially because her vampire teeth kept falling out). In the three rounds with different props and outfits, photos could be taken in different styles.
„Bayou Witch“
For the second workshop, the set was transformed into a green backdrop with bayou and natural props to emphasize the witchy atmosphere. Since model Sabra Saint Sin originally hails from the bayou region of Louisiana, she was completely in her element here. With her red hair and performer’s attitude, she was perfect for the role of “Sexy Witch.” We had two photo rounds here and achieved amazing results.
“American Gothic”
When Sabrina’s boyfriend Sterling finally arrived in his white hearse, actually to pick her up, he was quickly “incorporated” into the scene, and a few cool photos were spontaneously taken, inspired by the well-known painting “American Gothic.” OK, since Sterling fit in perfectly, it was a lot of fun.
Behind the scenes…
yes, it was a lot of fun. There was lots of laughter, good conversation, snacks and drinks, and a costume contest that Celina won. That’s great, and that’s how it should be!
Well… and when you look at the pictures again the next day and a short story emerges from a random sequence 🙂 :
And here are a few of our favorite final images:
These and other images can be found in our Online-Shop “kuehne-art.com” and purchased there!
HauntFest – Photoshoot at Sekrit Theater
And since we’re already in the Halloween spirit, a networking event organized by our local camera and photo store a few days later came at just the right time. Precision Camera invited us to the “HauntFest” at the Sekrit Theater on October 22, 2025, and of course we couldn’t resist.
The location, with its overgrown yet nicely designed garden, is always beautiful, you always meet someone, and there are also a few models to photograph. Of course, this was completely different from a professional shoot, but it was also a lot of fun.
However, since the models were mostly taken by other photographers, Celina used the time to take location photos for her next assignment in her photography class. After all, you have to combine business with pleasure.
All in all, the Haunted Meet & Greet was also a nice experience, even if there weren’t 800 photos to choose from (as with “Dark Allure”).
And with that “Happy Halloween 2025”