15-minute witch shoots cost less than a coffee on Whidbey Island

Amber Braxton is shooting five digital photos for each customer during 15-minute sessions on a trail near Coupeville on Saturday. The self-taught photographer is hosting the mini witch-themed events to provide a low-cost option for local Halloween celebrations. Each session includes a digital file of the images and a partnership with Oaklawn Enchantments in Oak Harbor allows participants to create a custom spell jar.

Braxton, a Colorado native who moved to Greenbank seven months ago, views the short sessions as a way to make photography accessible. She noted that traditional portraits are a luxury service and not everyone can afford an hour-long appointment. Her goal is to capture people as their authentic selves rather than forcing posed portraits, a style that has defined her work since she started.

The photographer began taking photos as a hobby in the spring of 2016. She registered her business that July after friends asked her to photograph their families and children. Three years later, she left her job in community mental health to pursue photography full time. She now credits the craft with changing how she observes the world, specifically how light interacts with her environment.

Braxton learned camera settings through years of trial and error. She prefers having complete control over her equipment and focuses on fine art, portraiture, and landscapes. Her portfolio is characterized by moody lighting. She finds the Whidbey Island environment better suited to this style than her previous home in Colorado. The island offers forests, farmland, and gray days that match her aesthetic, while Colorado tends to remain bright and sunny.

Seasonal shoots are a regular part of her business. She has previously hosted events featuring bedsheet ghosts and wearable carved pumpkins. These creative engagements keep her and her clients connected to the holiday spirit. Braxton said she loves celebrating and being festive, which drives her to organize these themed photo opportunities.

The witch-themed sessions are scheduled for October 31. Customers will meet on the trail near Coupeville for their 15-minute appointments. The partnership with Oaklawn Enchantments adds a hands-on element to the visit. Participants can craft their own spell jars while waiting for their photo session or as part of the experience. The event is designed to be a quick, affordable way to mark the spooky season on the island.