This fall, I had one of my favorite kinds of sessions — the kind that starts with a wild idea and turns into something even better than imagined.
Apurba and Tom originally won a summer giveaway session, but as we started talking about what kind of photos they wanted to do, they came to me with the absolute best idea: a Halloween-themed shoot dressed as the Addams Family. They’re the kind of clients who fully embrace creativity — they’ve done themed photos everywhere they travel — so I knew this was going to be a session unlike any other.
We chose Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum as our backdrop. If you haven’t been, Spring Grove is more than a cemetery; it’s a sprawling, beautifully landscaped arboretum and a registered National Historic Landmark. Founded in 1845, it’s one of the largest cemeteries in the country and has a rich history intertwined with Cincinnati’s development. With its rolling hills, grand mausoleums, and vibrant fall foliage, it was the perfect setting for an Addams Family-inspired shoot — moody, dramatic, and atmospheric without ever feeling too dark or somber.
Our main location for the session was the Dexter Mausoleum, a Gothic Revival masterpiece built in 1869 for the family of Edmund Dexter, a prominent Cincinnati distiller. Designed by the renowned architect James Keys Wilson, who also created the iconic Plum Street Temple downtown, this mausoleum is considered one of Spring Grove’s grandest. It cost roughly $100,000 to construct — a staggering sum at the time — and features striking symmetrical buttresses framing the entrance. Its stonework, dramatic arches, and intricate details made it feel like a real-life Addams Family mansion… only with more history and a lot of stories to tell.
For this session, Apurba embraced Morticia Addams, bringing elegance, mystery, and perfect poise to every shot. Tom channeled Gomez Addams, full of charm, playful energy, and that classic mischievous grin. And of course, their dog, Wednesday, completed the family ensemble, adding a spooky and adorable touch that tied the whole look together. Every pose, glance, and playful interaction captured the essence of these beloved characters.
Between the overcast skies, the crunch of fall leaves underfoot, and their spot-on costumes, everything came together seamlessly. Apurba and Tom leaned fully into their roles, bringing humor, charm, and just the right amount of spooky elegance to every frame.
Photographing sessions like this is a true joy because they combine storytelling, creativity, and a little theatrical flair. We laughed, explored every corner of Spring Grove, and found the perfect nooks and architectural details that enhanced the mood. By the end, it wasn’t just about photos — it was about creating memories and telling a story that could live on forever in images.
Apurba, Tom, and Wednesday — thank you for trusting me with your creative vision. You brought Morticia, Gomez, and Wednesday to life in a way that was playful, spooky, and unforgettable.
A Halloween-Themed Adventure Among Gothic Mausoleums and Fall Foliage
