Photographer’s ’48 Days of Halloween’ boosts business during pandemic

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Halloween is usually a time to think about the dead, but a local photographer said the holiday is bringing his business back to life. 

Lance Reis owns Kickass Designs and specializes in photographing fashion, lifestyle, and cosplay subjects in the Portland area. 

Like many photographers, Reis’ business was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The first four months of COVID really hurt. I lost a majority of my clients, and I get a lot of clients through cosplay, through comic-con specifically, so that really hurt not having comic-con this year,” he said. 

Reis often relies on comic-cons for finding new talent and networking. Without people to work with, Reis couldn’t book any photo shoots for months. Things eventually started to look up when he began collaborating again with other photographers, models, and friends in the Pacific Northwest. 

With fresh, new content to post to social media, Reis started seeing his engagement going up. 

Now that Halloween’s here, it’s his time to shine. 

“Every year I like to do 48 days of Halloween. So, I start the month before October to get people excited because… it’s always generally around Halloween when I build a following. I get all my followers, a majority of them, anyways, in October,” he said. 

Reis’ “48 Days of Halloween” series has brought him so much attention, he’s now booked through November. 

View this post on Instagram

48 Days of Halloween 🎃🍂 Day 28: Mummy Family 🏺⚰️🏺 Checkout the last 27 days if you missed them for more Halloween fun 🖤🎃⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Want out of the box family photos? I’m your guy 😊 ⁣ Wardrobe & makeup: @taelorfx Model: @batmanforevernw Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Shot on my SonyA6000

A post shared by Lance Reis | PDX Photographer (@kickassdesigns) on Oct 10, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT

“I would definitely say Halloween has brought the interest in my photography back to life,” Reis said. 

On Oct. 26, KOIN 6 News tagged along while Reis created a “Silent Hill” themed shoot with a model who goes by the name “Phony Ghost.” Reis turned the monochromatic hallway and stairwell of the Oregon City Municipal Elevator into a scene straight out of a horror movie. 

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Let’s see how many of you can guess the theme of today’s shoot 🎃 I’m so grateful for @amandaardennews coming along to get some behind the scenes footage & interviewing me for @koin6 . That should air tomorrow. When I know the time I’ll let you guys know. Huge thanks to @phonyghost for making this costume and modeling in 37 degree weather. 🥶 Didn’t even complain once. Hope you guys like them. Our first location was under construction so we had to call an audible last minute but I think this location worked 🤷‍♂️ Shot on my SonyA7iii

A post shared by Lance Reis | PDX Photographer (@kickassdesigns) on Oct 26, 2020 at 3:36pm PDT

Reis said he met Phony Ghost on Instagram. She also lives in the Portland area and the two have been working together during the pandemic. 

“I knew with my skills at photography and her makeup, we could create some amazing things,” Reis said. 

These days, it’s not just the people in front of Reis’ camera who are wearing masks. Reis also wears one to make his shoots as safe as possible. He said he already maintained six feet of distance between his models while on photo shoots, so he hasn’t had to make too many adjustments to adhere to safety guidelines.

Reis said he knows it won’t be a traditional Halloween this year, but said that shouldn’t stop people from doing something fun. He said one of the best things people can do to celebrate the holiday is to get dressed up in their costumes and go out for a photo shoot. 

He said just because you’re missing out on parties and trick-or-treating this year doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the memories of dressing up.