What is the difference between film photography (the kind used by cinematographers) and on-set photography? In the former case, it involves creating moving images within a film, while the latter involves capturing still photographs taken during the production of a film. On-set photography, specifically, requires different skills than film photography, as the goal is to capture static images that tell the story or capture the essence of the scenes, peering behind the scenes and more. On-set photographs are taken before or after the scenes, during the preparation of specific sequences, or at other times during production and can depict actors in contexts with attitudes similar to those that will appear in the film. Today, it’s these very images that interest us today, and we’ve decided to select our five favorite on-set photographs. All of them are from films perfect to watch during this spooky season, from Frankenstein to American Horror Story.

Frankenstein (1931), diretto da James Whale

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), directed by Wes Craven

Dark Shadows (2012), directed by Tim Burton

American Horror Story: Hotel (2015)

Joker (2019), directed by Todd Phillips