Halloween, Halloween.

What do you know about Halloween? Do you see it as a night with aged-old creepy mysteries, witches, black cats and ghastly jack-o'-lanterns? Or do you perceive it as a big neighbourhood costume party with kids running from house to house to trick or treat?

The history of Halloween, alike many other festivals' history is inspired by traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. Word has it that Halloween is an influence from many cultures over the centuries - from the Roman's Pomona Day, to the Celtic festival of Samhain, to the Christian holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days.

According to the Wikipedia, Halloween marks the end of a year's cycle or the end of a harvest season � the �Celtic New Year�. As time passes, more of its originality and custom are distorted with newer additions and alterations, making it into a social celebration now celebrated throughout the world, with kids dressed as their favourite superheroes and villains, feasting on candies and junk food.

The same goes to traditional stock photos library, slowly declining throughout the years to make way for Microstocks images. Why? As gadgets are easier accessible and the use of internet as a viable resource/platform for online news, publication and advertisements rise, the demand for stock photography follows suit. Which is why the microstock industry is now booming and taking its turn of the 'cycle'...

Taken from a business report published by The New York Times, 30th July 2008, Halloween is currently the nation's eighth most popular occasion for sending greeting cards. It is estimated that 28 million cards will be sent this year, a 5 million increase compared to last year, with roughly two-thirds sent to adults. Advertisements are also on the rise on such occasion, making images highly sort after (again, if there's production, there's image demand!).

Here's some great Halloween images our image researchers and editors have found for you at 123RF!

Speaking about Halloween and images, have you ever tried turning someone into a ghastly witch? Or turning your front porch into a horrific scene? Or turning yourself into a rotten, gangrene monster? For a little learn-how, follow the links below and start churning up some good stuffs for the season. When you are good to go, why not spook your friends with those new found knowledge?!

Links or samples of photoshopped Halloween images or tutorials:

• PSDTuts - Transforming a Daylight Image Into a Wild Night
• dphotojournal: Transform someone into a Zombie!
• TOPTut - Transform a Woman into a Vampire Witch!

Remember, Halloween is not always about witches, ghosts and pumpkins. Check out our lightbox for the finest Halloween themed images and you will come across many new ideas and inspirations. If you are planning to purchase one, well, make sure it's from 123RF - the only site that gives you the scariest images at the best prices!

Happy Halloween!

by alex@123rf

Season's Greetings