Playing with lights can create different horror effects on objects. A direct light or underexposure on a face can make a variety of distortions. Using silhouette can add illusions on shadows, it defies the real size and form of the source.
A photographer might be interested in capturing the human element because taking a picture of an actual human may be more natural then taking a picture of something else... I didn't really get the answer so I tried to answer to the best of my ability. hope this helps. good luck! :))