Last Updated on January 13, 2019
It’s not hard to see why many love the fall: the season presents an outstanding burst of color. Each location also offers different shades and as such, you’re guaranteed a variety of scenes to capture whichever location you head to.
The pattern of color also inspires many to travel. Even those from places that experience autumn would cross the ocean to get a glimpse of a different kind of fall foliage. True, the kind of flora present has as much to do with the beauty you see as the variety of color.
But no matter where you go to photograph autumn colors, the principles of photography remain the same. At the same time, the gorgeousness of the scene before you presents opportunities to break the rules.
Frankly, you probably don’t need to do much given the shock amount of color provided during the fall season. But here are some autumn foliage photography tips to help you compose better shots that highlight all those lovely shades:
Decide on a location
You can take different kinds of fall foliage shots in the US alone; you just have to know where you want to go. If you like framing different flora with structures like a steepled church or a picket fence, New England is the place for you. If the site of rolling hills and open areas are more your thing, head to the mid-Atlantic states. If you decide to go West, then you will be greeted by mountains bursting with color.
Crossing continents will demand a lot more planning given you have to book at the right time and find a place to stay. You can check the tourism site of the country you plan on visiting to get more information.
Make sure there’s variety in your shots
It’s very tempting to shoot at the widest possible angle and at the farthest possible distance just to get all that stunning color in one shot. But doing so deprives you of the chance to compose shots from various points-of-view.
There is beauty in details and you should take advantage of what fall is able to provide. The options are endless: you can shoot a close up of leaves, you can capture foliage on the ground, and you can incorporate the surrounding settings – just to name a few.
It’s also important to remember that fall isn’t just for the leaves. People and animals make interesting subjects as well. So take the time to observe and capture interaction when you see them coming, be it a couple holding hands while walking down the street or a dog gleefully playing in a heap of leaves.
Try shooting during different weather conditions
Light is important in photographs, and what better way to emphasize those vibrant colors than by shooting a little after sunrise or sunset? The light during these times are rich and warm which make even better the colors of the leaves.
While sunny days are the best, overcast days – and even rainy days – bring something different to your photos. Just remember to keep out a lot of the white sky. Wet days even provide a brilliant opportunity for you to capture raindrops trickling from leaves.
The fall season is truly inspiring for photographers. Find different ways to capture subjects and you will surely come back with fond memories and great photos.
