4 Tips for Better Fall Photography

Sep 26, 2019

Fall is a wonderful time of year to get out and explore with a camera. Here are some simple things to keep in mind to give you better results.

Transitions

1. Pay Attention to the Sun:

Leaves are often most brilliant when the sun is behind them and shining through. Some bright sunshine can turn an ordinary looking Aspen grove into a dazzling display of brilliant gold. Also, look for opportunities to position the trees in front of a darker background. This will help them stand out.


2. Don’t be Afraid of Cloudy Weather:

Sometimes the more diffuse light that happens with cloudy weather really works well for a scene. Bright sunlight can be harsh when you’re trying to capture lots of delicate details. And, as with bright sunshine, it's often most effective to have the sun behind the leaves to really bring out the color.

3. Find a Focal Point for your Composition:

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a beautiful scene and just point your camera at it. Try not to fall into that trap (though we all have). Find a focal point or interesting subject and let that be the “hero” and let the other elements support it. In this case, the gold of the leaves in the distance is the main focal point, drawing the eye into the photo past the trunks.

Aspens After the Rain

 4. Use Dramatic or Unusual Angles:

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Use a wide angle lens. Or use a long lens. Get down on the ground. Get close. Sometimes a little change in angle is all it takes to create a different look and make an otherwise ordinary scene much more interesting.

Towering Giants

Use these tips and I'm confident you will have more success in your fall photography. Happy shooting!