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7 Must-Know Tips for Beautiful Fall Photography

7 Must-Know Tips for Beautiful Fall Photography

October 1, 2015891Views

It’s that time of year again! Nights are getting cooler, Halloween candy is starting to appear on store shelves, and pretty much everything is pumpkin spice flavored or scented. One of the most delightful and beautiful things about autumn is the changing leaves. If you really want to capture all the multi-hued glory of this yearly phenomenon, read on for some handy tips to make the most of your fall photography.

1. Light

Winter sunrise feature
Photo from Cristina Gottardi/Unsplash

Don’t worry about the weather. An overcast day can actually offer better color intensity than bright sunlight. This gives you soft, even light. You can also showcase how light looks different as the seasons change. The colors of the sunset and sunrise are more dramatic in cooler weather. Think about juxtaposing the brightly colored leaves against the backdrop of a grey, stormy sky.

2. Steadiness

Bring a tripod, especially if you are going to be using longer exposure times. Take the time to set a nice, level shot and in setting your focus. Using a tripod will give you crisp, clear images. If you’re using our phone, brace your elbows into your sides to help steady your hands, or rest your arms on a fence or tabletop for support.

3. Texture

Wood Chips Feature
Photo from Brian Wangenheim/Unsplash

Add depth to your photos by including things with texture like stones or stacks of firewood. The contrast between the softness of the leaves and the harder edges will add dimension to your photos.

4. Contrast

Look for ways to show the contrast between the leaves that are still green and the vibrant reds, yellows, and orange of those that have turned to demonstrate the seasonal change in progress. Focus on a bright pop of color in a field of green, or that single branch that refuses to change to match his gold and red neighbors.

5. Focus

Spider on leaf
Photo from Wynand Uys/Unsplash

While wide angle shots of vast hillsides are beautiful, try some close up shots as well as panoramic views. Focusing on a single leaf or a cluster of color can bring out the fine details in the shapes and shadows of the leaves.

6. Angle

Cameraman angled shot
Photo from charley pangus/Unsplash

Experiment with different angles. You can crouch or lay on the ground to get a close up of a leaf lying on the forest floor, or lay on your back and shoot straight up through the colorful canopy above.

7. Location

San Juan National Forest
Photo from Caleb Kastein/Unsplash

Of course, where you take your pictures is probably the most important factor in getting the most stunning images. Research peak fall foliage times for the region you live in, or plan to travel to. Pack up your camera, tripod, and some pumpkin spice cocoa and get ready to share some great shots of the changing landscape.

Wrapping up our list on Fall photography, we thought you might also like 5 Wildlife Photography Tips for Gorgeous Photos!

Featuerd Image from eberhard 🖐 grossgasteiger/Unsplash