The crisp blue sky compliments bright yellow leaves of Big Leaf Maples.
Our days are getting cooler and with the crisp air we find the green leaves of summer turning gold, red, and orange. Pumpkins are ripening, apples are a burnished red, and children’s cheeks are rosy from autumn’s breezy caress. We turn from a rainbow of green to the vivid warmth of autumn colors. It amuses me that when the earth cools down, it is when the colors bring the vision of warmth. These sunny colors that mark the end of summer are a favorite for many photographers to photograph including me. In this article, I’ll give you some ideas on making the most of the photographic potential this season offers.
First let’s make a plan. You don’t have to go to New England for fall color - while New England is famous for their vibrant hillsides of orange and red, you can find fall color in your backyard. A few years ago, I traveled to Oklahoma for the turning of the leaves and was not in the least disappointed. You can stay in your own backyard if you’re unable to travel. Keep your eye on what’s happening out your window so you can hop out with your camera at a moment’s notice. This handy map will tell you when the colors in your area are expected to peak. But don’t just wait until peak, head out when the colors are just starting or are patchy. The contrast between the warm tones of turned leaves and the leaves still holding onto their summer greens make beautiful images.
Raindrops add a touch of autumn weather to your small scenes
Think about the time of day you want to go out: early morning, mid-day, late afternoon, golden hour. Each of these time frames offer a different lighting perspective for your images. During the early morning and late afternoon, sunlight slants through the atmosphere and forest to create a glowing light over the land. Leaves take on a translucent feel, like stained glass in a church. Shadows emphasize highlighted leaves to spotlight colors and textures. Mid-day shouldn’t be shunned. We often think that midday light is too harsh for photography, but not in the fall. The sun is a little lower in the sky and gives a more even look to the forest. Photograph with the sun to your back and place the colorful leaves against the blue sky. You might be surprised by the playful color tones. Of course golden hour is as wonderful in the fall as any other time of the year. You want gold tone on your leaves, well the golden hour will give those to you - in abundance. Once last idea to think about with timing is sunrise and sunset. As the sky lights up in brilliant hues of pink and purple, your yellow and gold trees will add an even more dramatic flare.
While we’ve been talking about sunny days, should you stay home when the weather turns gray? Oh, heck no! Even on rainy days, you need to grab your camera and head outside. Gray days are brightened by the color in the trees that can add drama to stormy skies. Rain on leaves make the trees look like they’re adorned with sparkling jewels. Make sure you ring your polarizing filter to help cut the glare on wet leaves - even on cloudy days, leaves can have a bit of glare on them. If you wake up to fog, then heading out into your local woods is an absolute must. Forest scenes are simplified in the fog, Colors stand out in the fog. Stately trees are isolated beauties in the fog. I encourage you to head out any day in the fall to photograph the colors.
Don’t forget to photograph all the essential elements that make this season enjoyable.
While you’re walking through the autumn-kissed forest surrounded by all the beauty, remember to look for the small scenes. We love those grand views filled with color, but autumn can be pictured with small details. Look for groupings of leaves on the ground or in puddles. Photograph the textures for a gourd at your local farmer’s market. Follow your children as they run through leaves. Be creative and find different ways to convey the season beyond the beautiful tree with colorful leaves. With any luck, you’ll pass the day away without even regretting that summer is gone.
While autumn colors only last for a few weeks, there is no reason to sit at home wondering what to photograph now. Head outside and enjoy the photographic bounty the season offers.