photo by DenisTangneyJr via iStock
Ah, fall. It’s upon us once again, which means it’s time to do another fall foliage photography tips list.
Fall is the moodiest season, which is why it’s my favorite season. It’s just cool enough outside to be able to shoot all day. People are starting to think about holiday cards, which means you are probably facing a serious influx of clients.
Fall, I’d argue, is the best season for photography.
With that in mind, use the tips I’ve outlined below to make the most of your fall foliage photography outings!
Fall Photography Tip #1: Look Down
Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash
While you should always be paying attention to your surroundings as a photographer, this tip goes a little beyond that.
Look down while you’re hiking to and from your final shoot location.
If the waterfall in the image above is your desired subject, look around it for opportunities to feature it in unique ways.
In this case, the rocks below the surface of the water, the boulders protruding from the stream, and the leaves draped across the rocks add lots of visual interest to the shot.
By looking down, this photographer found foreground elements to enhance their photo.
Photo by Cecile Vedemil on Unsplash
Of course, you can also use leaves you find on the ground to serve as your primary subject.
Pick up the brightest, most colorful leaves along your route so that when you finally reach your shooting destination you can strategically add color to your shots.
As shown above, these leaves not only have beautiful color but interesting shapes as well. Their veins offer interesting texture too.
Fall Photography Tip #2: Create a Mirrored Effect
photo by DenisTangneyJr via iStock
Nothing screams autumn like pumpkin spice lattes, corn mazes, and photos of fall foliage reflected in a lake.
But, not all fall foliage photography tips are the same and this one requires the perfect weather conditions, specifically as it pertains to the wind.
You can shoot incredible mirror like fall photos if it’s sunny or cloudy, foggy or clear.
But even a light breeze can turn calm, mirror like waters into a mess…
photo by DenisTangneyJr via iStock
What’s more, people fishing or canoeing can disturb the calmness of the water.
One way you can improve your chances of avoiding the wind and combat the crowds at the same time is to hit your location at sunrise. The lighting will be moodier and the lake will be less crowded.
You can also keep creating a mirrored effect long into the winter season. A lake reflecting bare trees is just as beautiful as one reflecting bright autumn leaves.
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Fall Photography Tip #3: Use Filters to Your Advantage
When you head out to shoot photos this fall, you want to be able to focus on your compositions, not on fiddling with your filters.
That means you need high-quality filters that make the process of using them a simpler task. That's something PolarPro specializes in...
Their new Summit series filters have tons of features that streamline the process of creating gorgeous photos of fall colors.
This system has an integrated circular polarizer slot that has easy-access control for manipulating the filter.
What's more, the Summit system has tool-free mounting options, a tool-less rail mount, and a snap-on hood attachment that make using this system a breeze.
PolarPro has made the Summit system super lightweight, too, so you don't have to carry a big, heavy, bulky set of filters around with you as you move from one location to the next.
It helps that each filter has an aluminum frame, as that reduces fingerprints on the filter glass while also maximizing protection for the filter. That means you'll spend more time shooting and less time cleaning your filters. Who doesn't want that?!
And since these filters are available in 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, and 95mm, you can find the right size for your specific needs.
If you're a landscape photographer and you don't have a good set of filters, the PolarPro Summit system is an excellent option for your adventures this fall.
Fall Photography Tip #4: Go Abstract
photo by shahfarshid via iStock
No season is better for creative, abstract photography than autumn.
The photo above has an abstract-looking background thanks to the shallow depth of field, but the single, lonely leaf is nicely sharp.
This gives you a nice contrast in the image between sharpness and blur to go with the light and dark that’s also going on in the photo.
Another option for an abstract fall photo is to blur the image on purpose.
With such gorgeous colors in abundance, the trees and leaves don’t necessarily have to be sharply in focus to still have an impact.
If you slow down the shutter and learn how to purposefully move your camera while the shutter is open, you can get some truly interesting results.
See what I mean in the video above by Get Crafty Photographers.
Fall Photography Tip #5: Protect Your Gear From the Elements
In my area, the weather in the fall can be quite unpredictable, and I’m assuming the same goes for where you live. That means you need to be prepared for inclement weather.
While you can bring a plastic bag to protect your camera and lens in the rain, they’re just plain difficult to use. You can’t see the camera’s LCD. It’s hard to reach and manipulate the camera’s buttons and dials. And it doesn’t keep the rain off the lens glass.
What I recommend is purchasing a Camera Canopy, aka the best under $100 camera gadget I’ve ever bought!
The Camera Canopy for your run-of-the-mill DSLR is just $87.99, and their brand new Camera Canopy for mirrorless cameras is even cheaper at $59.99.
It mounts directly to your camera and acts as a shield from all rain, hail, sleet, snow and dust. Which means no more messing with inefficient bad-weather protection.
Plus, Camera Canopy is a small company. I enjoy buying my camera equipment from small companies because their customer service is always top-notch.
For example, if you buy a Camera Canopy and are not entirely happy, they offer refunds through your first month of use. You don’t often find deals like that with big gear manufacturers!
I’ve had a Camera Canopy for quite a few months now, and it has been a reliable addition to my camera bag. Even if I’m out in a significant downpour, it works like a charm, keeps my gear dry, and allows me to keep on shooting.
What’s not to like about that?!
So, get ready for fall weather by investing in a Camera Canopy. Combined with the other tips outlined here, you’ll be more likely to capture gorgeous photos of the fall colors!
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