Master Fall Foliage Photography: 12 Essential Tips

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Hey there, fellow leaf-chasers! 🍂

Photographers’ favourite season is here – the enchanting days of fall. As the leaves begin their transformation, it’s time to try some creative approaches to enhance your fall foliage photography and capture the vibrant essence of autumn.

Get the Right Rain Cover for the Job (which might not be a rain cover)

Let’s start with the perennial problem: rain covers. We need to protect our gear, but they can be a real pain. Here’s a quick solution for those of you with small cameras – snatch a shower cap from your next hotel stay and tuck it into your camera bag. They are a low-cost, lightweight alternative that’ll keep your gear dry when those autumn showers surprise you.

I especially like to use them when I am trying to compose a scene while keeping my lens dry. You can see through them well enough to see the elements of a composition and get your frame just right. Then you can quickly hold it up when the shutter is open and put it back down after your shot.

Another nifty trick? Skip the cover altogether and opt for a small microfiber towel. Once it’s a bit damp, it won’t be flying off in the wind, and it’s a breeze to manage compared to rain covers or shower caps. Microfiber towels come in very handy and no camera bag is complete without one. They are perfect to wipe off a damp camera once you are out of the rain.

If you are planning to photograph during a downpour though (which I love!) and you really do need a proper rain cover, nothing beats a storm jacket. I have one for each of my long lenses that I like to use to photography wildlife in the rain.

White Sky Day? Focus on the Details

Photographers everywhere roll their eyes at the dreaded white sky days. We want drama, clouds with character! But when life gives you white skies, make the most of it. Just frame out that colourless expanse and focus on the intricate details. With no harsh shadows, the colours will sing softly and beautifully.

White Sky Days are Perfect for Long Exposures

The soft, even light found on a white sky day is a dream come true for long exposure photography. Grab yourself a neutral density filter, slow down your shutter speed to 1, 2, or even 5 seconds, and let those water scenes turn silky smooth.

If you do want to include that white sky in your composition, like I did in the waterfall above left, my favourite trick is to use the sky selection tool in Lightroom and cool the white balance by moving the slider towards the blue side.

Watch the Wind

Now, let’s talk about the wild wind – the sworn enemy of leafy subjects. When you’re photographing trees with tiny leaves, even a gentle breeze can play havoc with sharpness. Don’t cry over blurry shots; check your LCD screen before you pack up and, if needed, crank up that shutter speed.

Try Intentional Camera Movement

But what if it’s blustery beyond belief? Well, we can work with that! Get your creative juices flowing by intentionally moving your camera during the exposure. Plan for around one second, start your motion before clicking the shutter, and keep it going after. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a mesmerizing blur. It takes some practice, but it’s a lot of fun, and no two shots are ever the same.

Look for Reflections

Abstract water reflections – do I even need to say more? These are like nature’s hidden gems just waiting for your lens. Explore those dreamy reflections, and you’ll find a world of captivating compositions.

Change Your Perspective

Look up, look down, look through! Challenge yourself with a day out when you’re not allowed to take any eye level shots.

Bring Along a Prop

Now, here’s where your creativity can really shine. Think about what would look cool with a sprinkle of water droplets or covered in leaves? Get creative and bring along some props! It could be anything – a vintage umbrella, a rustic basket, a book, a children’s toy, a lantern, a musical instrument; take a look around and see what you have that might work. Let your imagination run wild and let those props add a splash of personality to your shots.

Making Sense of the Chaos: Finding Patterns

Look for the hidden order within nature’s chaos. Take a moment to observe the trees closely, seeking out recurring patterns in their branches, leaves, or even the way light filters through. Patterns in the branches reaching towards the sky or the layers of leaves can create visually striking compositions that tell a story of harmony within the wilderness.

Let the Sun Peek Through

One of my favourite techniques is to play peek-a-boo with the sun. Situate yourself so that the sun just barely peeks through a tree trunk casting a mesmerizing sunburst effect in your frame. Or use backlight by placing the sun behind the leaves to make them glow.

Collect Some Leaves

Leaves aren’t just for trees, my friend. Collect a handful and take them home for a little DIY project. Arrange them on a piece of rustic wood or a lightbox if you have one, and let their colours shine. It’s like creating your own fall masterpiece!

Find Your Go-To Location

Do you have a favourite location to return to again and again each year for your fall colour photography? I do! Mine is the Japanese Garden in Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC. Japanese Gardens always have fantastic fall colours and interesting subjects like a gazebo or a bamboo fountain. I love going back there each year to see what has changed.

What is yours? Please share it in the comments!

I hope these ideas have sparked some fresh inspiration for your fall foliage photography adventures. So, gear up, grab your camera, and let’s go capture the colours of autumn in a whole new light! 📷🍁

Please share!

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34 thoughts on “Master Fall Foliage Photography: 12 Essential Tips”

  1. William Clark Burkhardt

    Anne, Thank you for such an inspiring and excellent article. I’m glad the honeymoon is finally over and you have time to be back writing tutorials.

    Reply
  2. John Escoto

    Thank you Anne, I will use your suggestions when my wife & I will be in Gatlinburg, TN
    Great shots!!!
    Have fun with your Sea Adventures on Vestri.

    Safe travels, John

    Reply
  3. Lourdes

    Great tutorial and so inspiring! I look forward to reading your articles because you give great examples of creative photography. Thank you!

    Reply
  6. Terry L Kortness

    You have inspired me to get my camera out and start shooting again. White dreary Minnesota skys are not a reason to stay inside. I love the fall colors and your images as well!

    Reply
    1. Anne McKinnell

      We get some beautiful colours here on the west coast of Canada, but it doesn’t really compare to what I saw on the east coast of the USA. It is different everywhere. Do you have any Japanese gardens where you are? That could be something to try. Glad you enjoyed the photos!

      Reply
  14. Paul LeSage

    Great article. Great to have you back. It’s been so long I would be happy to read a blog you wrote on popping popcorn.

    Reply
    1. Anne McKinnell

      haha, well, I think that is the nicest comment I’ve ever received!

      It’s nice to be back. I think this is the first tutorial I’ve managed to write in years. It feels good to be getting back on track finally. I appreciate your support and for sticking with me through the tough times.

      Reply
  15. Janice Williams

    Anne, Thank you for sharing your pictures! They speak more than words can! And thank you for your suggestions on finding different things to work with, instead of giving up!

    Reply
    1. Anne McKinnell

      Thanks Janice! I’m glad to hear the photos speak for themselves because I find the writing part more difficult. I’m getting back into the swing of it though, so it will probably get easier the more I do it. Glad you enjoyed the tip about the props. That always adds another level of fun to photography.

      Reply

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