Autumn has a way of stopping us in our tracks. đ The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the fiery reds, oranges, and golds stretching across the landscape create the perfect canvas for photographers. For many, fall isnât just a seasonâitâs an invitation to step outside with your camera and capture fleeting moments before winter rolls in.
Whether youâre wandering through a small New England town, hiking along a mountain trail, or simply noticing the changing leaves in your neighborhood park, fall offers endless opportunities for both beginner and seasoned photographers.
Why Fall is the Photographerâs Dream Season
Every season has its beauty, but autumn is unique:
- Dynamic color palettes: Nowhere else do we see nature transition through such a rich tapestry of reds, golds, and deep greens.
- Soft, flattering light: The sun sits lower in the sky, creating natural golden tones throughout the day.
- Atmospheric moods: Think misty mornings, fog rising off lakes, and warm sunlight glowing through bare branches.
- Cultural & seasonal elements: Pumpkins, apple orchards, harvest festivals, cozy sweaters, and rustic barns all add storytelling layers to your shots.
Itâs no wonder that fall has become one of the most photographed seasons worldwide. Although I tend to focus on landscapes as a whole, I have been slowing down and documenting the small things as well.
Choosing the Right Gear for Fall Photography
You donât need to carry your entire studio outdoors, but having the right tools makes a big difference. Please remember the best equipment is the equipment you can afford; do not take this as discouragement. I began my first five years as a photographer with a used Nikon D90 and an old-school 28-70mm f/2.8 lens. I hope everyone takes this as a general guide for a basic understanding, and that it gets you started with what you have. I’ll have a separate guide for photography exercises to help train your eye, which is the most important piece in photography.
Cameras
- DSLR or Mirrorless: Full control over settings and lenses for maximum creativity.
- Point-and-Shoot or Smartphone: Donât underestimate theseâmodern phones with computational photography can produce stunning fall shots.
Lenses
- Wide-Angle (16â35mm): Perfect for sweeping landscapes.
- Standard Zoom (24â70mm): Versatile for both portraits and foliage.
- Telephoto (70â200mm): Great for isolating colors in distant hills or compressing a scene.
- Macro Lens: Capture details like dew drops on leaves or the texture of bark.
Accessories
- Tripod: Essential for long exposures and crisp shots in low light.
- Polarizing Filter: Reduces glare and deepens sky color.
- Lens Hood: Helps reduce lens flare from autumnâs lower sun.
- Extra Batteries & Memory Cards: Cold weather drains batteries fasterâbe prepared.
Camera Settings for Stunning Fall Photos
Fall light changes quickly. Hereâs how to adjust:
- Aperture (f/8 â f/16): For sharp landscapes with everything in focus.
- Wide Aperture (f/2.8 â f/4): For portraits with creamy, blurred backgrounds.
- Shutter Speed: Fast (1/250+) for falling leaves; slow (1/10 â 1/30 with tripod) for dreamy water scenes.
- ISO: Keep it low (100â400) in daylight; raise it only in dim conditions.
- White Balance: Use âCloudyâ or âShadeâ to add warmth to foliage colors.
Pro Tip: Download the Fall Photography Cheat Sheet for quick references on these settings while youâre out in the field!
Best Lighting for Fall Foliage
Lighting makes or breaks a fall photo. Luckily, autumn gives us plenty to work with:
- Golden Hour (Sunrise/Sunset): Enhances reds and oranges, casting a magical glow.
- Overcast Days: Natureâs softboxâperfect for capturing saturated colors without harsh shadows.
- Foggy Mornings: Adds mood, mystery, and depth.
- Backlighting: Shooting toward the sun makes leaves glow like stained glass.
- Reflections: Water doubles the drama, especially during calm mornings.
Composition Tips for Capturing Fall
- Use Leading Lines: Trails, fences, or winding roads pull viewers into the frame.
- Frame with Nature: Branches and archways create a natural border.
- Look Down: Fallen leaves often make abstract patterns worth photographing.
- Include People: A person in a bright jacket or scarf gives scale and storytelling.
- Play with Contrast: Pair bright leaves with neutral backgrounds like rocks, water, or old buildings.
Must-Visit Spots for Fall Photography
If youâre lucky enough to be in New England (like me!), fall is unmatched. But no matter where you are, seek out:
- Forests & Trails: Canopies and paths framed by color.
- Lakes & Ponds: Reflection shots are magical.
- Urban Streets: Tree-lined avenues with fall architecture.
- Orchards & Farms: Pumpkins, hayrides, barns, and apple trees.
- Mountains & Vistas: Capture the rolling patchwork of colors.
Favorite Spots:
- Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
- Stowe, Vermont
- Arcadia Bar Harbour, Maine
- Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
- Western Massachusetts
- Mystic, Connecticut
- The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
- White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Mt. Monadnock, New Hampshire
- Mt. Washington, New Hampshire
Creative Fall Photography Ideas
- Falling Leaves Action Shot: Have a friend toss leaves in the airâuse burst mode.
- Pumpkin Portraits: Classic, cozy, and seasonal.
- Leaf Close-Ups: Focus on texture, veins, and color transitions.
- Silhouettes Against Sunset: Dramatic and timeless.
- Still Life: Apples in baskets, steaming mugs, cozy blankets with leaves sprinkled around.
- Paths: Long hallways, walkways, and covered long spaces
Editing Tips to Enhance Fall Photos
- Boost Warmth: Slight increase in temperature for golden tones.
- Increase Contrast: Makes colors pop.
- Saturation/Vibrance: Be careful not to overdo itâaim for natural richness.
- Highlight Recovery: Pull detail back from bright skies.
- Preset Magic: Create a âFall Lookâ preset to keep your images consistent.
Fall Photography as Self-Care
Photography in autumn isnât only about chasing the perfect shotâitâs about slowing down and being present. When you step outside with your camera:
- You notice small details (like the curve of a branch or the texture of bark).
- You give yourself permission to wander without an agenda.
- You create keepsakes of fleeting beauty to look back on in the colder months.
Fall photography is as much about mindfulness as it is about art
Donât let this season slip by without capturing it in your own unique way. đ
đ„ Download your free Fall Photography Cheat Sheet below!
Print it, tuck it in your camera bag, or save it on your phone. Itâs designed to give you quick reminders on camera settings, lighting tips, and composition tricks while youâre out in the field.
Fall only lasts a few short weeks, but the photos you take will last a lifetime. With the right gear, an eye for composition, and a bit of patience, you can create a portfolio of images that truly capture the essence of autumn.
Whether youâre documenting your neighborhood trees, traveling to capture peak foliage, or simply playing with light and shadow in your backyard, remember: photography is about more than the picture. Itâs about the experience, the quiet moments of awe, and the stories we tell through our lens.
So grab your camera, bundle up, and step outsideâthe leaves are waiting. đđž
Happy Foliage!
<3 Ann