How to Photograph Autumn Leaves And Colors

Here's how to photograph autumn colors, near your home, or while on vacation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Plan a road trip. You'll need to get out on the open road in order to photograph scenic vistas, like colorful mountain valleys and overlooks.

2. Look online to see when the fall colors will appear in the destination you'll visit. This is especially important on the East Coast, where fall colors are monitored and reported online. In other areas, call a local visitor center, or ask local people when the fall colors are at their peak. Miss the colors and you'll only see bare trees.

3. Don't think you have to photograph only on sunny days. Slightly overcast days bring out different moods in the autumn splendor.

4. Try photographing during what's known as the "magic hour." That's one hour before the sun goes down, while orange light is hitting trees and buildings.

5. Go on walks through autumn paths and clearings to take shots of woods. Photograph buildings and structures alongside trees to provide scale and perspective. Don't forget water. Rivers and lakes provide excellent backdrops and foregrounds in fall photos.

[tclough]

on 8/13/2009 Good tips. I am taking a fall colors trip next month and this info will come in handy.