Autumn is probably my favorite season out of the four we have here in the states. Not really because I feel the best or do the most, but because I sweat a lot (the cooler weather helps maintain that) and because I feel I look best in dark layers (I have the face/body/color tone for it). Pathetic reasons, I know.
But hey, when I'm comfortable with the crisp chill and looking good, I'm happy shooting. Just wanted to share with everyone some tips I've complied when it comes to shooting during fall.
-Focus on backlit leaves
This is something I really like to do all the time, and not just during autumn. The distinct shapes of each edge, curve, or wedge of the leaves start to pop out when there's that contrast between the light in the background, and the darker leave in the foreground. You might have difficulties metering this properly because you don't want you leaves to look washed out, but you don't want highlights in the background either. Doesn't work all the time, and you have to pick and choose you shots. But when it does, you'll be happy with the results.
-Tell the story of the season
Some of the best series I've seen show how our environment starts to change gradually. A series of photographs over a few weeks starting from leaf filled, luscious, vibrant areas start to fade. They don't go down without a fight though. Almost as if the tree puts out all her effort to show you she has something left, she'll explode with color. But inevitably, mother nature wins out. That trees/forrest's story deserves to be heard (better yet, seen).
-Play around with white balance
Being creative with your white-balance is one of the easiest ways to add that dimension of mood to your photographs. You can make things cooler and expose the death of life around you, of you can warm it up to show there's still life left even after the colors fade.
-Get a little wet
Shooting near a lake or river is great, but only if you can do it well. The reflection of the season bouncing back at you. You might even by lucky enough to find a still pond where the leaves blanket the surface of the water, but the trees in the background are completely naked.
-Catch the wind
Slowing down the shutter to capture the motion of the wind is great for fall photos. Take a picture of a pedestrian standing by the bus stop bundled, and see the wind blowing through their hair. You can even take a picture of colorful leaves flying around, going which way the wind takes them.
Please feel free to ad anything else you guys think would improve everyone's light capturing ability.
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