We all know what typical fall pictures are, right? Heady vistas taken from scenic overlooks, showing vast expanses of trees covered with brightly colored foliage. Those are beautiful, but what if you don’t have access to a scenic overlook at the peak of the season? Fear not! There are many other opportunities to capture that glorious fall color.
Get Closer
One way to capture fall color is to get closer. A single leaf or group of berries can fill the frame with dazzling colors. Close ups also tend to throw more distant objects out of focus, which is very useful if there are distracting objects in the background. Look for interesting shapes and color combinations to include in your photographs.
Look Beyond the Leaves
The leaves of trees and shrubs are not the only sources of brilliant fall colors. Look for the colors of berries, seed pods and fruits in the great outdoors. Fall is also harvest time and you can find pumpkins, apples and other colorful fruits and vegetables at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Don’t forget that fall has its own flowers. Chrysanthemums and sunflowers are just two of the many domestic and wild flowers that bloom during the fall months, and all are great photo subjects
Make Arrangements
Fall is a great time to photograph still life arrangements. Gather a selection of colorful fall items and bring them home with you. Add whatever props you like and start taking pictures. Still life work is great for those days when the fall weather is less than hospitable. You’ll have total control of the results and can really let your creativity show. Do a little research on composition and color combinations to give yourself a head start.
Be Audacious
If you want your fall photographs to stand out, you’re going to have to go where other people aren’t going. Be prepared to get a little dirty, risk a few bumps and scrapes, and have other people wonder what you are doing. Get down on the ground, and take some pictures from the perspective of a chipmunk. While you’re down there, roll over on your back and look up! There might be a picture up there. If you can do it safely, try an elevated position, too. Climb a tree, or stand on a bench or low wall. Try anything! What have you got to lose?