Embracing Autumn: Finding Inspiration in Every Detail
As the leaves turn to brilliant shades of amber, gold, and crimson, autumn presents a feast for the senses—and a perfect opportunity for you to capture the beauty of the season. Whether you have access to a National park or your local town park, or just your garden, this time of year invites us to look closely and find inspiration in our surroundings. Let’s explore how noticing the details can transform any location into the possibility for unique autumn images.
The Magic of Light
Autumn light is unique; it has a warm, golden quality that enhances colours and adds depth to images. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the softest light, ideal for capturing the nuances of fall foliage. Pay attention to how the sunlight filters through the trees, creating patterns on the ground. Those dappled shadows can add an enchanting element to your photos. Take the time to notice how the light falls and illuminates elements, no matter how simple.
This image here is of some grass that I noticed for its beautiful colours, but also the way the light was falling on it.
Tip: Look out for spotlights of light that illuminate the foliage
No matter how mundane, if light and colour meet, you have a recipe for success - don't dismiss the opportunity just because its just a tuft of grass!
Details Matter
While sweeping landscapes can be breathtaking, the small details often tell a more intimate story. Look closely at the textures of fallen leaves, the way dew clings to a spider's web, or the intricate patterns on the bark of a tree. These details can add layers to your photography, making each creation more engaging.
Tip: Get in close - use a macro or a zoom lens.
Get up close! A macro lens or the macro setting on your camera or smartphone can reveal a whole new world. I noticed this dead leaf on the floor and how it curled with its veins proud. I used my zoom lens to get in nice and close and with a shallow depth of field, focussed on the part that I wanted to draw attention to. These intimate shots can evoke the essence of autumn in ways that grand landscapes sometimes cannot.
Explore Your Environment
You don’t need to travel to a national park to find autumn inspiration. Your back garden local park, or even urban settings can offer countless photographic opportunities. Look for details in everyday scenes—perhaps a park bench surrounded by colourful leaves or a plant in your garden that is dying back ready for the winter.
I made this image of a hosta in a pot in my garden. It was almost dead, but I loved the colour and shapes it showed. I used my in camera multiple exposure setting to get a little more creative with 9 images overlaid on each other.
Tip: Change Your Perspective
Sometimes, the most creative images come from unconventional angles. Lie on the ground to capture leaves from below, or climb a small hill for a bird's-eye view of a colourful scene. Changing your perspective can reveal compositions you might otherwise miss.
Accept the Weather
Autumn often brings varied weather—sunny days, overcast skies, and even rainy spells. Each weather condition can create different moods in your photos. Misty mornings, for example, can add a mystical quality to your images, while a sunny afternoon can make colours vibrant and lively.
I absolutely love photographing in the mist. Although this image doesn't sing autumn with its colours, you can see it is on the way with the carpet of leaves on the floor and the lack of foliage on the branches above. With mist, you can explore compositions which embrace foreground elements, shapes and forms.
Tip: Don’t Shy Away from Overcast Days
Cloudy skies can serve as a giant softbox, diffusing light beautifully and reducing harsh shadows. This is particularly helpful for capturing the true colours of autumn foliage.
Embrace what you notice
Autumn photography need not be about leaves on the trees. In fact sometimes, the leaves on the floor, or the last one clinging to a bush make a wonderful contrast point to photograph. Become a little more contemplative in your photography process and react to what your eye is drawn to, no matter what anyone else might think about the subject matter.
Tip: Slow down and notice what speaks to you
When you slow your photography process down and start looking without expectation, you will be amazed how creative you can get
Explore different ways to make your photographs
Sometimes, exploring different photographic techniques can bring a new and interesting dimension to your images. Think about Intentional Camera movement, multiple exposure, slow shutter speed (to capture leaves as they fall or blow in the wind). In post production, play with different presets that add colour and interest.
I loved these silver birch trees, and the low autumn coloured bushes behind added the pop of autumn colour. I used a shutter speed of 2 seconds, F16, Iso 100 and a 6 stop filter with the Intentional camera movement technique. Moving the camera up and down the tree trunks multiple times while the shutter was open to create this beautiful soft result.
Tip: Explore what your camera and phone can do
Get your camera manual out or google the possibilities on your camera for multiple exposure, colour presets and colour balance. Phone apps have a multitude of possibilities. These can all add a new dimension to your images and make your exploration fun.
Your Creative Journey Awaits
As you venture into the season of falling leaves and crisp air, remember that inspiration is everywhere. By noticing the details in your environment and experimenting with light and perspective, you can transform any location into a canvas for your autumn photography.
So grab your camera, embrace the beauty of fall, and let your creativity flow!
I have also made a You Tube video on exploring autumn colour in your back garden. You can watch it here:
