A Touch of Autumn Photography
“Amidst the wet and unsettled weather of November, nature still offers us moments of beauty and inspiration. Take a step outside and witness the changing colours of the season, for it is in these moments that we find solace and rejuvenation.”
Stephen Paul Young
Table of Contents
First, Lets Talk about the Weather
November had arrived in its usual style, wet. The Atlantic is now pushing the usual unsettled weather our way. A Touch of Autumn Photography on a wet day walking the towpaths of the Kennet and Avon Canal can be dull, uninspiring or uneventful. However, It’s days like this that I’m reminded to take some time to get outside and enjoy the many benefits that being in nature can bring.
Taking time to enjoy the changing colours of the season, as the once green trees explode into beautiful shades of red, gold and orange, brings me many benefits. My first image on this wet Autumn day (below), reflects all of those Autumnal colours. The incessant drizzle rain had eased by this point thus allowing time to descend a slight embankment of wet grass. Then down on one knee to get as low as possible down on the wet grass.
Those trees all lit up by the light on the wet leaves.
Relax
Capturing the beauty of nature in such moments brings a sense of calmness and relaxation. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the autumnal colours provided a stunning backdrop for my photography.
Walking along the towpath, I couldn’t help but notice the many birds chirping and flying about, undisturbed by the rain. It was refreshing to witness the beauty of nature in its purest form.
As I continued my walk, I came across a narrowboat making its way through the canal. The colourful leaves served as a picturesque reflection in the water as the boat passed by, creating a lovely scene.
In the end, despite the rainy and gloomy weather, I was able to capture some beautiful autumn photography photographs that I am proud of. The experience served as a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life, such as the beauty of nature, and to take time to enjoy them.
A Touch of Autumn and Getting Outdoors
While Autumn can be all about the rich colours, the romantic soft images of couples holding hands taking a walk through the park, children kicking their way through the piles of dry leaves. Autumn in the movies doesn’t always reflect the reality of a wet Autumn in the UK.
Autumn Photography Ideas
Getting outdoors often provides the clarity I need in life, to focus, be creative and see the world in light and colour, seek out autumn photography ideas. However, the photograph below, devoid of colour, is often my reality. According to a number of studies, getting closer to nature can have a number of positive benefits on our emotional, physical and mental health. As well as lowering stress levels, research shows that people experience an improvement in their general mental health and mood. Breathing fresh air can offer mental clarity and emotional healing.
Being surrounded by greenery and the natural world has been proven to have a calming effect on the mind and body, and can even help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we spend time outdoors, we are able to disconnect from the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in and reconnect with ourselves and our surroundings. This allows us to clear our minds, and focus on the present moment.
Being outdoors often inspires creativity and innovation. Many artists, writers and musicians have found inspiration in nature, and studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. This is because nature stimulates our senses and allows us to experience a sense of awe and wonder, which can help us to think outside of the box and come up with new ideas for autumn photography.
Despite the many benefits of spending time outdoors, many of us find ourselves stuck inside for large portions of the day. This can be due to work commitments, family responsibilities or simply a lack of motivation. However, it is important to prioritise outdoor time, even if it is just a short walk in the park or a few minutes spent in the backyard. By making time for nature, we can improve our overall health and wellbeing, and find the clarity and inspiration we need to lead fulfilling lives. For me, A Touch of Autumn Photography is just what the doctor ordered.
Aldermaston Wharf, down the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath on a wet autumn day November 2022. Dark days are not always as dark and colourless as you think. Take a walk, breath the Autumn air, accept the UK weather! and enjoy the peace, see the light and feel good about yourself, go do a bit of a touch of autumn landscape photography.
My 5 Top Autumn Photography Tips
- Time your shots for peak autumn colours.
- Use warm, soft light during mornings and evenings.
- Focus on capturing details and textures.
- Include people for scale and storytelling.
- Utilise reflections in water for striking images.
Autumn Photography FAQs
1. How do you take autumn photography?
Taking autumn photography involves capturing the beauty of the fall season, with its vibrant colours and changing landscapes. Here are some tips to get you started:
a. Choose the Right Time: The best time for autumn photography is during the “golden hour,” which is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. The soft, warm light during this time enhances the colours and adds a magical touch to your photos.
b. Look for Colourful Subjects: Seek out areas with abundant autumn foliage, such as parks, forests, and lakeshores. Experiment with different compositions and perspectives to create visually striking images.
c. Use a Tripod: A sturdy tripod helps stabilise your camera, especially in low-light conditions or when using slow shutter speeds to capture the essence of flowing water or falling leaves.
d. Incorporate Water Elements: Reflections on water surfaces can add an extra dimension to your autumn photos. Look for ponds, lakes, or rivers to create stunning reflections of the Autumn colours.
e. Utilise Leading Lines: Use paths, roads, or fences to create leading lines that draw the viewer’s eye into the photo and towards the beautiful autumn scenery.
2. What are the best settings for autumn photography?
The ideal camera settings for autumn photography can vary depending on the specific scene and lighting conditions. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:
a. Aperture (f-stop): Use a mid-range aperture between f/8 and f/11 for most landscape shots to ensure a good depth of field, keeping both the foreground and background in focus.
b. Shutter Speed: Adjust your shutter speed based on the amount of available light. For handheld shots, try to keep the shutter speed faster than the focal length (e.g., 1/125s or faster for a 100mm lens) to avoid camera shake. If using a tripod, you can use slower shutter speeds to capture flowing water or create a sense of motion.
c. ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible (e.g., ISO 100-400) to maintain image quality and reduce noise in your photos.
d. White Balance: Set your white balance to “Daylight” or “Cloudy” to preserve the warm tones of autumn foliage. You can also shoot in RAW format to have more flexibility during post-processing.
3. How do you photograph autumn colours?
Photographing autumn colours effectively involves emphasising and capturing the vibrant hues of the season. Consider these tips:
a. Complement the Colours: Look for contrasting colours to complement the autumn tones. For instance, position red or orange leaves against a blue sky for a visually striking contrast.
b. Use a Polarising Filter: A polariser can reduce glare and reflections, making colours appear more saturated and vibrant. It is especially useful when photographing foliage or bodies of water.
c. Pay Attention to Composition: Create visually engaging compositions by incorporating leading lines, framing elements, and other compositional techniques to guide the viewer’s eye through the photo.
d. Utilise a Wide Aperture for Close-ups: When photographing individual leaves or small details, use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) to create a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background.
4. What camera settings are needed for autumn colours?
To capture the vivid autumn colours accurately, consider these camera settings:
a. Saturation and Vibrance: Adjust the saturation and vibrance settings in-camera or during post-processing to enhance the intensity of the colours without making them look unnatural.
b. Picture Styles (Picture Control): If your camera allows it, experiment with different picture styles to find the one that accentuates the colours and mood you want to convey.
c. Bracketing for Exposure: Use exposure bracketing to capture a series of shots at different exposures. This technique is helpful when dealing with challenging lighting conditions to ensure you have the best exposure for your autumn scenes.
Remember that the settings may vary depending on your camera model and the specific conditions you encounter. Always be open to experimenting and adjusting your settings to achieve the desired outcome in your autumn photography.
Autumn Landscape Photography Conclusion
See my other Autumn photography pics. Don’t forget, you can often see the images here on my blog, on my chosen print platform, photo4me. These guys have a fantastic product range from canvas prints to mugs, Supported by a global print and distribution network.
