Fall Color Fundamentals

There’s nothing quite like the change of seasons from summer to fall. The days become shorter, the nights grow longer and there’s a nip in the air. It’s the start of a special time for photographers—the arrival of autumn colors.

Cooler temperatures and shifts in atmospheric conditions are what prompt foliage to present brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow across the landscape. The flood of vivid colors is an opportunity for bold photographs—but can also be an overwhelming and challenging subject. Let’s consider some creative ways to bring out the best in your fall images, as well as some of my favorite locations to try these techniques.

Planning Your Trip

First, it’s essential to do some research. Before you head out on location, look for autumn images that you connect with visually and emotionally on the internet and in books. Once I know what moves me in a picture, I can then identify that concept in the scenes I encounter. Research allows me to find locations that I want to photograph.

Knowing where to go is the first piece of the puzzle, but equally important is timing. Research timing for past peak fall colors in the area you want to visit. Although it changes from year to year, looking at previous years can be very helpful in narrowing the timeline.

The peak of colors varies from state to state dramatically, and it can also