Photography Essentials: Fall Foliage

Summer has come to a close. Shorter, cooler days are upon us, meaning it's only a matter of time until the leaves take on their typical vibrant fall colors. For many, this is their favorite time of year to photograph. The window of opportunity is relatively short, with peak colors lasting for what seems like only a few days – making preparation crucial. 

Location, Location, Location

Location has a major impact on the timing of peak colors. If you’re based in the Northeast region of the U.S., you will find that there can be a several-week difference in the changing of color depending on the specific location. Places like Northern Maine may be several weeks ahead of southern New England and will likely pass peak color when other states are just beginning to peak. There are a number of websites that can help you predict both the timing of the color change as well as provide up-to-date information on the progress of the foliage. 

We recommend doing some research on the specific regions you’d like to hit and when they usually experience peak color. A quick Google search will reveal a number of fall hotspots, when and how to photograph them, and what can be expected of the trails. You’ll find that a lot of the spots you’ve seen on Instagram or in your research will become crowded rather quickly, especially on weekends. Don’t be afraid to break off the beaten path and search for your own unique compositions. 

Gearing Up

Capturing fall foliage can be accomplished in a number of ways and does not require an overwhelming amount of gear. There are, however, some essential pieces of equipment we’d recommend. First off, a tripod is a must. If you want to capture a long exposure shot of a river surrounded by bright orange foliage, you’ll need to have the added stability of a tripod. Unless you have a specific shot in mind that only requires you to shoot handheld, you’ll always want to have a tripod strapped to your bag. Choosing the right tripod will depend on what you plan on capturing and the excursions you plan on going on. For some, a lightweight travel tripod may fit the bill while for others a more robust tripod with added stability will suit their ambitious photography goals. We recommend the Specialist Series of tripods for their versatility in the field.

A circular polarizer will also be a great addition to your fall kit. A CPL filter will help you get the best color rendition by reducing unwanted reflections, improving contrast, and deepening color saturation. You won’t want to leave home without one. Next to a tripod, this will be the second most important accessory. Having a CPL on hand will help open up the variety of shots you can effectively capture. Anyone from the Northeast has likely seen an image of vibrant trees surrounding a covered bridge or trees stacked up along the banks of one of the many lakes in our region. Having a CPL filter will drastically improve the colors and reduce the reflections from the water.

Lens choice will greatly impact the variety of images you can capture. A wide-angle lens is a great starting point. Most people will have either a 16-35mm zoom lens or a wide-angle prime. These will be perfect for capturing the landscape in its entirety. When you want to capture the details of this season, having a bit more range can be helpful. Combine this with a zoom lens such as a 24-70 or something of the like and most of your needs will be met. If you’re really looking to have your bases covered, throwing a mid-range telephoto such as a 70-200mm into the mix can add a unique look to your images. At the long end, you can compress your foreground and background elements, opening up the creative possibilities. These three lenses will cover you in almost all of your photography pursuits so investing in them can be great for the long term. With that said, just having one lens is enough to get you started. Regardless of the focal length you can create some stunning images. Don’t be discouraged by a “lack” of gear. 

Concluding Thoughts

The fall provides some incredible photographic opportunities. Hitting your local trail or park or even making a road trip with some friends is an amazing way to experience this season. The beauty of capturing fall foliage is that it is not overly complicated. Monitor the color shift in your area and use the resources available to track foliage in regions that you are hoping to explore. Grab your camera, a tripod, and a CPL filter (hopefully a backpack too), and get out there!