Chasing Fall Foliage — PROMASTER BLOG

Fall is a season like no other for photographers. As the leaves turn deep shades of red, orange and yellow, landscapes transform into remarkable scenes that are limited for just a few weeks out of the year. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, capturing the visuals of fall requires some preparation, the right gear, and a fresh eye on composition. This guide will help you make the most of this stunning season, no matter where you are or your experience level.

Planning for Peak

To capture the best of fall, timing is everything. The peak season varies every year depending on where you are, so it’s important to do some research. Start by consulting local resources like fall foliage maps, which are often available from tourism boards or nature organizations. You can find these resources on social media, your state’s DNR pages, or national sites like ExploreFall. These maps predict when and where the leaves will be at their most vibrant.

As an example, the New England region is famous for their peak colors, which typically peak in late September to early October, while areas further south, such as the Appalachian Mountains, may peak later into October. In addition to using the aforementioned resources, one of my personal favorite methods for location scouting is Google Maps. I am essentially married to satellite and Street View options so I can scout potential locations prior to making the trek. Parks, rural roads, lakes and scenic byways often provide stunning scenes that are worth checking out.

Social media is another great way to stay informed. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have communities dedicated to fall photography where members share real-time updates on color changes and the best spots to visit. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local park rangers, fellow photographers, or local camera stores for tips as well – some of them may have insider knowledge about hidden gems that are a must see.

Must Have Accessories for Fall Foliage

Circular Polarizer (CPL): This filter is a must-have for reducing glare from surfaces like water or wet leaves. CPLs can help enhance and bring back any lost color saturation. A CPL can also make the sky appear a richer blue, creating much more dynamic contrast with the warm tones of the leaves below. ProMaster’s HGX Prime CPLs never leave my lenses during this season. I can promise it won’t leave your lenses once you try it out.

Tripod: As the days grow shorter and light becomes more limited, a tripod becomes crucial. It allows for longer exposures with lower ISO settings, which is imperative for maintaining image quality in low light at dusk, dawn, or even in the middle of the day when you may be under a canopy of trees. Additionally, using a tripod lets you experiment with smaller apertures (like f/8 to f/13), ensuring sharpness throughout the image. If you’re someone like me who heavily relies on precise compositions, Epoch is my go-to tripod when I’m out and about. For the quicker, more cut and dry tripod needs, the XC-M lineup never fails me, either.

Camera Poncho: Never discount the chance of rain or even snow impacting your fall shoots. Personally, I love shooting in the rain, as it offers a unique mood and appearance of a scene that sunlight can’t compete with. Having a poncho for my camera that I can wrap around ensures that I’m taking care of my expensive gear.

Composing Your Fall Photos

Composition is the heart of any good photograph, and it’s especially important when capturing the rich textures and colors of fall. Here are some techniques to consider:

Rule of Thirds: This is the classic, yet still one of the most powerful compositional tools. By dividing your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines, you create a grid where you can place your subject along these lines or at their intersections. In fall photography, this might mean positioning a line of trees or a flowing river along one of these lines, guiding the viewer’s eye through the image.

Golden Ratio: Similar to the rule of thirds but more mathematically complex, the golden ratio has been used by artists for centuries to create balanced and harmonious compositions. While it might seem daunting at first, the golden ratio can help you compose your shots in a way that feels naturally pleasing to the viewer.

Leading Lines: These are the elements in a landscape that guide the viewer’s eye toward a specific point in the photograph. Roads, rivers, fences, or rows of trees can all serve as leading lines. In the context of fall, leading lines can help draw attention to the vibrant colors and textures in the scene, adding depth and interest to your photos.

Finding Lone Color: This element is a personal favorite of mine during the fall season. No matter how perfectly timed you may have planned for peak color, there will still be leaves that are either late to change or early to change. Keep a close eye out for colorful contrast, especially with shades like yellow and green or red and yellow. This can offer a unique compositional opportunity to create more intimate scenes.

Additional Techniques to Enhance Fall Colors

Once you’ve captured your shots, post-processing can help you bring out the best in them. Here are some tips:

White Balance: While it’s important to get your white balance as close as possible in-camera, shooting in RAW allows you to adjust it when post-processing. Fall colors often benefit from a slightly warmer white balance, which can enhance the reds, oranges, and yellows. However, try not to overdo it—aim for a natural look that accurately reflects the scene and revisit the colors later.

Exposure Compensation: Underexposing your photos slightly can help preserve detail in the highlights, especially when shooting bright, reflective foliage. Although a CPL can help reduce these reflections, it’s important to preserve as much color as you can. Overexposure can wash things out, so it’s important to keep an eye on your camera’s histogram. Consider bracketing your exposures to give yourself more flexibility in post-processing. I often shoot at an EV of -0.3 to -0.7.

Histogram Awareness: The histogram is a powerful tool that can help you assess your exposure in real-time. It shows the distribution of tones in your image, from shadows on the left to highlights on the right. A balanced histogram typically indicates a well-exposed photo, with detail preserved in both the shadows and highlights. Pay close attention to it, especially when shooting scenes with high contrast. Going back to what I mentioned about exposure compensation, the histogram will often be exposed to the left (ETTL). As you edit, you’ll notice how the histogram changes and moves.

Capturing the beauty of fall is a rewarding experience, but it requires a thoughtful and authentic approach. To truly make the most of your time, preparation, the right tools, and a strong sense of composition are essential. Beyond the technical aspects, fall is about embracing the moment—waking up early to chase the best light, finding unique perspectives that tell the story of the season and the highlights of transition. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques or take risks in your compositions. Some of the most memorable photos come from breaking the rules of art and following your instincts. Immerse yourself in the season’s colors, and let your creativity flow. I know I will, and I look forward to those who I run into out under the trees.