Tips for Photographing Fall Foliage

Photographing fall foliage can result in beautiful images. Here are some tips to consider:

Tidal Basin, Washington, DC

• Scout your locations! Choose scenic spots with colorful leaves and track the timing of peak color

• Use a polarizing filter – it enhances colors and reduces glare. Use sidelighting to get the full effect.

• Slightly underexpose the image for deeper colors, more contrast and a more dramatic feel.

• Conversely for a lighter, more ethereal feel, slightly over-expose the image.

C&O Canal, Anglers, MD

• Use backlight to illuminate the colorful leaves from behind.

• Prioritize depth of field by using Aperture Priority or Manual Mode.

• Shoot during golden hour when the warm light enhances fall colors (the hour after sunrise or before sunset).

Blackwater Falls, Davis, WV

• Go out and photograph fall foliage during overcast and rainy days as well as sunny ones.

Japanese Maple Leaf, Hillwood, Washington, DC

• Try different angles: Experiment with composition. Capture the landscape, but don’t forget about the details!

Fall Foliage, South Riding, VA

• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try new techniques and subjects, such as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) or motion blur to create an abstract image.

Send your fall foliage photos to WPS ([email protected]) and we’ll post them on our Social Media Channels!

Photos by Sherryl Belinsky