Every autumn, orange-red hues, chilly air, and bright berries surround us. It is a season when melancholy and vibrant colors become a gift. Compelling autumn photos can only be achieved if several critical tips are followed. Learning these tips will not only result in brighter photos. It will advance a photographer’s ability to use lights, autumn scenes, and weather conditions to their advantage.
Read on to discover our tips for perfect autumn photos.
Why is autumn so special for photos?
All photographers know that some of the best shots are taken in soft light, right after sunrise and just before sunset. This works to your advantage at this time of year: although you might only have 5-10 hours of pure daylight (depending on where you’re situated), fall lighting can provide the ideal lighting conditions for your shoots. Late sunrises also mean you won’t have to set an alarm for 3 am to catch the morning light.
Fall images also symbolize the transition from summer to winter, making fall rich with emotional resonance. Of course, all seasons have their own distinctive imagery, but few can compete with fall leaves, misty days, radiant fireplaces, and changes in wildlife.
Autumn provides photographers with the opportunity to create stunning images in a variety of settings. To ensure that you don’t miss anything, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to shoot in autumn.
There’s more to it than pictures of falling leaves or classic autumn backgrounds. But what are the best things to shoot?
What to shoot in autumn

1. Mist
There’s nothing dreamier than gazing down at a blanket of mist over a valley – especially when there are hills and church spires in the composition. Fall is the best time to catch these conditions, which appear in the presence of a ‘temperature inversion’ (when a layer of warm air sits above cool air).
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to predict these conditions. However, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and watch for warm fronts. Head for an elevated area above a valley, as they retain cold air, which gets trapped by an incoming warm front. With a bit of luck, you may find yourself capturing a truly atmospheric photo.
2. People and pets
When photographing people and pets, why not include leaves to add movement? For example, a dog playing among leaves will create a colorful and lively scene. Meanwhile, when shooting people, why not throw some autumn leaves into the air to add additional action? However, you should leave room for error and take at least 5-10 photos, as you’ll find leaves blocking faces in some.
3. Trees
Of course, a classic – the burnt tones on an autumn tree. When searching for this shot, note that different tree species turn at different times, and their timing may also be affected by annual weather conditions. You’ll also need to remember that a tree sways in the wind, so you’ll want a short exposure to minimize blur. Finally, a ‘contre-jour’ photo setup (facing towards the sun) can look magical, especially in the woods.
4. Leaves, fungi, and other micro-features
Sometimes, weather conditions will fail you when it comes to capturing a landscape photo. But this might be a time to focus on the smaller features of autumn, like close-ups of a leaf. Fungi, mosses, berries, and spider webs are some seasonal feature that could also make for interesting pictures.
5. Sky
The sky can be very moody and picturesque in the fall. Invert the normal ‘rule of thirds’ by allowing the sky to occupy two-thirds of the photo, and land to occupy one-third. You may find it useful to use ND grad filters, to avoid exposure issues due to contrast. Again, take 5-10 shots at different settings, as some may end up overexposed.
6. Wildlife
The animal kingdom has its own autumn traditions. Squirrels bustle around and get ready for hibernation. A shot of one carrying acorns to its hideout would make a cute image. A long telephoto lens is ideal for getting detailed photos without disturbing any animals.
Meanwhile, the cries of deer can be heard across moors and hills, as they enter their mating season around October. Stag antlers, which have been growing all year, reach great size. Capturing two males locking antlers in a pitched battle for a female would make for a dramatic shot. Again, keep your distance by using a long lens. Try using a wide aperture, along with a telephoto lens. This will bring the deer forward from the landscape.
7. Sounds
Autumn has its own music, from the sounds of swallows and robins to the rustle of walking on crunchy leaves. A photograph can’t capture the song of birds or the babbling of a brook, but you might want to consider video content to take in the gentle sounds of the season.
Final autumn-focused tips for great shots
Among the most practical tips are the following:
- Shoot in lower lighting conditions, especially from 5-10 am and 5-10 pm (depending on your location). You’ll often need longer exposure times. This means that a good tripod is an essential piece of equipment.
- Consider what gear you need for unpredictable autumn weather conditions. A waterproof cover for your camera, as well as a good jacket for yourself.
- Pack equipment to warm up your hands. If you’re taking wildlife shots or pictures in the early morning, you’ll find that holding a camera for an extended period will quickly chill your hands, so pack some gloves.
Wrapping up
For those prepared to look, autumn is rich in opportunities for unusual, colorful, and atmospheric photos. Think outside the box, and you’ll discover how rewarding this time of year is for photographers.!
Also read: Significant Things Your Wedding Photographers Wish You Knew