Camera Settings
The key to great autumn pictures is choosing the correct settings on the camera. Many cameras have the option of the macro function. If your camera has this capability make sure you use this setting. Use this setting only when shooting close up. However, taking wide angle shots can also be done.
In order to accurately capture the vivid colors of autumn, experiment with your ISO setting until you find the perfect setting to accurately capture the colors in the image. Your camera may also have a setting to allow you to adjust the strong and soft colors in an image. Taking the time to experiment with this two things can mean the difference between a good photo and a great photo.
Autumn Essence
When taking autumn pictures it is important to capture the essence of autumn in the image. This means the chilly air, crunching leaves, and any other essence associated with the season. There are many ways this can be done. The easiest way is to take a portrait outdoors. When taking a portrait, have the subject wear clothing to show they are bundled up to be protected from the weather. Many photographers choose not to have the subject as the focal point of the image. Instead, they often center the subject to the left or the right.
Details
You can also do many tricks to add other details of the season into the image. Paying attention to details can let you add detail to whether it is early fall or late fall into the image. In order to do this you must choose the best viewpoint. To capture early autumn, you can take an image of an area that has a light covering of leaves on the foreground and show the trees in the background that still have leaves remaining on them.
Late autumn can also be captured in an image. To do this, you do the opposite of what you did with early autumn. Find an area that has a solid covering of leaves on the ground. Include trees that are almost bare of leaves to show it is late autumn.
Viewpoints
When taking autumn pictures, it is important to choose the best viewpoint. Many photographers choose to take autumn images from a low position, such as while kneeling. This provides you with an interesting angle for the image. When choosing a viewpoint watch for areas that have strong shadows. Avoid these areas because they will darken an image and cause the colors to look dull.
Other Tips
Using the tele settings is a great idea. This is perfect for isolating certain subjects or objects in an image. It will cause the focal point to be sharp while the background of the image remains blurred.
It is important to add contrast into an autumn image. You must be careful when doing this because too much contrast can clutter the image and make it loose its quality. Adding simple objects of nature, such as a boulder, is a great way to add contrast into an image. You can use the sky as a natural back drop to add contrast into an autumn image.
