Fall Photo Ideas
Copyright 2012, Rose Clearfield
Fall is a wonderful time for outdoor photography, as there are so many colors and textures. Whether you are looking for new ideas for personal or professional shooting, there is a lot of inspiration here for both backgrounds and props. You can mix and match many of the ideas here for single shots (i.e. apples on a bed of leaves). You can also incorporate multiple ideas into a photo session (i.e. backgrounds with trees as well as backgrounds with water).
I have purposely chosen photo examples without people so that you can more easily envision these backgrounds and props with a variety of different individuals.
There are so many ways that you can use these fall photo ideas.
| Just a Few Possibilities |
|---|
Family Photos |
Senior Portraits |
Wedding Parties |
Engagement Shoots |
Baby Photos |
Maternity Shoots |
Kid Photography |
Trees
Trees are one of the most classic choices for fall photography, as there is such a rich variety of colors. Search out areas that are filled with a single color of leaves or switch it up and look for multiple colors. Consider different types of trees. Photographing areas with trees of different heights/ages can create visual interest. You don't need to include the entire tree in your photo. Focus on particular aspects of trees and shoot them from different angles.
Path In Between Trees
One of the basic rules of composition in photography in the leading line. There are numerous opportunities for capturing leading lines in nature throughout the year, including the fall. Leading lines can draw the eye in to a focal point or can create a visual narrative for a photo. Paths are one of the most obvious and effective leading lines for landscape shots. Seek out roads, sidewalks, and forest paths that are lined with trees.
Macro or Close Up of Leaves
Leaves are a great subject choice for macro or close up photography. If you are using a point and shoot camera, switch the camera to program mode and turn on the macro setting. It is the option that looks like a flower. Use the timer and ideally a tripod to get clear shots. I've linked several flower photography articles here, as many of the same principles apply to both flower and leaf photography.
- How to Photograph Flowers: Smartphone and Point and Shoot Macro Photography
Learn how to take great digital photos of flowers with these macro photography tips. This article includes camera tips, editing suggestions, and other considerations. - Photography Ideas With Canon Powershot SX210IS - Flowers
Learn how to take beautiful pictures of flowers with the Canon Powershot SX210IS
Basic Flower and Macro Photography
Pumpkins
Pumpkins make a perfect background or prop for fall photography. Look for different sizes and shapes. Consider squash as well. Again, look for varying sizes and shapes as well as colors. Local farmers markets are a great place to pick up different types of pumpkin and squash. If you don't want to invest in a lot of them, you may be able to shoot on location.
Corn
As with many of the food ideas here, corn can work as both a background (i.e. corn fields, a farm stand) or a prop. If you enjoy macro photography, look for ways to capture all of the detail in a single ear of corn. In addition to picked corn, seek out opportunities to photograph corn fields. Capturing the progression of corn growing can make a great photography series.
A Waterfall Among Changing Leaves
This will be one of the more challenging subject matters to find, but it is worth it if you have the opportunity. Vivid leaves contrast beautifully with clear, flowing water. Consider long, winding waterfalls, such as the one pictured on the right, as well as steep waterfalls with a dramatic flow. When there is a summer filled with ample rainfall, waterfalls will be full and flowing through the early fall.
Color Study
The colors of fall lend themselves naturally to a variety of color study techniques. Consider methods for highlighting particular colors as background or focal colors. Don't be afraid to experiment with black and white photography for neutral color studies. Black and white is a natural choice for photo sessions with people, but it can be used for landscape and macro photography as well.
- Chip It! by Sherwin-Williams
Turn any picture into a color palette instantly. - Color Scheme Designer 3
- *A photographic study in color, Henri Matisse style. : Tyson Robichaud Photo-blography
- 31 Stunning Black and White Subject Study Photos on Imagekind
Color Workshop 2-3: Color Study Process, Nathan Fowkes Study #1
Water Reflection of Trees/Fall Colors
After you've shot trees and leaves on their own, look for opportunities to shoot them in reflection. Consider lakes, rivers, streams, and puddles. There is nothing wrong with the "wow" factor of a large, clear body of water, but don't discount a local stream or even a puddle after it rains. Look for opportunities to incorporate other natural or man-made focal points, such as a bridge or railing. Additionally, challenge yourself to set up fall photography shoot with a water reflection of something besides a tree.
- 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography | Smashing Magazine
- Photography Tips for Water Reflections, Abstracts, Splashes, Puddles and More : PictureCorrect
Acorns
Acorns are yet another great option for fall macro photography. Consider different backgrounds for them. Do you want something textured like the example on the right or are you looking for something smooth and completely neutral? Experiment with different possibilities to figure out what works best for you. If you can't find real acorns or are looking to change up your prop, make or purchase craft acorns, such as needle felted acorns.
Apples
There are lots of possibilities for photographing apples. Use them as a prop for a baby or child photography shoot. Create an apple backdrop for virtually any type of shoot. Create still life apple shoots. Head to the farmers market or an apple orchard for a location shoot. Look for apples of different varieties, sizes, and colors. If you're taking photographing at an apple orchard, consider the different aspects of picking apples, such as the buckets, rotting apples on the ground, and other orchard activities, such as picking berries or eating donuts.
Fall Photography
More photography resources from the author.
- Fall Autumn Photography Props and Photo Shoot Ideas
This fall make your photography sessions complete with fun props, accessories, and backdrops. There are ideas here for babies, children, couples, and families including maternity and wedding options. - Travel Film Photography: Advantages of and Tips for Shooting with Film While on Vacation
Shooting with film is a simple, fairly inexpensive way to view a new environment differently and challenge yourself while traveling. Pick up a camera and a few rolls for your next trip! - How to Take Better Flower Pictures: Tips for Unique High Quality Photography
Are you working to improve your macro photography skills? Do you enjoy taking pictures of flowers and want to get better close up shots? Take the following tips to improve your pictures!
© 2012 Rose Clearfield
Comments
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 06, 2013:
Yes, for sure! I agree. I'm glad to hear it. :)
Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on October 06, 2013:
It's a perfect time to recirculate this hub. Fall is a beautiful time to take photos, and you've given several good ideas for photo ops!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 27, 2012:
Thanks so much, acaetnna! I agree with you about autumn.
acaetnna from Guildford on October 27, 2012:
A wonderful hub and such stunning photos. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 26, 2012:
Thanks, Happyboomernurse! You're right that fall is a great time of year to practice photography skills. There are so many beautiful colors, and the weather hasn't gotten too cold yet (for the most part anyway). I appreciate the votes.
Gail Sobotkin from South Carolina on October 26, 2012:
Thanks for the great tips and rationale behind each recommendation.
Fall is a fun time to practice photography skills.
Voted up across the board except for funny.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 23, 2012:
That's awesome, Jackie. :) I hear you on building a massive photo collection. I'm just beginning to figure out what I want to do with all of mine. Best of luck to you.
Vicki, thanks! That's great that you've had such a gorgeous season this year. Hopefully you can still get out and take a few photos before the beautiful colors are gone for the year.
Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on October 23, 2012:
Beautiful collection of ideas! We've had the most beautiful fall this year. I wish that I had time to take photos of this season. I'll be ready and able next year, I'm hoping! Many votes on this hub!
Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on October 23, 2012:
Those are great and what I am into right now! I love the gold and orange! I just keep on snapping, I know one day I need to do something with them! lol I bet I have 50,000 or more. Here's to many more for us both! ^
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 16, 2012:
Thanks so much, photostudiosupply!
photostudiosupply from Rochester, New York on October 16, 2012:
Great hub with very nice natural photography ideas!!! Keep it up dear...
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 05, 2012:
That's awesome, Cyndi. :) Thanks!
Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on October 05, 2012:
Beautiful hub! I'm linking to this in an upcoming fall photography hub I have coming. I love the pictures and ideas! Voted up and across and tweeted, too.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 05, 2012:
Thanks so much, livingsta!
Dahlia Ambrose from United Kingdom on October 05, 2012:
Wonderful hub with beautiful pictures! Voted up :)
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 20, 2012:
Thanks! I can't believe it either. That's awesome. :)
Leah Lefler from Western New York on August 20, 2012:
Oh, the photos are so beautiful. I can't believe we're heading into fall already! Fall photos are my favorite - I have gorgeous shots of my boys jumping in crisp leaves.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 16, 2012:
Thanks so much, Movie Master!
Movie Master from United Kingdom on August 16, 2012:
Excellent hub, useful information and great photos, thank you and voted up!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 16, 2012:
Thanks, Glimmer! If you have a good point and shoot model, such as Canon PowerShot, it's amazing what you can produce with a little expertise and a lot of practice. Best of luck to you. :)
Claudia Porter on August 16, 2012:
Beautiful hub and great tips. I really need to learn how to use my digital camera better! This hub just may be my inspiration.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 16, 2012:
Johanna, thanks! Yes for sure.
Thanks, Lightshare!
Lightshare on August 16, 2012:
Excellent random!!! Really the festival of colors -) -)
Johanna Baker on August 16, 2012:
Very nice and informative. Autumn is such a lovely time of year for photography and the photos can really be quite spectacular! Thanks
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 15, 2012:
Thanks so much, Mama Kim!
Aloe Kim on August 15, 2012:
These are wonderful ideas and it's packed full of great tips and links. Thank you for this great resource ^_^ voted up and useful!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 15, 2012:
That's great, Julie! :)
Blurter of Indiscretions from Clinton CT on August 15, 2012:
Fall is my most favorite time of year. Though not a photographer, I really appreciated a lot of these ideas..thank you :)
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 15, 2012:
Thanks, Om! That sounds like a gorgeous picture.
Thanks so much, meloncauli!
Thanks, Susie! In the fall, you'll have to visit a part of the country where the leaves do change.
susiebrown48 from Clearwater, FL on August 15, 2012:
Great photos and unique ideas, I wish I lived somewhere with changing leaves, ours are green all year round!
meloncauli from UK on August 15, 2012:
Brilliant hub. Really interesting, informative and some great photos. Voted up and shared.
Om Paramapoonya on August 15, 2012:
This is such a beautiful hub, Rose. I love reflection photos. In fact, my favorite photo of my own wedding is a water reflection shot of me and my husband standing on a ship!
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 15, 2012:
Thanks so much, rfmoran!
Russ Moran - The Write Stuff from Long Island, New York on August 15, 2012:
Voted up useful beautiful and awesome. Autumn will be here soon. Thanks for the great photo ideas.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 15, 2012:
Thanks so much for all of the feedback about this article!
aivzdog, that's awesome. :)
Janine, that's really neat about your husband. I'm sure that his pictures are amazing. I hope that he enjoys this.
Kelley, have fun with your pictures this fall!
Shasta, you're right about capturing the colors of fall. It's great to take advantage of those short-lived colors while you can.
Razlan Awal from Malaysia on August 15, 2012:
You have a lot of great ideas here and I love your main photo that was taken by you. Voted up and useful.
Eric Cramer from Chicagoland on August 15, 2012:
Great hub! I love the fall. Thanks for all of the wonderful tips. I can't wait to try them out!
Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on August 15, 2012:
Great ideas and beautiful photographs. Beautiful hub with equally good explanations.
carol stanley from Arizona on August 15, 2012:
Nothing to say but ..gorgeous. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos and makes fall look so appealing.
Shasta Matova from USA on August 15, 2012:
These are all great ideas. I love taking photos throughout the year, but there is something magical about taking photos in the fall, since most of the scenery is so short-lived. Voted up.
CassyLu1981 from Wilmington, NC on August 15, 2012:
Excellent hub!!!! I love taking fall photos! They always make the picture more magical :) Thanks for more great ideas!!!! Voted up, useful, and shared!
Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on August 15, 2012:
Great hub! You have given us some really good ideas for fall photography. I love taking pictures in the fall, there are so many different colors and almost anything can be a good subject. Voted this up and awesome! Have a great day! :)
kelleyward on August 15, 2012:
I love these ideas and photos. Fall is a beautiful time of year. Looking forward to using many tips you provided here. Voted up! Kelley
Janine Huldie from New York, New York on August 15, 2012:
Rose, wonderful article and your pictures are absolutely amazing. My husband is a photographer by nature, (taught photography courses) and works at Canon, so I am constantly amazed by the pictures and shots he gets when he wields his camera. Definitely loved this article though and will be sharing it with him. Voted up too!!
Mary from Cronulla NSW on August 15, 2012:
These are great photos...you have really captured the essence of autumn well...Up & awesome...cheers
prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on August 15, 2012:
Wow.....you have done a great job here. I really enjoy all the pictures here. Nice shoot and beautiful photograph. Thanks for share with us. Voted up!
Prasetio
aivzdog on August 14, 2012:
Wonderful article. I love to drive in the country during fall and take photos of the landscapes with the different color trees.
Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 14, 2012:
Yes, for sure! Thanks, RTalloni!
RTalloni on August 14, 2012:
You were not kidding, that is 21 impressive tree shots. Very soon I want to look this over more closely and be sure to check out all the links for it is a great look at fall photography ideas. Thanks much.
