![]() We were shooting at an overlook with a few dozen other photographers. For example, take a look at the below image that I captured together with my workshop group last week: NIKON D850 + 70-200mm f/2.8 95mm, ISO 64, 6/10, f/5.6 Since light levels drop significantly, the subtle colors emitting from the horizon could paint the landscape in a very different way. Couple that with fall colors and you could end up with very unique-looking images that are impossible to capture at sunset. I have personally observed situations where the actual sunset turned out to be rather boring with very few colors and yet the second sunset, roughly 15-20 minutes afterwards yielded a stunning display of colors. I have already written about why it is a good idea to stay after sunset due to the potential of a secondary sunset, which can take place way after the sun dips below the horizon. It can be tough to get up very early and be on location, but I always find it to be well worth it. In fact, when I travel in the fall or conduct workshops, I rarely miss sunrise opportunities. Sunrise photography can be very rewarding in the fall. And with clear air around, you will have no problem incorporating distant mountains into the scene. Such drastic temperature changes can bring in some fog, or if you shoot near a lake, you might see steam coming off of it, which will make the scene even more attractive to photograph. During the fall season, nights typically get very cold, with winds dying down and atmospheric haze significantly reduced. ![]() ![]() Shoot at Sunrise for Best ColorsĪs I have already explained in my “ Why Sunrises are Better than Sunsets” article, sunrises could be better than sunsets photographically, so if you can manage to get up early, you have a chance to capture something truly unique and interesting. In addition to these, I would recommend looking at various local message boards, forums and Facebook groups where locals often share their fall foliage trip reports. The Foliage Network (limited to Midwest, Northeast and Southeast US).Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map.Below is a list of websites I can recommend to look into: There are a number of different resources that you can take advantage of to see fall foliage reports. ![]() Ideally, it is best to scout the area beforehand or rely on reports from local residents, so that you know exactly when to plan out your trip. It is therefore important to plan well in advance, hopefully at least a few weeks before colors start to change at higher elevations. Droughts, rainfall, winds, freezing temperatures and early snow can all impact how soon trees will change their colors and how long their leaves will remain on them. In addition, there might be seasonal drifts and other weather patterns that might change exactly when fall colors will change. For example, we normally don’t see fall colors until late October in Denver, and yet if you plan on visiting some of the scenic mountains of Colorado, you will find that most colors will be gone by then, since everything starts about a month early at higher elevations. The main reason for this is differences in foliage timing – even slight differences in elevation can drastically influence how early or late fall colors will show up. ![]() While it might be tempting to just head out to photograph fall colors when you see leaves change outside your house, you might want to spend some time researching the locations you are about to visit beforehand. In this article, I want to share a few tips with our readers on how to best capture fall foliage. I have been photographing fall colors for many years now and I have been fortunate to acquire some knowledge on what specific tools and photography techniques work best in the field. Photographing fall foliage is a rewarding experience, as it presents very unique opportunities when capturing the transformation of otherwise boring locations into stunning displays of color. It is no secret that the fall / autumn season attracts many photographers to the most scenic locations of the world. ![]()
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