Friday, October 30, 2015

A Few Fall Photography Tips

by Deanna


I've been thinking about a post for most of the week. Well, not really. The thought would drift into my wee brain and then just as quickly drift away. And speaking of drifting, do you not just absolutely love Fall and all it's drifting, falling, turning leaves and oh my the colors.


I have been out with my camera quite a bit, because ya know, this prime time comes and goes so quickly and definitely a photographer's dream season, so wasting away these precious days is not an option. We have had quite a few VERY windy days (like today) which makes photographing those leaves a challenge. I don't care how fast your shutter speed is, the wind wins every time.  We have had some exceptional days with stunning blue skies and days with clouds and rain.  Both lend themselves very nicely to capturing those spectacular Fall colors.  And with an Arboretum just minutes from my home I am blessed to be able to see all the different kinds of leaves with all their shades of reds, oranges, and golds.


I was going to share tips and tricks for Fall Photography, but I figured that there are plenty of places out there on the net that will give you more than you ever wanted to know abut photographing in the Fall.  So I will just give you a few of my tips that I have found helpful in bringing out those oh so brief jewels of Fall.



First, I shoot with a Nikon D7100 and like Dotti posted last week her favorite lens is her Tamron 18-270 while my go-to is the Tamron 16-300, just a slight difference between the two. I find this lens is so versatile when I am out and about. It is able to give me a wide angle shot as well as a darn good macro and everything in between.


OK on with the tips....
  • I always shoot with a lower exposure....usually a whole stop plus sometimes more, depending on the brightness of the day.
  • I always have a circular polarizer on my lens. This little piece of glass fits on the outside of my Tamron lens and is a must for creating bluer skies and removing glaring reflections. (ie glass, water). By manually turning the polarizer you can see the difference it makes in your images creating greater saturation of colors.  I have a Tiffen which is only about $20 + depending on the size of your lens.  Trust me, it makes a world of difference. Sometimes I get so caught up in the moment I don't utilize it and then later I regret not taking that simple step. 
  • It doesn't matter if the sky is blue or grey, you can capture the brilliance in any weather. I like both. Even in rainy weather the leaves just sparkle and the trunks and branches turn somewhat darker in the wetness, creating even more of a dramatic background. 
  • Back lighting is gorgeous at this time of year. With the sun lower in the sky it illuminates the leaves.
Hope these few tips help you with your Fall Photography and that the season sticks around a while longer.  And just because I LOVE berries in the Fall....one more.


11 comments:

Sandra said...

Wonderful autumn shots, Deanna. I especially love that first one of the berries and the squirrel shot is so nicely composed.
It was interesting to hear about the equipment you use and your favourite lenses. I'm wondering if the Tamron 16-300 is a very heavy lens. It's amazing if you can still get good close-ups with such a big zoom lens. Your photographs are always so beautiful and high quality!

AFishGirl said...

Very interesting to read and lovely autumnal glory in your shots. Polarizer. Yes. Ah. I only ever think of it for water but yes, sky! Happy Friday, Deanna.

terriporter said...

Oh, someday I want to come visit you in the fall! Such spectacular beauty and so perfectly captured! The top berry shot has me swooning! You do amazing things with that lens, my friend. Thanks for the tips -- wish I had some fall color to try it out on!

CarolHart said...

Deanna your images are simply stunning! Great tips, especially the polarizer. I do have one but always seem to forget to use it. I agree it makes all the difference. Great post my friend. Happy Friday!

Barb said...

Loved your fall tips, Deanna. Now, you must write a post on snow shots (since I'm in white here already). I used a polarizer on my old DSLR but haven't put one on my micro 4/3. I don't know how you manage to handhold at 300mm! You must be super-steady! I have trouble at half that! I do like my zoom though for its versatility. You always manage to find the best possible light - your photos just glow.

Electric | Journal said...

Lovely shots, Deanna, especially the berries. This is my favorite time of year to ramble with my camera, too... can't get enough of the colors and the light. A polarizer is always on my 18-250 Sigma IS lens, and is absolutely a must-have tool for me. I'd rather take it off briefly when not needed, than risk not having it with me. I have a pro version that's thin, so it doesn't block as much light. I love your tip of underexposing; it really makes the fall colors sing.

Electric | Journal said...

Lovely shots, Deanna, especially the berries. This is my favorite time of year to ramble with my camera, too... can't get enough of the colors and the light. A polarizer is always on my 18-250 Sigma IS lens, and is absolutely a must-have tool for me. I'd rather take it off briefly when not needed, than risk not having it with me. I have a pro version that's thin, so it doesn't block as much light. I love your tip of underexposing; it really makes the fall colors sing.

Electric | Journal said...

Lovely shots, Deanna, especially the berries. This is my favorite time of year to ramble with my camera, too... can't get enough of the colors and the light. A polarizer is always on my 18-250 Sigma IS lens, and is absolutely a must-have tool for me. I'd rather take it off briefly when not needed, than risk not having it with me. I have a pro version that's thin, so it doesn't block as much light. I love your tip of underexposing; it really makes the fall colors sing.

Dotti said...

Your arboretum photos always delight me! And I love the tip about lowering the exposure. We've got some delightful berries on bushes out behind our house and I'm going to have to try that out on them! I might take a look at that lens when we're together next week!

Jeanne said...

Beautiful shots and great advice to capture the beauty of the season!

Sarah Huizenga said...

I do need to get a polarizer filter for my 17-55mm that would be beneficial.

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