In many northern parts of the United States, leaves are turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow - offering photographers colorful and dramatic landscape photo opportunities.
If you are planning on photographing this most colorful of seasons, or if you have been disappointed with your past foliage pictures, here are some basic tips:- Timing is everything. Most professional photographers like to photograph foliage in the early morning and late afternoon. Why? Because the low angle of the sun produces "warm" colors and dramatic shadows.
- Enhance colors with filters. Filters can be a foliage photographer's best friend.
- Polarizing. When the sun is off to your side, this filter can darken a blue sky and whiten white clouds; it can also reduce glare on leaves caused by moisture. Polarizing filters are available at most camera stores. Cost ranges from $15 to $50.
- Singh-Ray Color Intensifier. This special-effect filter intensifies colors, which is beneficial when photographing foliage scenes on overcast days, during midday and when the leaves have passed their peak. Naturally, on picture-perfect days this filter adds brilliance to already colorful scenes. The Singh-Ray Color Intensifier filter is available from Singh-Ray at 1-800-486-5501. Cost is $166.
- Compose carefully. Composition is a key element in foliage photos. With so many colors in a landscape, photographers often try to include everything in a photograph. The result: a picture that is too busy, one that does not have a main subject.
When you see a scene you want to photograph, take a look through your viewfinder. Determine the main subject area. Then, carefully compose your picture so that the subject is easily identifiable. Basically, you want to follow this rule: Cut out the clutter. Another good tip: When you think you are close, move in (or zoom in) closer.
- Take a close look. Close-up photographs of fallen leaves, especially when framed on calm water, make interesting photographs. Here, too, compose your pictures carefully and cut out the surrounding clutter.
If you plan on taking close-up photographs, you will need a macro or close-focus lens. You may also need a tripod and an accessory flash. To be on the safe side, Be prepared.