With a smartphone camera always within reach, capturing life’s moments has never been easier. A highlight-reel-worthy play on the field. A milestone moment for a toddler. A brief encounter with wildlife. The joy of a loved one memorialized for all to see. We all have photo galleries filled with irreplaceable moments living on our mobile devices.  

With a little pre-planning and intention, your camera roll could be filled with images stunning enough to frame for that empty space on your wall. And there’s no better season for capturing the beauty of nature than fall.

Here are five tips for setting the scene for great fall foliage pictures: 

  1. Find the perfect backdrop. “Location, location, location,” isn’t just an apt refrain for buying real estate; it’s also the primary consideration for landscape photography. While the U.S. offers a smorgasbord of stunning backdrops from which to choose, capturing the grandeur of fall foliage doesn’t require vast landforms and/or extensive travel ... though one can hardly go wrong if selecting a destination from U.S. News & World Report’s top picks to see fall foliage.       
  2. Capture the vibrant colors. Fall is a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows and oranges that begs to be photographed with full saturation. (Black-and-white photos should be banned in the fall season!) Seek contrasting colors to highlight – whether from tree to tree or viewing a forest of vibrant hues against a clear, blue sky or green grass.
  3. Utilize nature’s special effects. While poor weather conditions can dampen your plans for a photo shoot (literally and figuratively), don’t let the forecast scare you away. An early-morning dew can add visual interest to your detailed close-up shots while a misty, foggy morning can add an element of mystery to your fall landscape.
  4. Incorporate additional visual interest. While it may feel clichéd to feature a covered bridge in your beautiful fall setting, it’s many a photographer’s focal point for good reason as it adds a bit of nostalgia and romance to a scene. Also take advantage of the reflections cast by bodies of water as they amplify color and add interest and depth to your photograph. If a bridge or lake isn’t nearby, a tree-lined street, walking path or rolling hills can add interest to your photo instead.
  5. Time it right. Let the Farmer’s Almanac’s Fall Foliage Color Map guide you with the best dates to capture peak foliage locations around the U.S. Yet, even if you’re in the right place at the right time, you’ll still want to set your alarm to take advantage of the best lighting. The “golden hour,” the time just after sunrise and before sunset, is often considered the ideal window to capture enhanced textures and shapes thanks to the soft, warm and diffused light.

Whether venturing to a nearby park or making your way to Fast Park enroute to a tried-and-true fall vacation destination, your masterpiece of nature’s splendor is just a few camera clicks away.  

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