Autumn is one of the most visually dynamic seasons to photograph. As chlorophyll fades from the leaves, rich reds, golds, and ambers emerge — often paired with misty mornings, soft sunlight, and crisp shadows. The season’s color palette does half the work for you — if you know how to let it speak without overcomplicating the scene.

Reading the Light

• Golden hour lasts longer in autumn — use that low, angled light to emphasize depth and texture.
• Morning fog adds contrast and atmosphere without needing artificial effects.
• Overcast days are ideal for saturated colors — leaves appear richer when not blown out by harsh sun.
• Midday sun can work if the trees are backlit — translucent leaves glow when hit from behind.

Working with Color

• Look for color contrasts: a fox in golden grass, a dark bear against bright foliage, a deer framed by yellow birch trees.
• Use fallen leaves as foreground interest — scattered color can lead the eye through the frame.
• Be mindful of clutter — autumn scenes are busy; simplify your composition to avoid overwhelming the subject.
• Let color guide your focal point — place animals where they naturally stand out without overexposing the background.

In-Camera Tips

• Use a slightly lower ISO to preserve subtle color shifts in leaves and fur.
• Shoot RAW to recover details in highlights and shadows during editing.
• Try spot metering on your subject when shooting in mixed light — it keeps the exposure balanced.
• Use a polarizing filter to cut glare on wet leaves and deepen sky tones without pushing saturation later.

Editing for Autumn

• Boost vibrance slightly — avoid high saturation, which can make leaves look artificial.
• Warm up the white balance a few degrees to enhance the golden tones naturally present in autumn light.
• Lift shadows gently to reveal texture in fur or feathers, especially if your subject is backlit.
• Use local adjustments (like radial filters) to guide the viewer’s attention toward your subject — not away from it.

Autumn offers some of the richest tones nature can give you — but restraint is key. Let the season speak for itself. When you balance color with contrast and light with patience, you’ll capture more than just a scene. You’ll capture a feeling.