Yes–that magical time of year when the air grows cold, the leaves turn colors and mountain storms thunder in and out with little warning. I absolutely love fall. Maybe it’s because it means that winter is close at hand, and soon enough I’ll be neck deep in Wasatch pow. Maybe it’s simply because there is such an array of beauty around every canyon corner. Color and contrast take on new meaning for anyone that has witnessed the sun rise over the Alpine Loop. Aspen leaves seem to be painted with pure gold at Guardsman Pass (some with a hint of red!). Seriously–I have a huge man crush on Fall and I don’t know that it will ever leave me.
Couple quick thoughts on fall photography:
1. Compose with light. At times it is difficult to capture the three-dimensional beauty of a fall scene because many mountainside vistas are fairly flat. Shoot when the sky is filled with spotty clouds and it the light will illuminate your scene in different areas, giving it a sense of depth and dimensionality.
2. Be there for first light. While some mid-day shooting can actually work ok in fall, nothing can showcase a grand vista like early morning light. I find that you have about 15-25 min. to really work a scene after sunrise before the reds and oranges being to appear a bit harsh. Aspen, on the other hand, hold their color much better towards the middle hours of the day.
3. Strive for dramatic skies. Need I say more? It adds an element of mystery and drama, and also helps the fall colors to pop.
4. Use a polarizer. It will deepen blue skies, make clouds pop, and most importantly–it will remove the natural sheen on fall foliage allowing its true color to be captured without reflecting light (instead of absorbing it).
Have fun out there!
