Exploring Vermont Fall Foliage
Guest post by my friend Linda Baird-White of Vermont perspectives. You can also find her on Facebook at Linda Baird-White.
Welcome to my home state of Vermont
Autumn signs are now emerging through the movement of wildlife, harvests and trees like the swamp maples that turn earlier. Very soon smoke will be curling from chimneys in the countryside signaling Summer’s departure and Autumn’s arrival. I’m starting to feel the “wander lust” urges to travel the back roads in search of brightly colored hillsides, country lanes, Foliage Festivals and Harvest Suppers.
One of the great things about Vermont is that you don’t have to travel a great distance in any direction to experience a New England Autumn. Vermont’s diverse elevations provide quicker access in experiencing the many different stages of Foliage Season. Just when you think it’s too soon or too late you may drive or walk around a bend on a road and suddenly be pleasantly surprised. The photo in this article is a good example.
It’s a shot I took in 2012 in Orange Vermont during the later stages of Foliage Season. It’s a sheltered area on a hillside on a back road encircling a large farm. Don’t be afraid to venture out into the countryside. Get off the pavement if you really want to experience Autumn in all it’s glory.
Other Autumn nuances I enjoy about during Foliage Season are changes in the air, that little invigorating bite in the wind coupled with the musky aromas of Autumn. Foggy early mornings around lakes, ponds and streams offer enchanting opportunities for shafts of light streaming and steaming through the trees. I usually travel in and around Caledonia, Washington and Orange Counties, intentionally avoiding the well beaten paths. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of very nice folks over the years during every foliage season.
About Me: I’m a 4th generation native of Vermont (possibly 5th). I’ve been shooting for many years but more seriously since 2008. I’m currently shooting with a Canon EOS 6D and a Canon EOS T3i. My favorite go-to lens is my Canon EF 1:4 IS USM 24-105mm. I usually bring along a 24mm f/2.8 and my 70-200 f/2.8 with a 2X extender. I also recommend the use of polarizing filters. Flash comes in handy when fill light is needed when subjects are in the shade. Alternatively, not lighting the subject under those conditions provides the opportunity to create a silhouetted profile of a loved one with foliage as the backdrop if your goal is creativity with your captures. Creativity has no boundaries.
Don’t forget to look to see what’s behind you while traveling winding roads and take a gander straight up to the sky for back-lit foliage against a glorious blue sky. When you don’t find what you’re looking for, narrow your quest for something more intimate, closer in proximity. If it’s raining, don’t let that discourage you but Do keep your camera dry. Colors appear far more saturated in the rain. After the storm, you may be blessed with shafts of sunlight poking through the clouds scattering spots or shafts of sunlight over a hillside that can expose those amazing colors like an explosion.
Much to see – Much to capture – if you take the time to look.
MOST Important – Take the Time to Enjoy your travels in Vermont, no need to Rush.
Sincerely hope you thoroughly enjoy the Foliage Season in New England this year.
Linda Baird-White
Vermont Perspectives
https://vermontperspectives.smugmug.com
Barre Town, Vermont
Wow. Those were some great pointers on photographing the foliage. See y’all in two weeks.
Cheryl
Marietta, GA
My vacations began when I started reading your blog, and FB. I have learned so much about NE and a bit of each state thanks to you and your wonderful friends. Doesn’t your job feels like vacationing? I think so 🙂 More than ever, October cant be here soon enough.
Very beautiful pictures..and articles are great!