My Top Tips to Improve Your Fall Foliage Pictures

I’ve been photographing New England for more than 20 years, and never have I been able to say, “I’m as good as I’m going to get“. Either the equipment keeps getting better, the software gets better, or I learn something new. Even if I go back only a few years I can see a big difference in my fall foliage shots.

Autumn Serenity, a boat House on Lake Winnipesaukee New Hampshire under the fall colors — Gaze upon the picturesque scene, Be captivated by the tranquil beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire during the vibrant days of autumn. View in my Gallery.

Photographing New England fall foliage can be a breathtaking experience, capturing the vibrant colors of the changing leaves against the picturesque landscapes. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your fall foliage photography:

Timing is Key… My Number 1 tip

Keep track of the peak foliage season: The timing of peak fall foliage varies each year and depends on factors like temperature and weather conditions. Research and monitor foliage prediction websites to plan your trip during the peak season. Typically, late September to mid-October is the prime time for vibrant fall colors in New England.

Ideas on sites to keep checking

Obviously, this is THE best website to keep abreast of everything Fall Foliage in New England. You can also watch for Jim Salge’s reports on Yankee Magazine’s website. Another good source is Facebook groups like New England fall foliage photos (yes this is a big group that Lisa and I manage with a couple of wonderful moderators). Generally, 27 Sept is the earliest I’ve seen ‘really” good color in New England and if you haven’t been here before read this article on “Early fall colors” Sometimes early fall colors are normal, and other times are early but they are NOT the same thing… Read this article for clarification.

Scout Locations in Advance

Explore and plan your locations, (if you can) New England offers a variety of landscapes, from coastal areas to mountains and forests. Research and scout locations in advance to find the best spots for fall foliage. Popular places include the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Green Mountains in Vermont, and Acadia National Park in Maine. Look for spots with a mix of different tree species for a diverse range of colors.

Social Media

Most people can’t get here in June AND come back in Oct. So you might use the Facebook group I mentioned above and while we don’t allow questions in the group you can still do the research yourself.

As the group admins, we insist that ALL images are accompanied by a date and location. This means you can get an idea of when the fall colors looked good in a previous year. For instance, you spot a picture and you want to see it for yourself. Let’s say it’s the Beaver Pond on Route 112 and you click the magnifying glass and type in “beaver pond” Now you’ll get all the images from everybody of the beaver pond. You also will know when it looks good in a particular year. It may be different this coming year but it will get you in the ballpark as far as dates.

Beaver Pond on route 112 in Woodstock New Hampshire with beautiful fall colors in fog — Beaver Pond on a foggy New Hampshire fall day, See this in my gallery.

Webcams

As most of you know I have a page of Youtube live cams here on my website. Visit my Webcam Page to see what is going on around New England. Also, you can search in Google by typing in a town and the term webcam and see if anything pops up. Even broadly searching “Maine” and “Webcams” will give you a lot of results.

Check this article for more useful ideas…

Utilize Golden Hour Light

Take advantage of soft, warm light: The golden hour, which occurs during the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, provides a beautiful, soft light that enhances the colors of fall foliage. Plan your shoots during these times to avoid harsh shadows and to capture the warm, golden tones that complement the autumn colors. The image below was shot on 20, Oct 2017 at 8:09 AM.

Dawn's Warm Embrace on Haley Pond in Rangeley Maine — On a tranquil foggy morning at Haley Pond in Rangeley, Maine, nature orchestrates a mesmerizing symphony of sights and sounds. The mist, like a delicate veil, diffuses the morning sunlight, casting an ethereal glow upon the landscape. View in my Gallery.

Consider Composition

Pay attention to composition techniques: Use composition principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing photographs. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add depth and interest to your shots. Incorporate elements like rivers, lakes, or charming New England architecture to enhance the overall composition. Leading lines are some of the best elements to include but also elusive. (usually they are not pointing the right direction but in this case…)

As you approach the dirt track, Reds, yellows, and oranges paint the foliage, casting a warm and inviting glow over the entire scene. View in my gallery and receive Free Shipping in the US and Canada.

The dirt track created by the wagon wheels leads the viewer’s eye into, out of, and up into the fall colors. Just where I want your eyes to go… Did it work?

Capture Details and Patterns

Focus on close-ups and patterns: While sweeping landscapes are captivating, don’t forget to zoom in on the smaller details. Capture close-up shots of individual leaves, frost-covered branches, or reflections in water. Look for patterns and textures in the foliage, such as a carpet of fallen leaves or the intricate details of tree bark.

Bonus Tip:

Be Prepared for Changing Weather

New England weather can be unpredictable in the fall, so be prepared for sudden changes. Bring layers, waterproof gear, and lens-cleaning supplies. Also, consider capturing the fall foliage in different weather conditions, as mist, fog, or light rain can add a unique atmosphere to your photos.

The Stowe Gondola's heading up to the top of Mount Mansfield — The Stowe Gondola’s heading up the side of Mount Mansfield, you can order this shot and get Free Shipping to US and Canadian addresses…

These dramatic shifts in the weather can also be tough if you don’t plan ahead. This article deals with clothing options that you might consider having with you.

Remember to enjoy the process and take the time to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of New England’s fall foliage while capturing memorable photographs.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.