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Shooting Color

Vermont's fall foliage is a phenomenon that simply begs to be photographed. Here are some tips to make sure your shots will capture some of the magic that occurs across the state each autumn.

Think Small
The vistas are stunning in real life, but don't always carry over the same to a 4X6 print. Often the most evocative images of fall are close-ups: a single leaf against a contrasting background, pumpkins on a wooden wagon, cornstalks against a red barn.
Work in Thirds
A common rule of composition is the rule of thirds. The general idea is that a composition is more pleasing when the subject is placed approximately a third of the way into the image, whether that be from the top, bottom, left or right. Also remember that an image is strongest when the image has a focal point.
Choose the Right Film
Color-rich film, such as Fuji Velvia or Kodak Ektachrome 100vs, will help punch up the natural colors. Slide film is also often better at bringing the colors of fall to life. Also be aware of autumn's shifting light levels. Come equipped with both fast and slow film.
Pick Your Spot and Get Lost
It seems that great vantage points for photos are everywhere you turn in Vermont. But just a few extra steps can reward you with an out-of-this-world shot. Go off the beaten path and discover something new. Vermont is full of backwoods that lead to amazing scenery, and amazing people. Check with locals for pockets where the colors are particularly vibrant.
Get the Light Right
Photography is all about capturing light, so naturally the quality of lighting is critical to a strong photograph. The hour around sunrise and sunset is commonly known as the "Magic Hour". During this time sunlight is soft and diffused, and produces wonderful color to complement the colors of autumn in Vermont. Sometimes its just not possible to shoot when the lighting is just right, so bring along a polarizing filer that will help cut through the haze, and bring out the sky.
Don't Put Your Camera Away
In addition to the magic hour, the best times for shooting the autumn colors is when its cloudy and/or rainy. While the sky may be dark and dreary, you will notice that all the colors really pop out. Some of the richest color can be found when leaves are wet, standing out in front of dark, wet tree trunks. It's also smart to keep your camera handy at all times, because you never know when a great photo opportunity will present itself.
Bring Support
Bring a tripod if you have the space. Often you are going to want to shoot in low light (the magic hour may provide pleasing light, but it also can be considerably darker than during the rest of the day). More important, you may want to take a long exposure (perhaps of a flowing waterfall), making a steady camera a necessity.
Break the Rules
Rules are made to be broken. While these tips should help you on your way to better photographs, sometimes doing something altogether different or "wrong" will produce the best and most creative results. Most important is to let your creative juices flow and have fun!

For more tips from the pros, check out the New York Institute of Photography's guide to shooting autumn color.

 
 

> Spring
> Summer
> Fall
> Foliage Report
> Foliage Travel Tips
> Why Leaves
Change Color
> Foliage Forecaster
> Lodging Forecaster
> Scenic Drives
> Insider's Guide
> Winter
Fall Articles
Fall From the Air
Vermont's Highest Autumn
Shooting Color
Enjoying Fall Foliage and nature at Woodford
The Other Fall Color Display
Harvest Time
Peak Flavors From the Green Mountains

Foliage Reports
> Tues. Oct. 14
> Thurs. Oct. 9
> Tues. Oct. 7
> Thurs. Oct. 2
> Tues. Sept. 30
> Thurs. Sept. 25
> Tues. Sept. 23
> Thurs. Sept. 18
> Tues. Sept. 16



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