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Learn More - Fall Foliage Photography

Photo by James VanZetta

Here's what James has to say about capturing the photo above - All of my images are taken from a tripod mounted camera using a shutter release and the mirror in the "locked up" position. The ISO is set to 100 for the finest "grain". My aperture is at f11 to f16 depending on the amount of foreground detail in my scene. Depending on the light, which is usually overcast early/late in the day, my shutter falls in the 1 to 3 seconds range. A polarizing filter is key to keeping the fall colors bright and to remove reflections from the shining leaves. I always meter off a grey card or spot meter a medium toned object." Have any questions - just stop by the store or give us a call.

Filters

For digital there is really only one filter to bring along for great fall foliage pictures - a polarizer. A polarizer creates dramatic fall foliage pictures by darkening the sky, increasing contrast and deepening colors. Most other filter effects such as, enhancing reds and oranges, sepia and graduated effects can be easily created in Photoshop.

For film there a few filters that can add drama and effect if you don't plan on scanning in and working digitally. First, a polarizer offers all the benefits described above. A second type of filter is an enhancing filter which does just what the name implies - enhances - especially the bright primary colors of autumn (reds, oranges and browns). A third filter to consider is a Sepia filter, although often associated with monochromatic images they can be used to add warmth and an old time feeling to your foliage pictures. A fourth filter is a Color / Neutral Graduated filter which utilizes a color (or gray) that gradually diminishes from dark to light across the filter. These filters are often used to deepen the sky or to balance the exposure between foreground and background. Tobacco grads bring a warm and dramatic feeling to skies, especially at sunset. These filters come in a variety of colored tints as well as neutrals.

Foilage Photography Tips

Nothing takes away from foliage more than a bright white overcast sky. In these situations, try to reduce the amount of sky in your images.
Dramatic storm clouds of autumn thunderstorms interspersed with blue sky make a stunning backdrop for the brilliant colors of fall especially when the vivid colors are brought out with a polarizer.
Use a tripod for the sharpest possible image.
Colors are warmer and can be more dramatic closer to sunrise and sunset. The 1 hour before and after both sunrise and sunset are considered by many to be the "magic hours" where you get an amazing quality of light.
Experiment, take lots of pictures and above all have fun!
With digital you'll shoot more so be sure to edit down before showing off your work to family and friends

Once you've assembled your camera (film or digital) and a few filters, all you'll need is foliage at the peak of color. We've assembled a list of state hotlines below to help schedule your trip. Need some ideas for places to shoot, be sure to visit BCC's Where to take great Pictures page. Have some suggestions of your own please send us an email and we'll include your suggestions.

Fall Foilage Hotlines

New Jersey  	800-354-4595 	mid to late Oct 
Connecticut  	800-282-6863 	Late Sep - mid Oct 
Maine  		800-932-3419 	Early Sep - mid Oct 
Massachusetts 	800-227-6277 	October 
New Hampshire 	800-258-3608 	Late Sep - mid Oct
New York- 	800-225-5697 	Late Sep - late Oct
Pennsylvania  	800-325-5467 	Early Oct
Vermont  	800-828-3239 	Early Sep-Late Oct
Virginia 	 	800-434-5323 	Mid Sep - Late Nov
Delaware  	800-441-8846 	Late Oct
Maryland  	800-532-8371 	Late Sep Late Oct
Rhode Island  	800-556-2484 	Late Sep - mid Oct

Fall Foilage Websites

The Foliage Network