Issue 5

Fall is a beautiful time of year for taking photos, so be sure to take the time to get outside with your camera.  Vibrant fall colors don’t last very long, so keep an eye on things so you can get them at their peak.  Here are a few tips for taking great photos, during fall or any other time.

It is always important to compose your photo well.  Rather than just clicking away, take the time to really look at what will or won’t be in your photo.  Be aware of power lines or other objects you don’t want to include.  You should also try include a foreground object such as a branch, tree, or rock, which stands out from the scenic background to give the photo perspective.  A winding road or fence can help lead the eye into the photo.  Also, keep in mind, grand panoramic vistas of color tend to look better in person and can get boring in a photograph.  Including an interesting subject such as a waterfall, building (an old barn or church), animal, or person with the autumn color in the background can make for a more appealing image.

Another problem with photographing large scenes with far-away trees is that atmospheric distortion can affect the detail and color.  The beautiful view from the scenic overlook that you see with your eyes isn’t always translated into a prize-winning photograph.  Take a few panoramic views, but be sure to get in close for the best photos.  Drive in, or better yet, hike in to where the trees actually are.  (This shouldn’t be too much of a sacrifice, as fall hiking in New Mexico is very enjoyable, now that temperatures are finally cooling off.)  Shots of a single tree, or a single tree with other colors in the background can be dramatic.  Also, don’t pass up a close-up of a single leaf, especially one with frost or dew on it, for added interest.  (Most digital cameras have a macro setting to help you get in close…check your manual for details.)

No matter what subject you are shooting, be sure to take your time and shoot many angles of the same scene.  Try some high and low angles, rather than just at standing height.  Use unusual angles that people may not normally see the image from.  Make it interesting, such as standing under a tree and shooting directly up into the tree with the glorious New Mexico blue sky in the background.  The possibilities are endless, if you just think creatively.

Keep in mind the time of day and lighting situation in which you plan to take photos.  Near sunrise and sunset the warm golden colors of the low-lying sun can enhance the warm autumn hues.  In the morning or after a rain, the air tends to be cleaner, with less dust and impurities.  Overcast days are not all bad, as the lack of bright sun can actually give greater color saturation.  If you have the time, try to go at different times and in different lighting conditions to give you the most options.

Another factor in great photos is using a camera support, especially if you are shooting in low-light situations.  If you don’t have or don’t want to hike with a regular tripod, you can use a small table-top tripod which can be positioned on a car top, rock, or log.  Many come with a Velcro support as well, which lets you attach it to a vertical surface such as a tree.  You can also use a small fabric or plastic bag filled with dried beans or rice which makes a stable surface for your camera to sit on.  Once the camera is stable, use the self-timer feature to avoid shaking the camera by touching the shutter button.

A few last notes on taking fall photos and photos in general.  Eventually, even the most beautiful photos of fall foliage can start to get boring in overwhelming quantities.  Try to look for other fall subjects, such as piles of pumpkins, scarecrows, or kids playing in or raking leaves.  Keep your camera in your car.  Fall colors go fast, especially in New Mexico, so always be ready to capture the perfect shot.  While the colors of fall can be intense, consider a few shots in black and white for a dramatic effect.  (If you are shooting in digital, it is easy to take the photo in color and convert to black and white on your computer.)  Most of all, remember to have fun.  Don’t worry about trying the capture that amazing photo for National Geographic…just relax and shoot to enjoy yourself.