The Great Smoky Mountains’ 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 this season.
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, and 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.
Pick Your Spot and Get Lost
It seems that great vantage points for photos are everywhere you turn in our area. 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. These mountains are full of backwoods that lead to amazing scenery.
Get the Right Light
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 here.
Don’t Put Away Your Camera
In addition to the magic hour, the best time for shooting the autumn colors is when it’s 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.
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!
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