This month I encourage you to create an image taking advantage of the Fall Color. Spend the time, be patient and you will be rewarded with not only great images but exciting encounters.
When shooting Fall Color it’s important to consider the shutter speed in relation to the amount of wind because the leaves will move with the wind. In the images below you can see the water is calm providing reflections because was not much wind, therefore your shutter speed can be slower allowing for a lower ISO for a higher quality result.
f/16, 0.5sec, ISO 100, @85mm
Watch your RGB histogram, it’s easy to over expose the Red channel because of the vivid color. An overcast damp day is perfect conditions, use a circular polarizer to minimize the reflection from the leaves to get a more saturated color with better contrast.
f/16, 1/8, ISO 100, @42mm
Don’t limit yourself by just using a wide angle lens, use a longer focal length (zoom lens) to isolate the scene and reach places you are not able to physically get closer to.
f/16, 1/40, ISO 200, @200mm
As always check the result on the camera display by zooming in and around the image as well as reviewing the histogram as well as the RGB histogram to make sure everything is just right before you consider being finished taking your image(s).
Students are encouraged to develop their ability to tell a story or invoke an emotion, as well as how to plan and troubleshoot while creating their images. As such it’s important to not only create the image but to also include a “title”, and write a short paragraph about; how they came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled them to make the image, and describe any techniques on how they overcame any obstacles.
As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out an instructional resource, below are some YouTube video links to help with some important tips, hints and ideas.
Fall Color Photography instructional aids:
■ 7 Photo Ideas to instantly Improve your Autumn photography: by Nigel Danson (15min 17sec)
■ 5 photography Tips to ensure your Autumn Photos are Amazing: by Nigel Danson (10min 44sec)
■ Photography in the Woods | Autumn Colour: by Thomas Heaton (21min 16sec)
■ Autumn Landscape Photography Tips and Techniques: by Landscape Photography iQ (5min 36sec)
An important part of improving your photography is practice, which is one aspect of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips.
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