Fall in Focus
Capture Autumn’s Magic Like a Pro
As summer fades, the days grow shorter, the air turns crisper, and the light seems to take on a warmer, more golden glow - what’s not to love about Autumn? It’s a season made for photography - fiery leaves, soft golden light, and crisp, fresh air combine to create landscapes that almost photograph themselves. Ultimately though, the difference between a “nice snapshot” and a truly breathtaking image comes down to timing, preparation, and knowing how to work with the light. To help I’ve gathered a few ideas to inspire you to outside and capture the season at it’s best. So grab your layers, get out there and have some fun!
Don’t Miss Golden Hour
The best light comes twice a day around sunrise and sunset and the light around “Golden Hour” bathes landscapes in beautiful warm tones. When the sun is low, the shadows are soft and the sunlight emits a warm, magical glow.
If you have a choice and can’t sleep, I always recommend starting early, in my opinion there’s just something inherently more magical at sunrise than sunset. Also there is truly no excuse to miss sunrise in the Fall in the Hudson Valley - sunrise is around 6:50 a.m. in early October, and by the end of the month, it’s closer to 7:30 a.m - almost a lie-in!
Pro Tip: Being out while the world sleeps is magical. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, the quiet, calm mornings are always unforgettable.
Peak Fall conditions pictured during evening Golden Hour at Slide Mountain in the Catskills
Embrace Cozy
Dress to be warm and have layers with you for when you stop moving. Take food and drink - sunrise breakfast with freshly brewed coffee whilst taking in the landscape is the absolute best btw!
Pro Tip: Give yourself time to stop and just enjoy the moment, make a memory and be present, I find that this is every bit as valuable as taking the photographs.
Do Your Research
Before you go out check the weather forecast, find foliage reports for the area, search for images of the area and then don’t forget to check the orientation of your location especially if you are hoping to shoot during Golden Hour. I’m always amazed at how many people don’t seem to factor this into location suggestions - Essentially some sort of East facing view for sunrise and West for sunset is a good starting point.
Pro tip: The sun is roughly in the south in the middle of the day so if you stand with it on your right shoulder your left hand points to the north and your back to the west
Work with the Light You Have
The success of a photograph often depends on the quality and direction of the light. Consider where the sun is, the time of day, and cloud cover. When the sun is behind your camera, colors can be richly saturated, but landscapes may look a little flat whereas shooting into the sun can create silhouette and beautiful rim light around subjects. Autumn weather provides a wealth of opportunities - a few clouds in the sky are always perfect for atmospheric color. Early morning humidity brings the magic with undercast and inversion. Calm conditions are perfect for reflections. Blue sky, cloudless days are best for details.
Pro tip: Experiment, adapt, and work with the light you’re given—it’s all part of the creative challenge
Just Go Out
Don’t wait for “Peak Fall” or perfect weather, opportunities for great shots exist throughout the season and in any conditions. Dress accordingly and be prepared to adapt, experiment, and embrace the day
Peak Fall at Crystal Lake and the Little White Church, Eaton Center, New Hampshire
Simple Photography Checklist
📸 Wake up early for sunrise—Golden Hour is magic.
🧥 Dress in layers and bring snacks/coffee.
🌄 Research location, foliage, and sun direction.
🌧️ Don’t wait for perfect weather—any day can be beautiful.
☀️ Work with the light you have, not what you wish you had.
✨ Pause and enjoy the moment—it’s just as important as the photo.
Autumn is fleeting, and its beauty waits for no one, step outside and see with your own eyes, chase the golden glow, savor the quiet of twilight, and let the deep blues of evening inspire you. Every photograph is more than an image; it’s a memory, a mood, and a story. So grab your camera, embrace the season, and let the magic of fall unfold through your lens.
To inspire you here’s a few of my favorite Fall images - Happy shooting!
When the sky mimics the season: A stormy late Fall sunrise on the Appalachian Trail in Pawling, New York